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My Son is a College Graduate!

May 21, 2019 By Denise Schwartz 14 Comments

Drew is now an Illini graduate!

On May 11, 2019, we had the honor of watching Drew graduate from the University of Illinois, College of Engineering in Computer Science.

Our day began in my brother’s borrowed mini van. Steve, Jenna and I picked up my in-laws and my mother and we began the journey to Urbana-Champaign. A usual 2 and a half hour ride, with no stops, became a 3 and a half hour ride with 1 stop, due to heavy rain and multiple traffic issues. We arrived in time to pick up Drew for a late lunch at our favorite breakfast restaurant, The Original Pancake House. It’s our go-to spot for really good omelettes, gluten free blueberry pancakes, and the best bacon.

After lunch, we made a short pit-stop at Drew’s apartment and then we, along with thousands of other people, gathered in the State Farm stadium for the college of engineering graduation. It was a tightly organized event that moved along quickly, naming off the thousand or so diverse graduates from all over the world.

Afterwards, we took a few pictures before picking up dinner and heading back. We arrived home around midnight.

At the end of May, Drew will head to Israel for ten days with Birthright, a Jewish organization that believes every Jewish young adult deserves a free trip to Israel. Then, he’ll be off to Europe by himself for another two weeks or so.

Upon his return back to the states, he will have a month off until the end of July when he will begin his adult life working in Chicago as a software engineer at iManage all while living back at home with us until he is financially ready to move to the city of Chicago.

What can I say about Drew that I haven’t already said in previous blog posts (here, here, and here)?

Well, as his mother and am naturally very biased. I have a lot I could say, but I will keep it brief.

Here are some highlights of Drew’s journey:

  • Drew came into the world on July 13, 1997, happy and smiling. As he got older, we even had his sister, Jenna, try to make him angry to teach him to express anger. He just laughed.

Drew laughing

  • Drew was always building and creating using anything he could find – tape, kleenex boxes, large packing boxes, legos, knex, trains. More than once the entire living room became a train room, entertaining himself for hours.

Drew and Legoland

  • At the age of 11, Drew won a lego contest from the Legoland Discovery center. An exciting PR ploy that had him and 4 other kids on TV numerous times to promote the new Legoland in Schaumburg.

  • Drew went to camp for 5 summers where he embraced the love of water skiing.

Drew skiing

  • At age 12, Drew declared, “I’m really lucky, I know exactly what I’m supposed to do with my life”. At the time he referred to creating and building things – which we now know turned into creating and building computer code.
  • In high school, he discovered swimming, cross country, track, triathlon and computers.

Drew Swimming

  • He chose U of IL, despite not getting into the computer science program, knowing he would have to work hard to meet unbelievably difficult criteria to get into the program. By second semester of his sophomore year, Drew met the criteria and got into the College of Engineering computer science program.
  • Drew fell in love with Victoria this past year, a fellow runner.

Drew Graduates U of I

  • Over the past few years Drew and I have developed a special bond of common interests – The Chicago Botanic Garden, theater, our community library, shopping, The Moth Hour, cooking and travel.

Drew and Denise

  • Drew and his dad enjoy tech talk of all kinds, biking, superhero movies, and Dr. Who

Drew and Dad Biking

My husband and I have watched Drew grow up to be a kind, generous, sweet, and respectful man with his family, friends, girlfriend and anyone else who crosses his path and we know that we can take some credit for the person Drew has become, but he made it easy for us. We are so proud of him.

Congratulations Drew!

Filed Under: Real Stories Tagged With: graduation

About Denise Schwartz

Denise Schwartz, PT, IMT, C is the owner of The Manual Touch Physical Therapy. For over 30 years, she has been helping patients reduce pain and improve quality of life using a whole body approach. Denise specializes in chronic pain, spinal conditions, running/triathlon injuries and prevention, balance/vestibular disorders, functional exercise, kinesiotaping, and various non-traditional and traditional & manual therapies. Contact Denise at denise@themanualtouch.com

Comments

  1. Alice Nixon says

    May 23, 2019 at 5:12 pm

    Hard to believe Drew is all growed up!!!
    Congratulations Drew for all your many accomplishments . You have an exciting future ahead of you. We need men of your caliber in this wacky world to bring all that kindness and wisdom along with your well honed skill set.
    Wishing you all good things !!

