Brina Maxino, a 21-year-old with down syndrome, posted her inspiring story of trials and success on Facebook that caught the attention of many netizens.
Despite her condition, she was able to earn a bachelor’s degree, and became a teacher and global ambassador.
“When I was just 9 days old, a doctor told my parents that because of my very bad condition, I will not live long. But now, I am already 21 years old. I will turn 22 years old on my birthday on August 31, 2018.
When I was 11 years old, a Psychologist told my parents that I may not even finish Grade School. But now, I am an Assistant Teacher at Pean Integrated School of Parañaque.
I graduated College with a degree of AB History from CAP College Foundation, Inc. I also graduated from a 2-year course in Associate in Arts and a 1-year course in General Clerical Skills,” she said on Facebook.
She also shared her recent achievements by saying, “I am a Special Olympics Global Youth Ambassador, traveling abroad, delivering inspirational speeches in the Philippines and abroad.”
After all that she has been through, Maxino thanked all of the people who have been with her through ups and downs.
She also left a message to everyone as the world celebrates Down Syndrome Consciousness Month.
“To all parents, please believe in your children with Down Syndrome, just like what my parents did.
“To all PWDs like me, believe in yourselves and pray to God always. You can do it. Just study and work hard.
“To everyone, please respect us and accept us. Please do not call us names like mongoloid, idiot, moron, stupid or retarded. It hurts us. Please be kind to us. Our disability does not mean inability. We can be useful members of society,” she said.
As of this writing, Maxino’s post has garnered more than 117,000 reactions and 30,000 shares on Facebook.
Read her full post below.
