‘I can do anything I want’: Cole Blocka hopes to study at U of S

MACDOWALL, SASK. — Cole Blocka spends a lot of time thinking about the future.

Sometimes those thoughts happen while he’s outside on his family farm working alongside his brother, surrounded by prairie sky and fields. Sometimes they come during quieter moments when he’s alone.

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“I talk about this lots of times in the mirror in the bathroom,” he said with a laugh. “I don’t know why, but I talk to myself lots of times. Positive things, like affirmations.”

Those affirmations are simple, but powerful.

“I am responsible for every day and I get better every single day, and I am strong and I am handsome, I am cute and I am like, a nice guy.”

Since he was a little boy, Cole Blocka’s parents have taught him that he can do and be anything he wants in life. Even as he navigates hurdles in his pursuit of further education, he is holding tight to that belief. (Submitted)

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Cole is 22, turning 23 next month. He graduated from Carlton Comprehensive High School in Prince Albert in 2021. Like many graduates, he dreams about what comes next — a career, independence, new friends.

Cole’s dream has a very specific destination: The University of Saskatchewan.

Imagining life on campus

Cole’s older sister, Bryn, is currently studying at the University of Saskatchewan to become a physiotherapist. Seeing her attend the Saskatoon campus inspired him to pursue further education.

“I am not like Bryn,” Cole said, aware that he needs more support to reach his goals. “But I want to be something I want to be.”

Cole Blocka has waited on the sidelines, cheering on his siblings as they started their post-secondary education journeys. Now, he is hoping for the chance to do the same at the University of Saskatchewan. (Submitted)

Cole was born with Down syndrome, but his ambitions are familiar to anyone who has ever graduated high school and wondered what comes next.

“It’s a place for me to go to school,” he said about the university. “And trying to get a girlfriend and trying to focus on myself, trying to move forward and meet new people.”

Cole understands that attending university would come with challenges.

“I feel nervous going there,” he said honestly. “Because when I go there, I kind of need some help. Sometimes I just need some supportive person to be with me.”

Cole graduated high school in 2021. He said he is ready and waiting to attend university in Saskatoon. (Submitted)

Even with those challenges in the back of his mind, the dream hasn’t faded.

“I really want to go to Saskatoon,” he said. “But I have to start focusing on my life and try my best. And maybe one day, things things will change.”

A love for learning

Cole’s favourite subject in school was something that connects directly to life on the family farm.

“My all time favourite subject from school is science,” he said. “Since I grew up on a farm, I learned lot of good things with my dad. Like we learned about ecosystems and habitats, some plants, some birds and different things. I just love science.”

Cole said his dad always told him that he could do anything he wanted in life. He’s set his sights on attending the University of Saskatchewan, a goal that won’t be possible without an inclusive education program at the U of S. (Submitted)

He remembers small experiments around the house with his dad and siblings that made learning feel real.

“We did, like a little science experiment. We have a little paper towel, and we put some canola seeds, and we spread them out. And it bloomed, and it looks awesome.”

Those lessons continued out in the field.

“At the summertime, my dad, he showed me how the seed grows and grows, how the plant starts from a seed, going step by step to a full plant, and we can harvest.”

The experience helped Cole imagine the kinds of jobs he might want someday.

“He taught me I can be a farmer, or a landscaper or different jobs out there,” he said. “I just … I don’t know where to start. I just need to find some basics and go step by step, trying to reach my goal and just keep moving forward.”

Cole wants to attend university to further his education, but also to participate in social activities and meet new people. (Submitted)

Life after graduation

Cole speaks warmly about his time at Carlton Comprehensive High School in Prince Albert.

“I love Carlton so much because I had great times,” he said, a hint of sadness in his voice as he remembered the friends and routines he once had there. “I had good memories.”

Like many graduates, the transition to adulthood has been complicated.

“Since I graduated in 2021, I was trying to get myself out there and be that person that I love to be,” he said. “My friends are gone, and I feel like I don’t know where to start.”

Cole isn’t sitting idly by waiting for the chance to attend university. He helps out on his family farm and works at the local Co-op grocery store. (Submitted)

For many students with intellectual disabilities, inclusive post-secondary programs provide that next step — offering non-degree certificates, tailored academic courses and social and recreational activities, along with support to help students succeed on campus.

Programs like this exist across Canada, but not at the University of Saskatchewan.

The University of Regina’s four-year Campus For All program takes 12 students at a time, creating customized academic, social and employment plans for each person.

Across Alberta, more than 20 post-secondary institutions offer inclusive access to education. But moving to Alberta is something Cole said he would never consider.

The diehard Saskatchewan Roughriders fan said, only half jokingly, that moving across the border for school would feel like betraying his team.

“I love the Roughriders so much,” he explained passionately. “I don’t like Calgary because we just beat them and they suck.”

Cole said he would never consider moving to Alberta for one reason: he loves the Saskatchewan Roughriders far too much to betray them by moving across the border. (Submitted)

Positivity and patience

Cole’s outlook is rooted in resilience.

“I’m so positive sometimes. Sometimes not, but it’s okay,” he said. “I love to be positive. I just need to keep being more positive to myself and I will get there one day.”

When Cole talks about the future, he speaks with certainty.

“I will be the best responsible man out there,” he said. “Because I can do anything I want.”

Cole Blocka’s dreams for the future are simple.

A chance to keep learning. A chance to move forward. And maybe one day, a chance to walk onto the University of Saskatchewan campus — not just to visit, but to belong.

Cole Blocka’s goal is simple: attend the University of Saskatchewan. The 22-year-old has Down syndrome and dreams of continuing his education in Saskatoon. For now, that dream remains out of reach. (Submitted)

The University of Saskatchewan declined an interview request, but confirmed USask does not currently have a post‑secondary program designed specifically for students with intellectual disabilities. In a statement, the university said it is committed to accommodating students with disabilities under its Duty to Accommodate policy and the Saskatchewan Human Rights Code.