What’s Luke Drumright, 22, looking forward to? “It’s date night tonight! We are going to have pizza and some ice cream. It’s almost five years we’ve been dating. I met Melina at her house, and we started hanging out together.” 

Although of course date night takes precedence, Luke has more pretty awesome events on the horizon, and he has already accomplished some huge goals including traveling to Canada and Italy for World Championship meets for Down syndrome swimmers, moving out of his parent’s home, and being the first person with Down syndrome to receive a “Think Cardinal” certificate from Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU) from 2017 to 2018. 

Here’s the rest of Sam’s interview with Luke, who is a huge inspiration for Sam, as well as being kindred TobyMac super fan:

What do you remember about college? “When I first stayed in my dorm room, I would wake up every morning at 3 a.m. I would pop up on the pillow, get showered and ready. I was all excited to get up in the morning and get to class.”

We don’t know too many who can claim the same level of excitement, but many of us can probably relate to the rest of what Luke said about his college days:

“It was a little scary at first, but then it got better when my brother and sister and my parents encouraged me.

“It really was a lot of fun. I got to get to know a lot of friends, meet new people I had never met before, and have my own dorm room. I worked at the Marketplace and as a lifeguard. [Luke did salad prep at the Marketplace, and worked at the pool during meets and even got to lifeguard!] 

“I was also in the band. I played the cymbals.” See him play here: https://youtu.be/WrMbbJDUjk

“My major was behavioral arts, and my favorite class was a communication class. I learned how to connect with new people, and to know what they are doing with their lives. I also did a YouTube video. I got [Red Cross] certificates in lifeguarding and water safety instruction.” [Check out Luke’s You Tube conference presentation about his experience at SVSU and his goals for the future here: https://youtu.be/1gnhJIO8DZ0 ]

What was the worst thing about college? “It was stressful at times. I made little mistakes, like on the bus. That was a bit of a lesson for me.” 

Luke made the mistake of getting on an earlier bus that took him into the city before it went back to campus. He and his mom both say the biggest challenge in making the jump from high school to college came in learning how to use the iPhone for his schedule, since there was no bell reminding him to get to the next class. 

What was the best thing about college? “I learned a lot in college, but the best thing was getting to know friends.”

Why do you think it’s important for people with Down syndrome to go to college? “Well, for me, if I hadn’t gone to college, I would have had to find my job to get my work ethic going.”

After completing a two-year certificate, Luke found a job at the Cottage Creamery, where he’s done everything from scooping ice cream, opening up the shop, turning off the alarm system, and serving customers to cleaning the restrooms. He also prepares for events by scooping pre-orders into cups and helping run private parties. While COVID reduced Luke’s hours last year, he is looking forward to getting back to work this April.

What’s most important to you? “I am a swimmer. I‘ve been swimming [for competition] since 2009. I’ve been on five different teams. I started out swimming with the [Midland] Dolphins, then I swam for Special Olympics. I swam for the Dow High School team for all four years.” [Watch his 50 Free PR here: https://youtu.be/dWNjCJoINNs ] “After that I got a chance to be an assistant coach for Jefferson [middle school] swim team. I’m also part of the [Midland] Master’s Swim Team, and the biggest one is the USA swim team.” 

Did you enjoy traveling to Italy or Canada more, and tell us why. “Italy, because I liked learning about different cultures. (The meet took place on the Island of Sardinia) When I went there, I visited a memorial for all the people that have been lost at sea. I felt sad for them, so I decided to swim in their memory.” 

Luke is currently swimming four days a week in the hopes of making the USA team that will travel to Portugal in 2022 for the Down Syndrome International Swimming Organization (DSISO) World Championships! 

After college, you moved out of your parents’ house. Your mom says your college experience helped you connect with young adults including your housemates Jack, who’s also a personal trainer, and his fiancé, Catherine, a dietician. Tell us about where you live now. “The house I have is an old house from the 1920s. The roommates I have are Jack and Catherine. Jack proposed to her, and now they are getting married in October and I’m going to be the best man.” 

What do you think are the most important things to know how to do if you want to live on your own? “Well, for one thing I tried to microwave a waffle. It stuck to the plate, and I had to put both in the trash. [Luke learned things like how to cut up vegetables when he worked at the Marketplace at SVSU.] After college, I joined a cooking club with my friends. With COVID, we started doing it on Zoom. We have a lot of fun cooking, playing games, and eating together. 

“At first, I kept being lazy. Now every time I wake up, and see the dishes, I do that first, then shower, then breakfast, and my workout routine.

“Also when I first moved here, my parents bought me a lawn mower. At first, I did not mow the lawn, but I am used to it now.” 

What do you love about being independent? “I love making my own plans with my friends and being in control of my life. When I’m on my own, I like to study about science, superheroes, and the brain.”

The pandemic has been challenging for Luke. He has missed being with his friends and being out in the community. He is looking forward returning to his job, volunteering, swim meets, concerts, dances, and theaters. The good news? Luke’s mom, Susan Drumright explains, “Luke has so many people in Midland working to help him shine.” For example, the owner of The Cottage Creamery is working hard to find even more ways to creatively include Luke. She is developing the idea to have Luke take online orders for nursing homes and businesses, where Luke scoops the orders and then delivers frozen treats to their doors. Many others support Luke from behind the scenes, such as the volunteer coordinator at the local hospital and his case worker at Community Mental Health. They actively engage with him to find opportunities for him to give back to the community he loves!

Luke’s inclusive community, love of people, and adventurous spirit have afforded many unique opportunities! We can’t wait to see what the next chapter will bring!