College Connection

Online classes allow Thomas Roy to attend his dream college

Living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) since the age of 2, Thomas Roy has seen the disease progress throughout his life. While he had always wanted to attend Rutgers University in New Brunswick, N.J., he assumed he would never be able to do so because of his living situation. 

However, when Roy found out about the online degrees Rutgers offers — and that the university would accept transfer credits from the community college he attended — everything changed. 

“I was happy to learn they would accept the credits I earned at [community college],” Roy says. “The experience of taking classes online has been very positive. It’s very convenient, as I can log on and study at any time of day, depending on how I feel.”

Roy is currently studying labor and employment in the School of Management and Labor Relations. He plans to continue his studies after he graduates by attending law school and specializing in discrimination law. Roy says his end goal is to be a discrimination law attorney. 

“I feel that discrimination law is appropriate for me, and I know I would be a good advocate,” he says.  

While Roy is focused on his studies, he still has time for fun. 

“I’m a big sports fan,” he says. “I like college and pro football, basketball and baseball. Whatever the season, there is a sport or favorite team to hold my interest.”

Resources for Young Adults

MDA’s Young Adult Programs is committed to supporting young adults as they move through high school, higher education, employment and independent living. Check out a video about the program at youtu.be/PoFQsRrMvrQ or visit mda.org/young-adults to learn more.