Samuel McGinness- Be Strong & Courageous
Be strong and courageous. That’s my motto.
Hello Everyone! My name is Samuel Chase McGinness. I am 20 years old and I have Down Syndrome. But if you knew me, you would know that is NOT what defines me. I was born in Virginia. I have an older sister and older brother, who are both married, and two nephews and a niece. Family get togethers, holidays and birthdays are my favorite things!
When I was in 9th grade my parents moved to Florida. I graduated from Satellite High School in 2021. Let me tell you a little about me personally and the wonderful things I’ve done: When I was 10 years old I accepted Jesus Christ in to my life. From there, everything else just fell into place. You have to face your fear of failure through the love of God.
Everyone’s definition of failure is different. So instead of failure, I like to think of it as doing my personal best. We learn by watching others demonstrate. But sometimes we are afraid that we can’t do what they have shown us. So we have to find a way to overcome the fear of failure. How can we do that?
Sometimes it is emotional support from others like a coach, parent or friend. The key is to try and be patient with yourself. You will do some part of the activity right; and you build on that to get to your personal best. We have to accept our mistakes and grow from them.
I have had many different opportunities to face fear and to learn to grow:
House league soccer, Karate lessons, Special Olympics soccer, Swimming lessons and pre swim team practice, Summer surfing lessons, NFL Flag Football, Special Olympics surfing, Special Olympics stand up paddle boarding, Club wrestling, Middle School wrestling, High School wrestling
I’ve hiked 10 miles of the Grand Canyon for ice cream. Let me explain:
Going down was fun while listening to CCR. You know Creedence Clearwater Revival.
Hiking out was totally different. First the battery died, so no music. As I struggled walking, a stranger who was leap frogging me told me that he knew there was ice cream at the top of the rim.
That was great motivation. We have to adapt to our skills and enjoy life at our speed. For example, I know how to ride a bicycle but I’m afraid I will run into someone else, and balancing is hard. So, I ride a 3 wheeler. My mom thinks that is harder than her 2 wheeled bike, so she needs to conquer her own fear.
I learned how to drive a 4 wheel ATV when I was younger. I had a few wrecks, but I learned from my mistakes. My parents tell me if I can pass a driver’s license test they will get me a golf cart or car to drive to a job in our neighborhood. They think I can do it…I’m a little afraid.
As a family, we have been blessed to go to some wonderful places. I’ve climbed the Eiffel Tower, watched the Tour de France ride through a small village in France, I’ve run through the hills of Tyra in Ireland and I’ve swam with the dolphins in the Florida Keys. I got a job at Panera Bread when I was 16. I worked there for a year, until the 2020 shutdown, a.k.a COVID, and after that decided to focus more on my last days of high school.
Like most boys my age, I love to play video games and probably spend too much time with my phone. I also love to sing and play my guitar.
I love worshiping on Sundays at Church. My parents say I do worship aerobics.
One of my greatest joys has been going away to college at Word of Life Bible Institute in Hudson, Florida. Last August my parents dropped me off, and suddenly I realized how strong and courageous I must be. I lived in a cabin with other students, had to take care of myself, get myself to class on time, do school work, do my own laundry, work in the “dish pit” at the dining hall, and make new friends. My goal was to challenge myself in college like ‘normal’ kids. Some things I did well, others were a challenge. Some classes I did well, and some not so well.
People tell me that I inspire them with my love of God. Learning more about the Bible and God and sharing that with friends and family has changed me for the better.
I’m home now, and I hope to return to graduate in the spring next year. While I’m home, I am working at Zon Beachside Assisted Living as a waiter. Treating these older residents with dignity and respect is very important, and a job that Zon trusts me to do. I’ve grown up a lot the last few years, but like everyone, there is always more to learn, and more growing to do.
Thank you for listening to me…it took a lot of strength and courage to get up here in front of you and speak. I hope I have motivated you to be strong and courageous as well. I hope you have a great day.
