Schools

Local Inspirational Teen Featured in Magazine

Dublin High Senior Rachel Cooperstein appeared in a recent issue of 'Woman's World.'

Graduation at isn't for two and a half months, but 19-year-old Rachel Cooperstein, who was born with Down syndrome, has already had quite the year.

The senior at Dublin High was selected as  last fall. She performed on the during the football and basketball seasons. Along with her teammates, Rachel cheered in front of thousands of fans during a halftime show at the Oracle Arena. She was the focus of several television reports and newspaper articles and was the subject of two videos on Dublin Patch (see attached video).

Now, Rachel has been featured in an article in the March 28 publication of Woman's World magazine as an inspirational teen.

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"One day I got an email from one of the researchers who had heard of Rachel's website and she said she thought Rachel would be a wonderful story for their magazine," said Rene Cooperstein, Rachel's mom.

The magazine sent a photographer to the family's home to take photos of Rachel and conducted multiple phone interviews.

Find out what's happening in Dublinwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"They said Rachel has such a wonderful message," said Rene.

Rachel has her own website with humor and "tips" for life called Pretty Special World. It's there that readers begin to understand what Rachel's message is all about. 

"Rachel's basic message to people is that she loves them and wants them to know that they're special," said Rene.

The site is full of "tips" from Rachel, quotes about how life — and people — should be. 

"Be nice today because some of the people really need the nice you." "Use nice words. 'Sorry' is a nice word." "Let it go and you'll be happy again."

Since the magazine article hit stands a few weeks ago, Rachel's website has received an outpouring of messages. Hundreds of people have emailed her from throughout the country and Canada. Last week, Rachel received an email from a 13-year-old girl in British Columbia. The young fan thanked Rachel for her words of wisdom.

"You have changed my life so much. You made my days much happier. I used to be sad a lot, but once I read your website, those bad feelings just all go away," the fan wrote.

Emails have poured in from individuals who are depressed and people of all ages, from teenagers to parents. Rene said quite a number of emails have come from people who have a family member with Down syndrome.

"This has been encouraging because it's given them a sense of hope," she said.  

Rene said the tips Rachel comes up with are things the teen is experiencing.

"She lives what she is talking about," she added.

Despite receiving hundreds of letters, Rene and Rachel respond to each one. A book that will include Rachel's tips and insights is in the works.

And while she's certainly had quite the school year, for now, Rachel is looking forward to senior prom and finishing her senior year.

Rene is proud of Rachel and all that she has accomplished. Rachel is an inspiration to her mom, her family and those who meet her, even if only through a magazine article.

"If you can touch just one other person's life in a good way, then you're truly living a good life," Rene said.

If you feel as though today just isn't your day, check out Pretty Special World.

It's a constant reminder of the little things that we all forget now and then —being mindful of others, being nice and smiling.

After all, it's Rachel who seems to know just the right words of wisdom to offer.

"I know I'm Downs, but I like Up better. Everybody can be Up syndrome."


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