I took a class in Spring 2024 about serving exceptional children and their families when I eventually become an educator. It was heartbreaking. We had a semester-long group project where were researched the daily practices of a single parent household immigrant family with two children: one atypically (Severe ASD) and one typically developing. We had to search for details about everyday living such as childcare, education, refugee assistance, medical care, and even details like eating habits, play patterns, and more. What we learned is that being a child with ASD or having a child with ASD is impossible, yet millions of people do it every single day. We had the opportunity to learn about the struggles emotionally but also the faults of our public education system(s) and how we fail our exceptional children and families. It was one of the most angering and inspiring experiences I have had in my college career thus far. Mainly I left that class feeling like the only thing I could do was change the way I approach education and childcare. I work at a preschool and since this class, have done just about everything I can to understand developmental milestones, to comprehend the ways to acquire IEPs and external resources for families, and financial/educational supports. All so that any child I interact with who has ASD or any other developmental delay/adjustment can know as soon as possible and begin receiving support that will change their lives today. 40% of Deaf children are born with at least one other physical or psychological exceptionality further affecting their ability to acquire and succeed in their education. Public Deaf education is underfunded and under-supported. I've spent a lot of time and energy researching how I can and will change the ways our society is built to help this community (and the various ones within) achieve basic social, emotional, and educational rights. It starts with me, my education, and my understanding of how to serve this community in my personal life. Roughly 1 in 59 Deaf children will also have ASD which means that every 2 years I will have a student who experiences Autism Spectrum Disorder. The questions I ask myself often are: How am I going to create and maintain proper knowledge of how to serve these children and their families? How will I advocate for their needs and rights inside and outside of my classroom? In all honesty, I am still trying to figure all that out. However, I do know that I need to continue educating myself and those around me on the ways to identify those with ASD. This also includes the social stigmas we have, and the basics to approaching a child in a classroom with ASD. Most importantly though I think my academic pedagogy surrounding my role in the education system centers mainly on love. How will I love these children? How will I show them true acceptance, give them the space to experience my classroom and the capacity to accept themselves and grow? How will I provide meaningful support that does not have to do with math/science.etc, but rather essential life skills that will follow them into their adulthood? If my education taught me anything it's that although my basic STEM and English knowledge is foundational, my ability to communicate, advocate for myself, pursue everyday resources, and make a difference to those around me is far more important. Showing up honestly in my education, my jobs, my friendships, family and romantic relationships, and being a good genuine person are concepts I hope to pass along.

I got clean and sober one month into my Freshman year of college (18 y/o). Sobering up in the dorms was the most difficult thing I have ever done, but I love my life today because of it. I still have challenges but my life took on a new meaning when I walked through the doors of Alcoholics Anonymous. I took my last drink/drug on October 29th, 2022. I never imagined what life would look like sober, and I definitely didn't think I would be an active member of AA. I try my best to practice the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous in all my affairs. I have a sponsor and we've worked the steps, I have multiple service positions, and I have a home group that I show up to every week so that I can carry the message to the next suffering alcoholic. I truly believe that AA saved me and gave me a life worth living. To me, recovery is more than physical sobriety, it's a guide to living. I can't live a meaningful life if I am being dishonest, stealing, or pushing myself away from the principles I have come to learn about so much: humility, gratitude, etc. If all I do is stay sober, help others, and be present, I'll live a good life! I've spent the past year and a half structuring my adult life around AA and although I still feel pretty lost and confused sometimes, I know I am in the right place.