Blog / Sweet Success: Baking Up a Bright Future
Life can be full of unique challenges, but for one Shepherds College student, her journey is a testimony to determination, independence, and love for her community. Meet Matilda, a third-year student in the Culinary Arts program, a petite and quietly confident woman who embraces her individuality and the many opportunities life presents.
“I have Down syndrome. I am special and unique,” Matilda shared when asked to describe her disabilities. She reflects on her childhood with positivity. “Growing up, I got to be involved in lots of great groups and meet people I wouldn’t have had a chance to meet. I know it’s not always easy, but that’s okay.”
In school, Matilda discovered a passion for history, and her time as a student was filled with friendships, foreign exchange students, and family adventures. “My favorite class in high school was history. I liked learning about different countries and people’s lives. I still keep in touch with my high school friends,” she said. She also highlighted her experience on the swim team and competing in Special Olympics. “I swim for the Special Olympics every year. I love that Shepherds College has five different sports you can compete in. I tried them all because I had never played basketball, volleyball, soccer, or track and field before I came to college.”
Matilda’s journey to Shepherds College® began with a school visit. “My family and I toured a few different schools, and then we toured Shepherds College. We knew right away that this would be a great place to go away to school. Our decision was made.” Matilda enjoys experiencing new churches while at Shepherds. “I have a really great home church, and I like the chance to visit and learn about other churches while I’m away at school.”
One of Matilda’s favorite parts about being a Shepherds College student is the friendships she’s formed. “I love spending time with my new friends. I also enjoy doing a lot of baking for my major.” The Culinary Arts program has helped her hone her skills, from measuring ingredients to following recipes. Matilda is passionate about sharing her gifts, both in the kitchen and in her community. “I really enjoy sharing my gifts with others.”
Living in an apartment with a roommate has helped Matilda grow as an independent adult. She balances her responsibilities, learning important life skills such as budgeting and time management. “My biggest challenge has probably been time management. Staff has helped me find ways to stay on task until I can do it by myself or with aids, like alarms on my watch. I am showing everyone how I can be independent at school.”
In addition to her college life, Matilda has already taken the first steps toward realizing her dreams. This past summer, she worked at a bakery and launched her own pastry business. “The bakery was a great experience, and I learned a bunch of new skills like making fresh lemonade and yummy baked treats. My new business is called Sweet Matilda Baked Goods, and everyone loved my blueberry tarts.” Matilda proudly delivered her baked goods to friends, family, Shepherds College staff, and even people from her childhood, such as her Girl Scout leader and kindergarten friend.
As she looks ahead, Matilda is excited about her future. “My dream is to become a famous bakery pastry chef. I want to share my gifts with others.” Her vision is clear: to own her own bakery and live in an awesome apartment where she can ride her tandem bike to work. “I am so proud to look forward to living with more independence.”
For other students with disabilities considering Shepherds College, Matilda has simple yet powerful advice: “Dream big, find your purpose, and show the world what you can do.” Matilda’s story is not just about navigating life with Down syndrome but about living life fully, with joy, purpose, and passion. After graduation, she plans to stay connected with the friends she’s made and continue to make an impact through her work and community involvement.
Matilda's journey is just beginning, and her passion for life radiates with the promise of a bright future ahead of her. “I am learning to live independently and how to share my purpose with others.”
With her ambition, the support of her family, and her training at Shepherds College, there’s no doubt Matilda will make her mark on the world, one delicious pastry at a time.
Published in Volume 7, Issue 3 of SOAR Magazine.