I have the most amazing daughter, Riley who struggles every day of her life to be a success and she is winning! Riley has many learning challenges and we were told in the assessment to be prepared for her never to be able to do much for herself in years to come and was not even diagnosed until she was twelve years old.
Well, here it is three years later. Riley is in her first year of high school, placed in a regular class, on an IEP (Individual Education Plan) and has just received the first progress report. Well, Riley has received four Excellent, one Good, zero day late and zero days absent. Plus, she brought home a Science test marked 100% and a Geography test at 95%. This child is so amazing that she has received all of her Bronze levels in swimming, her Recreational Assistant certificate and is presently working on her Swimming Instructor Assistant certificate. Riley wants to go for her Life Guard at 16 years old. Riley volunteers at the community pool two hours a week, as a Swimming Instructor Assistant and volunteers at our church as a server and Sunday school Helper. Our wonderful daughter swims for Special Olympics and took home four first place ribbons in her first swim meet out of her four races. I have taught Riley that she can reach for the stars and you will succeed – never say never and strive to be the best she can be. I believe this child will succeed. Whether it is to be an employed Swim Instructor or Life Guard or to just stay in a volunteer position, Riley will touch any heart that is within reach. Riley is a GREAT young lady and we are extremely proud of all she has accomplished since being diagnosed.