A Pella High School graduate has broken several barriers on her way to adulthood, and for the past academic year, has been working full-time.

Bella Van Gorp has Down syndrome, and was a special needs student in the Pella Community School District. Upon graduation, Bella found a path to college with help from Central College and DMACC. During that time, Bella was crowned as Miss Amazing. It seemed everything was on the table for her future — but while many employment opportunities existed for Van Gorp, she always wanted to work with kids.

Preschool Teachers Stacey Sikkema and Amy Wilson welcomed Bella into their classroom this past academic year in a program set up by district administration. Van Gorp served as an associate, which has created a unique learning experience for all involved.

“This is how it is supposed to be,” Sikkema says. “Every person should have the chance to do what they love and live their dream. Now is it a little more work every once in a while? Sure. But in the long run, it’s totally worth it — this is how every person with every ability should have opportunities.”

Hear more about Van Gorp’s journey on a two-part Let’s Talk Pella today and tomorrow.