My name is Tessa.

I was born with Down syndrome.

I am not Down syndrome.

I am NOT identified by my extra chromosome.

My name is Tessa.

I am not a “Downs kid” or “that Down syndrome girl.”

I am a person…with one big beating heart.

My name is Tessa.

I have feelings and emotions just like you.

I am expressive.

I have good days and I have bad days.

Sound familiar?

My name is Tessa.

I am complex and beautiful.

I am simple and sweet.

I am way more than you think you know.

My name is Tessa.

I am not special because of my chromosomes.

I am not a mistake.

I was perfectly created to be me.

My name is Tessa.

I am smart.

I am funny.

I am capable.

I am NOT suffering.

I am strong.

My name is Tessa.

I have family who loves me.

I am accepted, not judged, by my friends.

My name is Tessa.

I am NOT a punching bag for the narrow minded.

I am a positive influence in this world.

I have a lot to offer.

My name is Tessa.  And that is what I like to be called.

***October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month.  We are all about using People First Language–people first, diagnosis later.  People first.  It is simple.  Identify people for who they are, not by what they may or may not have.  This month, I want to encourage people with Down syndrome to represent themselves by using the hashtag #mynameis in hopes to show the world that those with Down syndrome are people first; people who like to be identified by their names, not by their 47th chromosome.***

And a little throwback fun for you…