Meet Drew Yost!
He's one of the 2018 Riley Dempster 22q Family Foundation's Scholarship winners.
Drew, a St. Louis native just completed his first year at a specialized program dedicated to support the needs of individuals with intellectual disabilities at the University of Iowa, UI Reach. Being able to have a typical college experience at one of the country's college big 10 schools was amazing for him. His first year conquering courses like personal finance, computers and technology, communication in the workplace, special education advocacy and more. Like all college students, he adjusted to dorm life, some late nights, tailgating with friends and enjoying a stadium full of thousands of raving college Hawkeye football fans. He got involved, joined campus ministry The Salt Company and made new friends and meaningful relationships. Drew gained more independence and self awareness skills and recently just rocked an interview for a summer internship back home in a large healthcare organization in supply chain and logistics. He has set goals for himself and his parents are sidelining supporting them, yet watching him begin to excel further in taking on his own self advocacy skills from all he's learning.

"It's a balance", his parents say as he launches to adulthood, "but like all parents you see what's possible with your child and focus on his gifts, talents and happiness. 22q has been challenging, but at the same time inspiring to see how far Drew has come and what he is capable of." Drew is looking forward to summer and his advice to fellow 22qers, "go for your dreams, don't give up. I'm thankful for the 22q Family Foundation's faith in me as a Scholarship winner."