Early in my college education, I had the opportunity to engage with students with autism during my practicum experiences. Interactions with these students filled me with curiosity and joy. Upon receiving my undergraduate degree in elementary and special education at Emporia State University in 2003, I became an elementary resource teacher in a public school. I was delighted to find out that I would have autistic students on my caseload. After a few months of working with them, I knew that I wanted to learn about autism so I could provide more effective interventions. In 2007, I earned a Master's Degree in special education with an emphasis in autism at the University of Kansas. The district then allowed me to transfer into a position in one of their autism programs at a junior high. In this position, I had the opportunity to work with students with higher support needs and most required extensive behavioral support. As a result, I had the chance to work alongside many skilled BCBAs and learn more about implementing ABA interventions. Despite the desire to pursue a doctoral degree, I had to postpone my education due to the birth of my first child. When my son was a toddler, I felt that something wasn’t quite right with his development, but I dismissed my concerns as being paranoid due to the nature of my job. I decided to pursue a position near home to be closer to my children and make a difference in my community. Fortunately, I secured a teaching position at the school where my son attended preschool. I then decided to seek answers about my concerns with his development. After two years of medical appointments and developmental evaluations, I received his diagnosis of ADHD and autism. It confirmed what I already knew in my heart and required me to face the reality of advocating in a new way. I have spent years advocating for him and trying to find the balance of supporting him at home while continuing to gain knowledge and assist others with autism. I wanted to learn more about behavior, so I began the online BCBA course sequence at the Florida Institute of Technology. After completing it in 2017, I passed my BCBA exam on my first sitting and moved into an autism consulting role for my special education cooperative. My son is 15 now, and I believe it is time for me to focus on my education to continue serving students with disabilities and their families. Even after encountering a seventeen-year delay, my passion for furthering my education remains unwavering. I have found an online Doctor of Education in Special Education program with an autism track that is well-suited to my career aspirations while still allowing me to work full-time. Upon graduation, I plan to use my expertise to coach and train educators on autism and evidence-based practices. I will continue my tireless advocacy efforts for students with autism and their families. I am deeply committed to ensuring that my son and others with autism reach their fullest potential. I aspire to instill my passion and knowledge of autism in the next generation of educators. The success of the students and families I support brings me immense joy. Witnessing students with disabilities, whom I’ve worked with since preschool, walk across the stage at their high school graduation fills me with an indescribable sense pride. For me, success extends beyond achieving my educational goals and sharing my expertise; it encompasses witnessing my students and families achieve their own aspirations.