    Reply
  2. Sheryl says

    May 23, 2019 at 5:20 pm

    Congratulations to all of you! Great job! Enjoy having Drew around for awhile.

    Reply
  3. Rosalie Epstein says

    May 23, 2019 at 5:23 pm

    Cngratulations Denise and Steve on helping Drew become the fine, loving and accomplished young adult that he has become. You should be very very proud.

    Reply
  4. Beri and John Nass says

    May 23, 2019 at 5:43 pm

    Congratulations to Drew. Congratulations to you and Steven for raising such a beautiful. Every Time I have seen him, he radiates happiness. I am proud to be his aunt. May all endeavors be successful and his life be forever happy. Tell him I hope to see him when he gets home.Tell him to have a great time on his coming travels.

    Reply
  5. Sheila says

    May 23, 2019 at 5:47 pm

    Mazel Tov. What a wonderful journey you all have been on. Here’s to a lifetime of joy, learning and adventure!

    Reply
  6. Michelle Klein says

    May 23, 2019 at 5:53 pm

    Denise,
    I really enjoyed reading all The Wonderful events that took place in Drew’s life this far.
    He is one of The most interesting & intelligent young people I have met!
    Congratulations Drew!!
    Much Love to all!! Michelle

    Reply
  7. Madeline says

    May 23, 2019 at 5:57 pm

    Thank you for sharing Drew’s story and your journey to Urbana and back. So enjoyed meeting him the other day. Feel like I know him a little bit from way back when I would see you almost every week in your office.

    You have a beautiful family. Hats off to you and your husband.
    Madeline

    Reply
  8. Lynn says

    May 23, 2019 at 6:23 pm

    What a great story! Congratulations, Drew!

    Reply
  9. Mara says

    May 23, 2019 at 7:22 pm

    Such a lovely piece about such a special young man. You did good! Reared a gifted, creative and driven young man who is now poised to take on the world – literally!

    Reply
  10. Carol Wikoff says

    May 23, 2019 at 7:52 pm

    Congratulations Denise! What an accomplished kid. May he continue us to bring you joy… without the minivan!!!

    Best,

    Carol Wikoff

    Reply
  11. Maxine Solomon says

    May 23, 2019 at 9:08 pm

    Congratulations to all of you!!!!

    Reply
  12. Betty and Chris Bagat says

    May 24, 2019 at 10:07 pm

    Congratulations Drew! Enjoy your travels!

    Reply
  13. Denise Gruensfelder says

    May 26, 2019 at 12:59 am

    Congratulations to all of you! Especially Drew for all of his accomplishments! Best wishes to Drew on his upcoming adventures!

