Laura

“Don't let other people get to you. If people call you ‘retarded,’ leave them be. Just remember that you're not that word; you're not retarded. You're the most amazing thing that anyone ever imagined."

"Listen, my motto is ‘Every day’s a stepping stone.’ It can be hard. It can be cold. But every time you take a step, it’s always another day to be yourself and to never give up… to be who you are.”

Laura, 17, dreams of being the first rapper with Down syndrome. “Music is my calling." she says. “Music is everything to me. It gets me up and out the door.” The Nicki Minaj fan shares a little-known fact about her other music interests: “I love country…that’s my secret vice.” Laura used to play piano, but now focuses on practicing her rapping and dancing.

Other favorite hobbies include swimming, online coloring games, cooking, and spending time with friends. Laura has also spent some time modeling.

Of overcoming fears, she says, “I’m really scared of heights, right? And spiders. And actually… loving my body. I was really proud because when I modeled for Gap, they didn’t say anything about my body.”
She adds, “Don't let anyone else dull your shine. You have to really think, ‘God gave me this gift and I'm going to treasure this gift no matter what happens.’”

“There is nothing lacking in your mothering of a child with Down syndrome. Whatever it is you were looking for in motherhood, you get. Do you also get some challenges? For sure! But it is not a worst-case scenario.”

”You realize, ‘Wow, my situation is good. My child is connected to me and we have that bond that you want in motherhood.’

I wanted to be a mother because I wanted to mother. I didn't see it as being an extension of myself or a validation of me. I wasn’t looking for a mini-me; I was looking to raise an individual that would be a contributing member of society, and that’s what I believe I’m doing.
We’ve had to really work hard to understand each other, but it’s worth it.”

When asked what was one thing that surprised her about having a child with Down syndrome, Tracy said, “The basic, typical-ness of it all!”