Why do we dream? Scientists are working on lots of theories and still are not exactly sure how and why our mysterious brains generate dreams. One always feels good when all the dreams come true. Brandon has many dreams and he is translating them into reality. As a freshman in high school, he faced lot of challenges as other down syndrome kids may be facing. People tried to bully him and some wanted to shut him out of activities. He never gave up and faced difficult situations confidently. Now, with his hard work, passion, and strong will he is helping other students through the 321life+1 Project which he started in his senior year. He is selling his beautiful and colorful art note cards to raise money for helping and creating opportunities for students. He has also shown his talents as a designer, actor, and model. He has numerous achievements and recognitions including being the youngest recipient of The Christian Pueschel Memorial Citizen Award given by the National Down Syndrome Congress in 2015. We are so proud of his parents Teresa Gruber and Tim Gruber who have dedicated their life to raise a confident multitalented young man like Brandon.

Can you tell us more about 321 Life +1 Project?How did you get the idea to start this project?B: 321life+1 Project began when I was junior in high school. 321= 3 chromosomes on the 21st which is Down syndrome and the +1 = inspiring, helping, creating opportunities for one person. The Project is helping others have their first opportunity and to experience something new. It’s about the students from my high school, and me wanting something really bad for them like yearbooks, helping them to go to the winter ball, prom, recognition awards, scholarships, inclusion training, kids camps and giving access to inclusive experiences. In one year, I’ve raised over $20,000 and helped more than 100 individuals by selling my art note cards.
When I was a junior, my parents wanted me to go to another school. I disagreed with them. I saw my friends getting hurt and there were 4 suicides that same year and I was so sad. I wanted to help the students before that time, but it was too late. My senior I wanted to help the migrant students reach their dreams and goals, When the night I was crowned Homecoming King, said that I’m ready to help change the world! . It was my idea to help others in need!

How and why do you want to change the world?B: Well, at my school, I wanted the others feel included by having the best time of their lives, so I helped them. I want to change the world because most people don’t show kindness in this world. But by being kind, being a friend to all, showing the world who I am and giving others a chance, maybe others by inspired by what I do.

You have won a lot of awards. Which award is closest to your heart and why?B: The Christian Pueschel Memorial Citizen Award given by the National Down Syndrome Congress in 2015(More alike than Different) is closest to my heart ,because I am the youngest recipient for earn this award and I am so proud of who I am. Sharing my story with other people with different needs and being a friend to all is the best. I hope my story inspires everyone in the world, by showing the world who I am!

What is your favorite art creation so far? What do you admire in your painting?B: I like them all. But, the iconic places in the United States, European landmarks, and seascape places I’ve visited. I admire Jesus my creator; he is the only God that gives us talents and dreams to live for. For myself, I am an artist and a dreamer.

What are your other hobbies?B: My hobbies are traveling, music, art, sports, writing, reading, fashion design, acting, modeling, going to movies, organizing, sorting and moving things around, dancing and social networking.

Who is your favorite celebrity and why?B: My favorite celebrity is Dove Cameron because, she is very kind and the coolest person I ever met. I considered her to be my idle and a partner for fashion design. She has a wonderful life as I do.

What is your favorite place to visit?B: I love to travel to Hawaii, Los Angeles and New York.

What do you like to do when you are with your friends?B: Hangout, chilling out, having lunch, having dinner, spending a night, going to movies and hanging at ASB/leadership class.

What do you want to be when you grow up?B: I want to be a movie star, The Next Big Thing(Disney), music artist, fashion designer, actor, graphic artist, model, self-advocate and a performer. I have a lot of dreams.

Any special message for our community?B: Don’t stop believing in yourself, try your best and be kind to others everyday, keep on going, love yourself and love others, dance like nobody’s watching and have fun no matter what you do.