    Reply

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I have really appreciated the physical therapy services provided by Denise Schwartz for the severe osteoporosis in my spine. I feel the exercises she has taught me have improved my overall strength and balance, and helped minimize pain from certain movements. I also feel more confident that I am moving correctly in my everyday activities to prevent any further problems.  Also, Denise’s gentle massage techniques at the end of the sessions help to minimize any discomfort that occasionally can come… Read more
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Denise Schwartz is an amazing physical therapist! I work as a cocktail server for 10 hours every shift! And had a lot of lower back pain that was occurring half way during my time at work. After visiting Denise, my back pain at work completely went away! I really loved how she had an app I could use if I forgot the exercises we did. She was professional and you can tell she really cared about her clients. I Would definitely recommended going to her!”
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I saw Denise for ongoing heal pain as well as an athletic back pain injury. My back pain is gone and my heal pain (which I’ve had for several years) is significantly better so that it doesn’t interfere with activity. The exercises Denise gave me have strengthened my core and will prevent future injuries. Not only that, she provides personalized and attentive treatment the entire visit (much more personalized care than traditional PT centers). I highly recommend Denise!
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I came in to see Denise due to a cervical disc herniation.  I have been told by Illinois Bone & Joint that they refer patients to Denise often as she is able to help when other physical therapy programs fail.  That was definitely the case in my situation. I had 6 weeks of PT at another location but still was unable to turn my head fully or work at a desk without terrible pain.  After seeing Denise and following her exercise program, I was almost back to normal within a few short months.  I… Read more
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I’m a pediatric physical therapist and I was taking a yoga teacher training.  My left shoulder and neck were getting progressively tighter and eventually pain was keeping me up at night.  I knew I wanted treatment from a very knowledgeable PT with good manual skills and someone who excelled at evaluating postural and functional issues.  Denise is that person and she corrected my biomechanics with exercises and manual therapy.  There are only a few PT’s that possess skills like Denise.  … Read more
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I want to thank you for professional treatment of my cranial sacral and vestibular condition as a result of my auto accident. I am glad I was referred to you upon asking for someone like yourself who specializes in treating post concussion syndrome.”  
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The physical therapy I received at The Manual Touch PT helped reduce my sciatica pain to a manageable level in just a few sessions.  The exercises I was given strengthened and trained my muscles to prevent further back problems allowing me to return to playing basketball.
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After going from a collegiate athlete to a working professional with a desk job, I was surprised when I started having breathing problems after working for a few years. I went to multiple doctors and ran different tests, but there was no straightforward cause. After a few years of continuous issues, it was discovered that my posture was a big part of my breathing issues. My forward head angle caused additional strain on my vocal cords, which influenced my vocal cord dysfunction and dysphonia. My… Read more
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Before I met Denise, I spent a good part of every day in bed.  I would go out for one project, then come home and lay on the sofa for the rest of the day. Now I go out in the AM and come home in time to make dinner.  Because of work Denise has done with me I feel young again.  Exercises are easy but help a lot.  She is my angel.
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I’m very excited because I’m getting stronger, more stable when I’m walking, and more flexible.  Yesterday, for the first time in several years, I was able to travel by train downtown and visit the Art Institute.  There was lots of walking and sitting, activities which previously caused me to be in pain for several days afterwards.  But today, I’m just a little sore.  I feel I’ve made very good progress in feeling better, stronger and feel less pain.
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Testimonials

I have really appreciated the physical therapy services provided by Denise Schwartz for the severe osteoporosis in my spine. I feel the exercises she has taught me have improved my overall strength and balance, and helped minimize pain from certain m… Read more
Denise Schwartz is an amazing physical therapist! I work as a cocktail server for 10 hours every shift! And had a lot of lower back pain that was occurring half way during my time at work. After visiting Denise, my back pain at work completely went a… Read more
I saw Denise for ongoing heal pain as well as an athletic back pain injury. My back pain is gone and my heal pain (which I’ve had for several years) is significantly better so that it doesn’t interfere with activity. The exercises Denise gave me have… Read more
I came in to see Denise due to a cervical disc herniation.  I have been told by Illinois Bone & Joint that they refer patients to Denise often as she is able to help when other physical therapy programs fail.  That was definitely the case in my situ… Read more
I’m a pediatric physical therapist and I was taking a yoga teacher training.  My left shoulder and neck were getting progressively tighter and eventually pain was keeping me up at night.  I knew I wanted treatment from a very knowledgeable PT wit… Read more
I want to thank you for professional treatment of my cranial sacral and vestibular condition as a result of my auto accident. I am glad I was referred to you upon asking for someone like yourself who specializes in treating post concussion syndrome.”… Read more
The physical therapy I received at The Manual Touch PT helped reduce my sciatica pain to a manageable level in just a few sessions.  The exercises I was given strengthened and trained my muscles to prevent further back problems allowing me to return… Read more
After going from a collegiate athlete to a working professional with a desk job, I was surprised when I started having breathing problems after working for a few years. I went to multiple doctors and ran different tests, but there was no straightforw… Read more
Before I met Denise, I spent a good part of every day in bed.  I would go out for one project, then come home and lay on the sofa for the rest of the day. Now I go out in the AM and come home in time to make dinner.  Because of work Denise has done… Read more
I’m very excited because I’m getting stronger, more stable when I’m walking, and more flexible.  Yesterday, for the first time in several years, I was able to travel by train downtown and visit the Art Institute.  There was lots of walking an… Read more
Read More

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