Growing up, Jordan Sprague was always told that his future was uncertain and that his goals were unachievable.

“As a as a kid, I wasn’t really admired for who I was,” said Sprague.

But Sprague never let that get in his way. In fact, he has successfully figured out a path for himself.

“I look back and I look forward to all the things that I have, that are open to me in life and all the things that I've accomplished and I'm proud of myself for, and I'm proud of what people can accomplish when they put their minds to it,” said Sprague. 

Sprague has a learning disability. He says the obstacles have only made him a stronger advocate for others with similar struggles.

“My dad always taught me to be kind and to show kindness to those who don't show kindness back into love,” said Sprague.

Sprague credits a lot of his confidence and readiness for the world to the Transitions program, an initiative to support students with intellectual disabilities.

“Transitions is a program for young adults ages 17 to 27 with autism or any type of learning difference who are looking for some support with that next stage of life going into college, the workforce or living on their own away from their family for the first time,” said Dr. Priya Winston, director of curriculum and clinical supports at Transitions. 

Winston says the program is an effective step toward breaking the stigma associated with those who are neurodivergent.

“I think there's a lot of work we have to do in our society and our world to make people think differently about neurodiversity and people whose minds just work differently than what society deems as normal,” Winston said. “So, I think speaking about it, sharing stories here is so important, so that people know what is possible for people with autism, learning differences or other conditions.”

For Sprague, the Transitions program has played a vital role in preparing him for bigger and better opportunities, something he was always told wouldn’t happen for him.

“Never give up,” said Sprague. “Always think of your goals and your dreams and follow them. And if you fail, you fail. Just pick yourself back up and succeed. The most successful people have failed in their life and you can do anything you put your mind to.”