Dream accomplished! Teen with Down syndrome is college bound

BELVIDERE, Illinois -- An Illinois teen with Down syndrome is proving the skeptics wrong and is set to take a profound step in his educational journey.

Carter Fridly, 19, will cross the stage at his high school knowing his annual birthday wish is finally coming true.

Carter's mom, Becky Fridly, says its been his dream since he was a junior to go to college.

"He kept saying he wanted to go to college, wanted to go to college, and I'm like, I really didn't know what that meant?" she told WIFR.

In an interview with WIFR, Carter says he was excited to get his admission letter.

"It said congratulations, I got accepted," Carter said.

In August, Carter will take classes to become a chef at the University of Iowa.

"I would never have imagined his whole life that he would be going to college," Becky Fridly added.