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First, he broke barriers by becoming the first young person with Down syndrome to graduate from university in Peru. Now, Bryan Russell has his eyes set on congress.
The 27-year-old has submitted his nomination for the January 2020 elections for congress. Not only will he represent the political party, Perú Nación, Bryan will be an inspirational figure for many who have gone unheard and unseen in the past. His win would be a world’s first and landmark achievement for differently-abled individuals.
As reported by El Comercio, Bryan has said “he considers himself a social democrat and, if elected, will help people with Down Syndrome be heard.”
After months of political turmoil, Bryan’s uplifting story would shine a new light on Peruvian politics.
To the disbelief of many, Bryan graduated in 2014 from the San Ignacio de Loyola University. The graduate told El Comercio that same year that the decision to study journalism was clear considering his passion for writing, as well as wanting people to hear a new voice and perspective.
Following the announcement of his 2020 running, the young candidate sat down with news agency Cuarto Poder. The son of a Peruvian mother and British father, Bryan’s positive mindset shows the young man can not be deterred:
“Down syndrome is a normal condition that you should not be afraid of. It’s as if it opens doors. For me, that condition was like a blessing because it has opened a lot of doors for me. I went to a university, I was hired by an international company, I worked for a foundation, I did my professional practices, it was all good.”
Source: El Comercio, GYB
Cover photo: El Comercio archive
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