Sheri strongly believes in making a difference in the lives of people. She happens to be the only qualified person with Down syndrome with a tertiary teacher’s diploma (without any concessions made) in South Africa and the first in the world. As a dedicated teacher at a school for people with disabilities, she understands their challenges and wins over their confidence. She also serves as an international ambassador for people with Down syndrome. Sheri has been recognized in her home country of South Africa as well as internationally. She has appeared on national television, been featured in Oprah’s O magazine, and has addressed audiences at events like Down syndrome conferences in the United Nations, Scotland, India and World Congress on Special Needs at the Cambridge University.

What inspired you to choose the teaching profession? What is the best thing you love about your job?S: My mother is a teacher and I love children. I will never have children of my own, so the children in my class fill a huge empty space in my life, which hurts me so much. I love the children at our school and I can relate to them because they also have learning problems. I understand them and they trust me. It gives meaning to my life when I help other people.

As an international ambassador, how are you changing the perception regarding people with Down syndrome?S: Every year on the first of January the people talk about their New Year resolutions. Mine is always to make a difference in the lives of other people. I try to show the world that it is okay to be who you are, as long as you don’t compare you to other people and you must always try to be the best you that you can be. I talk all over the world to tell and show people that I am happy to be just the way I am, a person with Down syndrome.

What challenges did you face during your school days? How did you motivate yourself to face those challenges?S: There were many challenges because in the time I was born children with Down syndrome did not attend a mainstream school. The headmaster said that I would give his school a bad name and he made it clear that I was in the school against his will. But you know, I never focus on the bad stuff, I try to learn from bad things happening to me. The fact that the principal said that I had to leave the minute I misbehave or do things the other children did not do, helped me to grow as a person. It helped me to blend into society and I never expect people to make a fuss of me and my parents were strict on me to have good manners and make healthy choices in my life. The boys used to make fun of me in school because I looked different from all the other learners and my mother told me not to angry. So I asked them whether they wanted my extra chromosome. Later we became friends and they accepted me.

Who is your inspiration?S: When I was little I used to watch a television program: “Life goes on” with Corky (Chris Burke), who was a boy with Down syndrome attending a mainstream school in America. His example helped me a lot because I could relate to him. He was my role model. Today I am inspired by all people who make the best of themselves, although they might feel they do not fit into the so called perfect box.

What are your other hobbies?S: I love to read and watch television. I don’t have much free time but if I have, I like to go and watch a film or a show. I go to the gym three times a week and exercise with my personal trainer and I attend English and Drama classes every week. Over weekends I mostly talk at places. My work is also my hobby, I like to prepare for classes and to plan lessons for the next day.

What is your favorite place to visit? What do you love about that place?S: I love to visit new places to learn about that place, like when we were in New Zealand and Australia for the past few weeks. I learned about the Maori people and their culture and I fed a wallaby and cuddled a koala bear. In Sydney we took a tour of the Oprah House and we watched West Side Story that night. I love to visit my sister who lives in London because we are very close and we always go to Coven garden when we are in London. We drink cream tea with a scone with clotted cream and listen to classic music. This is always a highlight in London. Another highlight in London is to watch a musical in the West End.

What is your suggestion for families of children with disabilities to empower their children?S: I think we should fuss less and just handle them as you would if they were like all other people. Be strict and loving and teach them as much as you can. I still learn new things every day. Parents should love all their children equally.

What tips/advice do you have for those in our community who want to become a teacher?S: I had to do what the other students did. I had to learn the same amount of work and was evaluated the same way the other students were handled. No concessions were made for me and our papers were set and marked externally. If you want to become a teacher you have to be able to help the learners with your knowledge and skills. If people help you to pass, you won’t be a good teacher. But never give up. Just try harder. If you can try just one more time, you may be able to succeed. Life is not about giving up, but about focussing and working hard.

Any special message for our community?S: My message to all communities are always: Be the best you that you can be without comparing you to other people. If you stand up one more time than you fall down, you’re a winner. It is not about you, but we are all part of a bigger picture. I really thank the Lord for making me exactly as I am, a person with Down syndrome.