Assistive technology, used to support and enhance communication for people with autism spectrum disorder, is opening doors (and conversations!) that have previously been off-limits to many. I’m passionate about creating a more inclusive world for students with disabilities, particularly those with autism. For several years I’ve been part of the Links program at my high school, which is a peer-to-peer support program where general education students, like myself, mentor students on the autism spectrum. I also advocate for inclusivity beyond the classroom by participating in the Special Olympics’ Unified Champion Schools sports program, which brings together students with and without disabilities to play soccer, basketball and other sports. I am inspired by the impact of assistive technology devices in helping students with disabilities communicate with their classmates, teachers and families. Better communication leads to stronger connections, and moves us closer to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. I believe everyone deserves equal opportunities and equal access to technology to thrive. This passion drives my academic and professional aspirations. I plan to study either biology or engineering in college. My interest in biology stems from a desire to understand the human body and contribute to medical advancements. Alternatively, engineering also appeals to me because of its potential to innovate solutions that improve lives, including assistive technologies for people with disabilities. I’m committed to using my education to support and empower individuals with disabilities, ensuring they have the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. This will include leveraging innovative technology to help create a more inclusive and supportive community for everyone, and I hope to be part of that innovation.

Serving my community has been a part of my life since elementary school. Starting in kindergarten, I participated in a local Girl Scout troop where there was a focus on service in our community. Over the years, we performed various service projects like weeding the flower beds at Memorial Park, making blankets for those in need, and raking leaves for the elderly in our community. My mom was my Girl Scout troop’s leader, and community service became something my family did together. As I grew into middle school and high school, community service projects became more involved, and serving my community became a fundamental part of my routines. Through community service, I’ve built wonderful relationships and connections with others. In my junior year, I volunteered at a neighborhood adult care facility, where I spent time in both the nursing home and memory care areas. I formed friendships with several residents and looked forward to spending time hearing stories, playing games, walking around the grounds, and assisting them with some of their needs. I heard stories of war, The Great Depression, love stories, and memories of lost loved ones. Many of the residents longed for someone to listen to their stories, and I loved listening to them and sharing personal stories about myself and my family as well. Those connections will always be special to me. Making a meaningful difference in my community is also important to me. As president of my local National Honor Society chapter, I’m very proud to be part of the NHS leadership team. We have two main service projects each year. The first one happens each holiday season when we raise money to buy Christmas gifts for area children who would not otherwise receive any gifts. Each year, we are able to help between 60 and 70 families in our community have a great Christmas. Our second big project is collecting winter attire during our Share the Warmth project. Over the past several years, we have collected over 6,000 winter clothing items, including gloves, winter hats, and warm socks. These items were delivered to the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission, where they are distributed to those with the most need. Because of the success of these two projects and the positive impact in the community, our NHS chapter was awarded a National Service Award of Excellence this past year. There is great personal growth and learning that comes with performing community service. For multiple years, I’ve volunteered to work as a mentor for students with autism spectrum disorder through LINKS, a peer-to-peer program at my high school. At first, I was often uncomfortable because I didn’t know what to say or how to engage with students who were different from me. I’ve learned so much! One of the things I’ve learned is that the students really aren’t that different from me, but rather they communicate in different ways. My experience with LINKS led me to volunteer with Unified Champion Schools (UCS), a part of Special Olympics. UCS brings together students with and without disabilities to play soccer, bocce ball, and basketball. In conclusion, my experiences in service have taught me the value of empathy, leadership, and inclusivity. As I look to the future, I am committed to continuing my journey of service, knowing that each act of kindness and support contributes to a stronger, more connected community.

2024 has been quite a journey for me! I’m in my Finishing-up-Highschool Era and this year has had highs and lows. A few songs from Taylor Swift’s 1989 (Taylor’s Version) album make up my 2024 soundtrack, including “Shake it Off,” “This Love,” and “Wildest Dreams.” In February, my travel soccer team made it to nationals in Tampa, Florida, which my team had worked hard to qualify for over many months. It was so exciting to be in the Florida sun with my teammates! College coaches were scouting at these games, and I was determined to show off the soccer skills I’ve spent 14 years perfecting. In the second game, I was knocked to the ground and both my ulna and radius broke in the fall. I was entering the most important time for college recruiting and I was going to be in a cast for two months. The pain was terrible, both physically and emotionally. “Nothing lasts forever, but this is gonna take me down”! Slowly, my arm healed and even though I couldn’t play with my team, I was voted to be the varsity team captain. As captain, I was able to work on my leadership skills until I could get back on the field. “… I keep cruisin’, Can’t stop, won’t stop movin’, It’s like I got this music in my mind, Sayin’, “It’s gonna be alright”. Over the summer, my long-time boyfriend and I broke up, so I started senior year feeling a little heartbroken. “Skies grew darker, Currents swept you out again, And you were just gone and gone, gone and gone.” Once again, time to “Shake it Off.” Instead, I turned my focus to choosing a college for next year. I started the process by researching schools online, and looking all over the country. I’ve visited multiple schools, and it is exciting to dream about what’s coming next. “Ooh, didn’t it all seem new and exciting?” I’m still visiting universities and working on deciding which one will be the setting for my College Era. I have learned that when roadblocks and detours cross my path, I need to “Shake it Off” so I can continue on my way to my “Wildest Dreams.” This year has taught me resilience and the importance of staying positive, no matter what life throws my way. Here’s to my Adulting Era, with my favorite Taylor Swift playlists by my side! “Nothin’ lasts forever, but this is getting’ good now”!