Some people may look at a person with special needs and see disabilities. Some feel only sympathy, while others, due to lack of knowledge, completely neglect these extraordinary individuals. I am one of the lucky ones who not only had the experience of having a special needs person in their life, but also had the insight to realize the impact of the life lessons my friend Jeff Geis taught me taught. Jeff, born with Down syndrome, has overcome obstacles in his life that most of us can't even imagine. Doctors told his parents to place him in an institution when he was a baby, saying they could never teach him to walk, feed himself or even live beyond adolescence – he would be too heavy burden. Today, at the age of 21, Jeff has graduated from high school, is taking classes at State University, working part time at the Valley YMCA and part time at his father's business. Not only did Jeffy accomplish things that the “professionals” said he would never be able to do, but he achieved those things, and much more. People with intellectual disabilities have qualities that I can only aspire to: among them are their strong minds, their strength and determination, their optimistic and positive attitude and above all their kindness and acceptance. A strong mind, their strength and determination are qualities I have always believed in. that I had until I met Jeff. I'm not saying I discovered I didn't have them; I just don't have Jeff's incredible drive. Everything Jeff does, he does it thoroughly with the belief that he will achieve his goals. Take the example of education. Jeff could have easily used his disability as an excuse, but he was determined to graduate from high school in the middle of his studies. He showed me that having a strong mind, strength and determination is all it takes to accomplish and overcome life's obstacles that prevent me from achieving my true goals. He showed me what optimism and a positive attitude can accomplish, or even just make the journey even easier. I strive to get the optimism and positive attitude he makes seem so easy. Thanks to him, I realized that you are not the result of what happens to you, that “what happens to you” is the result of what you create. Above all, by living life with kindness and acceptance, I too can inspire others. If I can acquire just a few of the wonderful qualities that Jeff possesses, I will be a better person for it. These are just a few examples of how my friend Jeff, a special person with special needs, taught me to meet my own needs while also meeting the needs of others..