Bill Nye Gives Young Science Fan With Autism The 'Best Day Ever'
February 28, 2015
Michael de Groot is a middle school student with autism who dreams of being a scientist. He talks constantly about his idol, Bill Nye. He never thought that he would actually meet Bill in person.
According to Seriously Not Boring, Michael's sister Kelly, a student at Villanova University, noticed a classmate had posted a picture of herself posing with Bill Nye. She found out the student had an internship on the United States House Committee on Science, Space and Technology, and that was how she met the scientist. Kelly casually commented how much her brother loved Bill Nye, and they struck up a conversation. The kind student offered to contact someone related to the committee to see if they could possibly set up a meeting between Michael and Bill.
Months went by with no word. The week of Thanksgiving, 2014, Kelly was home on break and unexpectedly received a text from her classmate. She was told that that Bill, as the CFO of the Planetary Association, was going to be in Washington, DC soon to give a presentation.
"We were so surprised that such a thing was happening and that we were going to see him," said Lisa, Michael's mother, "but we didn't assume that it would be a one on one with him."
After their initial meeting, the two spent the next twenty minutes talking and taking pictures. Strange situations and meeting new people can be challenging for people with autism, but Michael's mom said, "We were so proud of Michael who was polite, patient, and acted like a mature young man!"
Michael showed Bill some drawings that he had created to give the scientist, including his elaborate concept for a new "Nye Science Lab."
Bill noticed Michael was wearing a lab coat and offered to sign it. He also gave Michael a Planetary Society pin and it was proudly pinned to the autographed lab coat.
When it was all over, Michael proclaimed, "This was the best day EVER!"
Credit: Seriously Not Boring.
His Last Day As A Teacher After 36 Years. They Turned It Into A Memory For Life
Teacher’s Simple Strategy Is Changing The Lives Of So-Called ‘Troublemaker’ Students
Man Marks 11th Straight Christmas As The Last Unmarried Member Of His Family
'I Laughed And Cried': Vet’s Hilarious Condolence Card Brings Laughter To Grieving Cat Owner
Three Brothers Cleaning Out Mom’s Attic Found A Comic Worth $9 Million
Teen Runs His Own Restaurant ALONE — One Of The Most Uplifting Stories You'll Read
A Stray Dog Wouldn't Let Go Of A Toy, So Shoppers Bought It For Him
Daycare Worker Goes Viral After Dancing For Babies — Their Reactions Are Priceless
Unexpected Friends: Rhino And Tiny Deer Play In Snow
Jamaican Mom Sees Snow For The First Time — And She Is LIVING
Sheep Escape Herd And Wander Into Supermarket In Funny Video
