The Activities Council of Bradley University presented guest speaker Lauren Potter Oct. 29 at 7 p.m. in the Student Center Ballroom as she spoke about her role on “Glee” and how she deals with high-functioning Down Syndrome on a day-to-day basis.
Potter said she always had a dream of being an actress. Growing up, she was told by many that she couldn’t make it in show business, but Potter said she believed otherwise.
“I had my first recital when I was just three years old,” Potter said. “When I heard people loud and clapping, I knew this was good for me; it was what I always wanted.”
At 16, Potter decided to “go big” and audition for the movie “Mr. Blue Sky,” released in 2007, where she landed the main role.
“I learned so much about acting and about being part of a team,” Potter said. “I also learned that being an actor isn’t just fun and games; it is very hard work and sometimes very long hours. But you know what? I was in heaven and knew acting was the job for me.”
Not long after, Potter received a phone call from a friend who worked in Hollywood and told her about the opportunity to audition for “Glee.” She took the chance to audition for the part of a cheerleader with Down Syndrome.
“I knew I had to work really hard and do a great job because there were 13 other girls trying out for the same part,” Potter said.
Being a part of the cast of “Glee” has been, according to Potter, an amazing experience, but her journey to stardom is only the beginning of what she has planned.
“Beyond “Glee,” I have had the chance to speak up for other people with dreams, to help other people with disabilities find their voices and [to] encourage them to reach for their dreams, whatever those dreams are,” Potter said.
“Glee” has given Potter the opportunity to raise awareness about issues she feels are important in today’s society. Building from her own experience of being bullied, Potter and her co-star Jane Lynch released a public service announcement in 2011 called, “Spread the Word to End the Word.”
This served as a call to action to end the use of the word “retard” because of its hurtful use in everyday language. In her presentation, Potter challenged students to do the same and end the use of the “R” word.
“She has inspired the students and the community and helped the community to know that just because a person is diagnosed with a disability, that does not mean that their passion, drive or motivation will be hindered,” ACBU critical issues coordinator Satori Elder said.
Potter is also a part of the Best Buddies foundation, which strives to create a world where people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are successfully integrated into today’s society.
“I had to work really hard in my life to overcome challenges, bullying and prejudice,” Potter said. “We all do; I do feel so lucky to be living the life I’m living now.”
