“It could happen,” says Sean McElwee, 26, one of the stars of the Emmy Award-winning reality show Born This Way, who loves reminding people to chase their dreams . . . because they just might come true.

As a child, he says, “I always wanted to be on TV.” His big dream came true in December 2015 when Born This Way debuted. “That’s what faith can do,” says Sean, one of the seven individuals with Down syndrome whose life was chronicled on the groundbreaking A&E show, until the finale in December 2019.

Sean says the show changed his life in many ways. “I learned how to respect the camera, to respect Laura [the producer], how to cook, how to learn from mistakes, and about good attitudes.”

When the show began five years ago, Sean was 21 years old and hadn’t yet joined the workforce. During the show’s tenure, he worked at Home Depot and at Get Air Surf City (an indoor trampoline park). Today, Sean not only owns his Seasnese t-shirt company, he’s also a keynote speaker, and has started his own YouTube show so people can continue to follow his life.

In 2019, he testified on Capitol Hill about the importance of all businesses, no matter how small, giving back to the community. Rep. Pete Stauber (R-MN) introduced him. Sean remembers, “I was an inspiration to him, so it was hard for him to get the words out. I was his favorite.”

Sean’s small business donates $1 of every shirt sold in order to give baby onesies to Down syndrome organizations as gifts for new parents. So far, Seanese has given away 690 baby onesies, and he and his mom and dad, Sandra and Rick, wish they could give one to every baby born with Down syndrome.

To hear more from Sean, here’s the rest of Sam’s interview:

We know you are a ladies man. Tell us about your girlfriend. “Her name is April and I met her in drama class. We have been dating for five months. She’s awesome and sexy!”

What does faith mean to you? “I have a cross tattoo, because it’s all about Jesus. I volunteer at church [in Sunday school]. I help the kids and babies adjust their attitudes.”

What are your goals now that the show has ended? “Right now, my number one goal is to get married, and to get an RV.

What are some of your dreams that haven’t come true yet? “I want to meet Ellen DeGeneres. I also want six-pack abs like John Cena on WWE.

What are the best things about your life right now? “Having my own apartment. Eating lunch out every single day, and buying food. I get to do everything I want with no parents telling me what to do.”

How long have you lived in your apartment? “About three years.” [Sean lives about 10 minutes away from his parents, and has four staff people—including Alex, his roommate, and Vanessa, his job coach.]

What does Down syndrome mean to you? “Everything. I love Down syndrome.”

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? “I am going to be a preschool teacher.” 

To keep up with all of his next steps, tune in to Sean's YouTube show!