8 years ago, the sensational, inspirational story of Cristina Quiñonez, a freshman at RHS, was told. Cristina, a proud woman with Down syndrome, warmed hearts all around with her tale of her and her father, Miguel Quiñonez, an RHS math teacher, working together to adjust to the wild environment that is high school. 

Societal stigmas around disabilities surely did not stop the duo from having the intention of Cristina pursuing a great high school experience. And as time progressed, that is exactly what happened. However, with a sizable amount of years passing, many can be left with an urgent question: How is Cristina doing now?  

The answer is simple. Cristina is going after an independent, action-packed adult life. She has found herself at the University of California, Davis, happily having membership in the Redwood SEED Scholars Program. 

The group is a non-degree organization catered to those with intellectual disabilities meant to promote social inclusion and instill individualistic ideals into the minds of its students. Critsina’s involvement in such a program was a gift barely able to be put into words.

“I will never forget the moment I read the email of her acceptance, I cried silently. In fact, I am currently crying right now as I am typing this remembering that moment,” Miguel said. “I forwarded that email after I composed myself, sent it to my wife, who was sitting across from me, and recorded her reaction. Her eyes widened then looked at me and we did not say anything for a few moments.”

Much like her parents in earlier moments, words can not be found to describe how life feels for Cristina as of right now. Even currently attending UC Davis, the entire experience continues to feel surreal.

“I am so happy and honored to sit in Davis because…wow,” Cristina said.

Much like her introduction to high school all those years ago, intimidation and nerves were inevitable feelings Cristina had to confront when making such a drastic life transition. Being the social butterfly she is, companionship became her largest initial concern leaping into college. However, all anxieties were alleviated upon spending some time on her new campus.

“Before, I was really nervous, ‘How will I make friends?’,” Cristina said. “Now, I’m not nervous. They’re my best friends now.”

Knowing his daughter well, Miguel holds little surprise to her social successes. In his mind, friendships are an essential component of life he had always desired for Cristina, and he finds great satisfaction in the current reality she and himself are facing.

“I have to be the one calling her to check in on her and I love when she says to me, ‘Uh dad, I am busy right now hangin’ with my girls. We are here or there doing this or that, can I call you later?’ This is music to my ears,” Miguel said.

As stressed in the first introduction of the Quiñonez duo, the bond between the two is something powerful. Even with the establishment of distance between the two, the strength of their relationship has stayed unchanged. Although no longer sharing the roles of high school math teacher and high school student, the roles of father and daughter remain greatly and sufficiently fulfilled.

“I want to shout out to my dad too, as well. I just love my dad. I’m a grown woman now and my dad’s like ‘My little girl is independent now, and we raised her right,’” Cristina said.

Although explicit connections with Roseville High School have since ended, some of the foundations of Cristina’s journey to adulthood have the high school on the hill to thank. 

“Her high school experience was a link and instrumental piece in preparing her. Her experience at RHS was also filled with ways to support her to become the fully independent young woman she is turning out to be,” Miguel said.

It is mutually believed by both that any human being can achieve a lifestyle like Cristina’s. Filled with rich relationships, striking dependence, and overwhelming motivation, regardless of what physical body and mind an individual is handed. Upon advising how others can pursue a life as successful as hers, the woman’s words were simple.

“Just be yourself and believe in yourself,” Cristina said. “Dreams do come true.”