Hello, my name is Ryan. I am a kind, curious, compassionate, energetic person who loves God, family, animals, and our planet. I also enjoy technology, geography, journalism and all things weather, meteorology, and environment-related. I grew up in a low-income household with loving parents who taught me the importance of advocacy, resilience, and self-worth from a young age. Our entire family is neurodivergent. Since I was diagnosed with autism at age two, these skills were essential for me since I was on an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for 13 years. Throughout middle school and high school, I challenged myself academically with rigorous courses. I had a 3.95 GPA in my junior year and am taking three AP classes in my senior year, earning a 3.9 GPA (unweighted) my first semester. I challenged myself socially by being the anchor and forecaster of our school's video news in the first semester. This semester, I was promoted to executive producer due to strong creativity and teamwork. I have volunteered for nine years with Autism Empowerment at special events, as a peer mentor, and as a founding member of the Autism Serves Kids Care Club. This empowering program teaches civic engagement, inclusion, and leadership skills to neurodivergent youth and families through volunteer projects that strengthen our community. I look forward to being the first in my family to graduate college. I promise to use any scholarships wisely, using my college education to strengthen my ability to serve and make this world a better place for all my neighbors. Thank you.