Rejected at every job application, she turned her hobby into a successful business.
Collette Divitto, 30, who was born with Down syndrome, studied hard and completed the Clemson University’s LIFE program a year early. Soon after, she decided to leave her family home in Ridgefield, CT, and move to Boston to live on her own.
That’s when her dreams were met with disappointment. Collette was rejected at all job interviews she attended. But that minor setback couldn't stop her. She was now even more even more resolved to pursue her dreams.
After no one would hire her, Collette turned her baking hobby into a booming business named Collettey’s. Now her customers can purchase Collettey’s cookies at locations in Massachusetts, California, and Connecticut, and also online.
Collette, a very tenacious young woman, despite any disability, was determined to show people how able she is and how other’s like herself can be of great value to their community.
“My favourite part of my company is creating more jobs for people with all types of disabilities,” Collette said. "Do not let people bring you down and do not give up on your careers and dreams because when one door closes, another door opens.”
Florida: Clocking in at 16 hours and 46 minutes, 21 year old triathlete Chris Nikic didn’t finish with the fastest time when he recently completed his first Iron Man race - but he did set a new world record. Last weekend, after swimming 2.4 miles, cycling 112 miles, and running a 26.2 mile marathon, he became the first competitor with Down’s Syndrome to successfully cross the finish line in the 42 year history of the Iron Man Race. “You have shattered barriers while proving without a doubt that anything is possible,” tweeted the official Ironman Triathlon Organization. “We are beyond inspired, and your accomplishment is a defining moment in Ironman history.”