“I’m learning how to be independent. That’s the good stuff,” says Bradley Matthew Brown, 21, a second-year student in the RISE Program at Judson University in Illinois who also happens to be Sam’s roommate! Sam was excited to interview his good friend Brad, and to share Brad’s interview to cap off Down syndrome awareness month—his way of celebrating all those who’ve worked so tirelessly to create opportunities and open doors for people with exceptional abilities across the country, and all those, like Brad, who are learning “the good stuff!” Here’s the rest of Sam’s interview:

What made you decide to come to Judson? “The reason I came to Judson was to meet new people and to make new friends.”

 What has been some of the best things about college life? “I’m very outgoing, so the best thing about coming here is sitting with people, having a conversation, and also getting to know people. I like to socialize. When I socialize it’s because I love having fun. For fun, I do fun stuff with people like going out.

“My favorite part of being here is going to class. My two favorite classes are Budgeting and Finance with Kathy Lambert and Healthful Living with Miss Gineen. I like those people a lot. Kathy Lambert is one of the directors. With her, I am learning about money and about budgeting. She has been saying a lot of good stuff about me, like how amazing I’m doing. She was also proud that I was in NISRA [Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association], and in Shrek and Wizard of OZ, and that I’ve been going to the Willow Creek Special Friends Church. With Miss Gineen, we learn about eating healthy and taking our vitamins and drinking lots of water.”

What are some things you have learned? “In Weight Training we get to lift weights and do the machines and stuff. In the past, I used to be scared of the machines, but now I’m used to it.”

 Tell us about your journey to Judson. “I graduated twice. In 2020 when Covid 19 hit, I graduated from high school. Then I went to the transition program for one year, but I really wanted to live in a dorm. I didn’t really like transition. I wanted things to be more challenging. I wanted to live in a dorm and get more involved, and Judson has been a great experience.”

What have been some of the worst things about college? “The worst thing about college is when you get put in a situation that is bad. I walk away if there is a problem. I don’t want to get into it. In high school, 13 years ago, I got bullied. I’ve had a tough life.”

 Tell us about your internships. “I started my two internships. The first one I did was to be a chapel greeter, and for my second internship, I go to the library, and I put the donations away for shelving, put the dvds back in their cases, and I dust. I’m learning how to be independent. That’s the good stuff!”

Tell us about something unexpected that happened at college. “I would say when my schoolmates visited. I used to be in the South Elgin transition program. They came on a field trip here, and it was really good. We were having some conversations about how we like this campus, and about my favorite classes.”

What has been the hardest challenge you’ve ever had to face, and what got you through it? “One of the hardest challenges I’ve had was in high school I used to take courses and then take the course again. But I love a challenge. I also switched classes in high school. I took a history class for the first time in five years. We get to cook here at Judson. I used to cook in the South Elgin Transition Program, but there’s a big difference between here and there. Here there are more challenges, and I prefer more challenges because more challenges can make me grow more! It’s really good. I love it.”

Out of all the people you have met over the years, who is it that you most admire? “One of the people who I admire here at Judson is Katherine Fillian. I admire her because we did Wizard of Oz together, and we practiced our lines together. I also admire Miss Gineen because she has been very helpful.”

What college level class are you taking? “I’m taking a Music Appreciation class. My teacher’s name is Joshua, and he’s very funny. His favorite thing is Star Wars movies, and that’s also my favorite. We get to take notes on computers.”

What is your dream job? “One of my dream jobs is to be a greeter or a server at a movie theater. I’d like to pass out things to people like pretzel bites, water, and pop. My second dream job would be working at a restaurant. It could be Italian, because I love Italian food. Working there, I would like to clean the dishes, pass out plates, and serve the customers.”

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? “When I’m 26, I’d rather be in Hollywood. I’d like to go to California because some people walk out on red carpets. I’ve seen that in the news. I’d love to visit CA and be a Hollywood star. I like acting a lot.”

What do you want to be sure people know about you? “That’s a great question. I talk to a lot of people lately. In the Willow Creek Special Friends group, we’ve been signing autographs and t-shirts for whoever wants one.”

What do you like to do in your free time? “In my free time, I’m a people person and a people pleaser. I like how people are nice and kind, and sometimes gifted and smart. I like getting to know them and seeing how they are doing.”