Grace Strobel is making a difference in the world through her work as an advocate for people with Down syndrome and by embracing her beauty as a model. At just 24 years old, Strobel has overcome more than most and has soared despite having Down Syndrome and the limitations others have put on her.
The Missouri native tells Yahoo Life’s Brittany Jones-Cooper that she’s been underestimated since she was born, recalling what the doctors had told Strobel’s parents about raising a daughter with Down syndrome.
“Doctors told my mom and dad that I would not achieve much. That I would never read or write or even tie my own shoes,” Strobel continued saying, “I’m here today to tell you they were wrong.”
Thankfully Strobel’s parents continued to fight for their daughter and be her biggest supporters. Strobel stated they taught her to “work hard, be strong and that Down syndrome does not define me,” she says.
Her parent’s words of wisdom would stick with her through even more difficult times. Strobel stated, “About three years ago, some kids started making fun of me. When they laughed at me that day, I felt alone and hated… I cried so hard I died inside,” Strobel continued saying, “That is when I decided I wanted to make a difference. I wanted to show how you can change someone’s life by being kind and giving respect.”
Through her adversity, Strobel founded a program called “The Grace Effect”. Through this program, Grace travels to different schools and talks to students about what it is like to live with Down syndrome.
Though Grace’s efforts to bring awareness to children is noble enough, that’s not all she does. Strobel also brings awareness by being a model. To date, Strobel has appeared in 15 magazines.
Strobel says, “I love modeling because it makes me feel good about myself and it helps others to believe in themselves,”.
Strobel encouraged, “Let no one tell you what you can or cannot achieve. Push those boundaries and live,”.
We can all gather inspiration to make our dreams come true and rise above adversity just by watching this beautiful young woman accomplish so much.
