Nailing the interview!

Although we are not sure why Alex was not accepted at her number one college choice, I believe it was partially due to her interview. Alex's interview was scheduled for less than a week after her return from the World Winter Special Olympic Games in South Korea and she was coming down from a 14 day long adrenaline high.

During that interview Alex was quiet and withdrawn. She used the "I don't know" response many more times than is acceptable in any interview. She did not focus during her assessments and refused to do the written essay. I know this is because she was exhausted, and like me, when Alex is tired she shuts down. I was pretty sure this would impact the decision and was not surprised when she was not accepted.

For the few weeks before our trip to the University of Cincinnati we talked a lot about the importance of an interview. Alex hates it when I try to give her advice and just like my other two kids, she has the "I know more than you Mom" attitude that seems to infect kids at about 16 and never goes away. Alex would have no part in my pleas to practice her interviewing skills, or even prepare answers to potential questions. I was concerned we were on another unsuccessful college trip.

But as in all things Alex, and something I seem to forget over and over again, she was processing. I know I should NEVER EVER EVER underestimate Alex. She has proven time and time again she can do ANYTHING she sets her mind to - and college is no exception.

We arrived at the University of Cincinnati interview after almost two days of traveling and I was exhausted. I chugged coffee, Alex chugged an overwhelming desire to get into the University of Cincinnati TAP program. And she did.

There are many many days when Alex does not have down syndrome, and April 22nd, 2013 was one of those days. She was articulate, funny and incredibly engaging during the ninety minutes we spent together in the interview. Although Alex has now been out of school for almost a year, she did well on her assessments, while demonstrating some math regression.

Alex was accepted on the spot and is proud to tell everyone she knows that she is now a Bearcat!

Me, I am incredibly proud to be the parent of a child born almost twenty years ago with down syndrome, who can say, "next year John and I will be empty-nesters, ALL three of our kids will be in college". I can not take much credit for this, it was all Alex, Alex who shared she wanted to go to college, Alex who graduated from High School, Alex who filled out the college application (thanks John for all your help, you stepped in when I could not) and Alex who nailed her interview.

It has not been easy and I do take some credit for listening, never discounting Alex's dreams and never giving up. We will work with Alex all summer to prepare her for college, just like we will work with her brother who will be attending Boulder in the fall. And then, come September, I fear I will feel lost without my kids.

Next up - Lunch in Cincinnati with two ladies I have been admiring from afar! Sneak preview