By Madeline Murphy Smith
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Few graduating students can say they defied societal expectations and overcame adversity all while dealing with the same baggage that comes with moving to a new city and adjusting to college life.

One who can: University of Iowa REACH graduate Nathan Tindell.

Tindell, alongside 28 of his peers, graduated May 6 from the UI REACH, a two-year program intended for students around the country with numerous intellectual, cognitive, and learning disabilities. The program gives students an authentic college experience while helping them become independent and active members of the community.

Playing dodgeball, attending football games, and spending time with his friends are a few things Tindell said he will miss most about his time on campus.

“It was exciting going to Iowa, because it helped me live on my own and with other people. I liked going to Iowa — it’s my favorite college,” he said.

Thanks to REACH, Tindell said he’s better at communicating with people, managing his time effectively, and being more independent. He said future students have a lot to look forward to during their time in REACH.

“I’d tell them not to be nervous about the program and to follow their friends around and get involved in different clubs and activities,” he said. “They should look forward to getting to know different people and Iowa football, basketball, and baseball games.”

Nathan’s mother, Julie Tindell, said she’s noticed her son become more socially confident and independent, which the family attributes to things he’s learned during his college experience at REACH.

“It was hard to let go and leave him at this huge campus but the university and the program really put their arms around these kids and embraced them as a part of their culture,” she said. “I’ve seen great strides in his social and independent living skills he might not have gotten outside of REACH.”

Julie said the REACH program is one of very few programs in the country on a Big Ten campus which was a selling point for their family.

“He got to experience all the things that go along with being on a Big Ten campus. He did all the things that other kids at Iowa do,” she said.

Casie Tindell, Nathan’s sister, said she has seen him become a completely different person because of UI REACH.

“It’s amazing to watch,” she said. “He’s more social, not only with friends but with complete strangers; he’s willing to try new things, and is more independent. Before the REACH program I truly didn’t know what his future would hold, whether or not he would get a college degree or be able to live on his own. But now he has accomplished both of those, and I am so proud of him.”