More Than Capable: A Conversation with Olivia
Meet Olivia—a 23-year-old participant who is passionate about her independence. We had the absolute joy of sitting down with Olivia for an interview about her life as a young adult with Down syndrome. From her job at the local Community Center to her favorite activities with friends and family, Olivia reminds us what it means to embrace life with confidence, honesty, and love.
Q: Miss Olivia, can you tell me a little bit about yourself?
A: Well, I am really more outgoing and I love being with my friends, you know, at cooking class. And this place really inspires me because this is what I really wanted to do. You know, this place helps me to know what I am doing with my life.
Q: What kind of things outside of GiGi’s do you like to do for fun?
A: Well, I like playing outside, maybe playing basketball, or maybe going for a walk, or maybe a bike ride, which I need, you know, for my exercise. And also my health, too.
Q: How old are you?
A: I am 23, and I am so happy about that age.
Q: Why are you happy about that age? What does being 23 mean to you?
A: It makes me really more independent, you know—me being outgoing, being with other people, and making them happy.
Q: So you also have a boyfriend, Aaron. How did you two meet?
A: I met him at my friend’s wedding. He was amazing and really sweet, and I didn’t know him at first. But now me and him are dating. We’ve been dating maybe 16 months… I think?
Q: What kind of stuff do you two like to do together for fun?
A: Maybe going for ice cream or going to the movies. We’ve been on several dates.
Q: What does being a good partner mean to you?
A: Being honest, being with people, helping others if they need help, or being more outgoing—just like me. Aaron is really nice and sweet. He just makes us do so well in this relationship.
INDEPENDENCE
Q: What are some things you do on your own now that you’re an adult?
A: Well, I have my own job. I work at Community Center. I work with the kids at the kids’ corner.
Q: What do you do at home? Do you cook? Do your own laundry? Take transportation?
A: I take the County Transit bus to and from work. I need to get my money out and get my name badge to be ready to go.
Laundry—I need some help on that. My mom or dad usually does it, but sometimes if my dad is busy outside, I step in and fold the clothes.
Q: Is there anything you’d like to learn to do now that you’re an adult?
A: I would love to put clothes in the washer and get them clean, and then put them in the dryer—get it all fresh and clean for the next day.
Q: Are there other things you’d like to learn outside the home?
A: I love being by myself. That makes me happy. Sometimes I just need “me time”—like watching TV, taking a nap, or going for a walk. But sometimes the TV distracts me because I need to focus on my phone if my boyfriend is trying to call me.
Q: What is something new you’ve learned about being more independent—or something you’ve learned about yourself?
A: I’m so happy to be in a really wonderful family. They make me happy. I think somebody sent me to a really wonderful family to be part of this. They make me feel special. I want to open up more about what I’m feeling inside.
Q: Do your parents help you grow in your independence?
A: Yeah. I know I need my mom or dad’s help with things like laundry or cooking. I always clean the table after dinner. I’d love to learn the dishwasher too—and maybe clean my room.
WORK
Q: Can you tell me more about where you work and what you do there?
A: I work at Mason Community Center. I play with the kids. They love to play, or go outside, or draw, or watch TV, or be on the tablet. Sometimes the kids are having a tough time or dealing with something, and we need to step in and figure it out.
Q: Is it ever hard?
A: It is kind of hard to take the tablet away from them. They need to focus on playing or sharing toys.
Q: You mentioned a coworker said something about you having a disability. How did that make you feel?
A: I didn’t like what she said. It made me feel upset. Sometimes I get mad or frustrated, but I can go to my boss and tell them what’s going on. I’m always honest.
Q: What advice would you give someone just starting adulthood?
A: Set your phone alarms. Know what you need to wake up for—maybe a job or an interview. And get your resume ready.
Q: Do you have a resume?
A: Yeah, it’s at home! I used to work at hair stores, did magazines, and worked at cafés. I’ve had lots of jobs.
Q: What has been your favorite job you’ve ever had?
A: Helping older people. I would help with food, drinks, and we would play bingo too.
REFLECTION
Q: What makes you feel proud of yourself?
A: I love to be happy and feel special. My family loves me. My mom is my best friend. We do fun things together—shopping, getting our nails done, our hair done, or going to a spa.
Q: What do you do to lower your stress?
A: Listen to music on my phone, read a book, or take a bath.
Q: Anything else you want to add?
A: I think I know why—because God sent me to a really wonderful family. I’m so happy. That makes me special. I go to Young Life, where I talk about God and Jesus and want to be more open in the love of God.
Spending time with Olivia, you simply can’t help but smile when she talks about her family, friends, and the things she loves most. She’s proud of the independence she’s building and excited for what’s ahead, and we’re just as excited to cheer her on. Olivia reminds us that life is better when we celebrate the little things, stay honest, and share kindness wherever we go. Keep it up, Miss Olivia!
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