Joy: A Prize Worth Fighting For Joy contains the power to change an individual’s life, but I never knew it could fade so quickly. According to my friends and family, joy is my defining trait and smiling is my signature look; however, there have been moments where fear has drowned out my positivity. There is one fear in particular that looms over me like a dark cloud, and that fear is the future. When I was six years old, my twin brothers were diagnosed with autism. At the time I did not fully grasp the term autism, nor the long term changes it would make in the lives of my family. It was not until several years ago that I fully understood what autism meant. Autism is a type of special need and developmental disorder that comes with challenges such as verbal communication and social interaction. From that moment on, I grew up with the fear that my brothers may never gain independence in their lives.​ To this day I worry about their future because I know they will someday only have me to care for them. My grandmother, Yaya, told me to never lose hope and positivity in God and His plan because there was not enough of it in this world. God has a plan that is worth the followthrough, no matter the trials we face in life. This realization changed my life and afterward, I began living and breathing the Bible. I began reshaping my mental health and character because I knew I needed joy back in my life. After much perseverance, I finally began to see and feel color blossom in my life again. I found joy in my family’s shared circumstance. Over the many years, people who did not understand my brothers' condition have bullied them, which in turn gave me many opportunities to defend them. I now realize that my autistic brothers have affected my life in a GOOD way. I have learned how to stand up for what is right, show kindness and understanding to those with special needs, spread autism awareness to others, give grace without limit, and be a light that others might need in their lives. After much tribulation, I finally understand why the first thing that people thought of when they saw me was joy. My community of family and friends restored felicity in me, and I now feel called to build others up in a similar fashion. In the fall, I will be attending Texas A&M University to pursue a degree in event planning. With my degree, I want to piece together events to celebrate and bring more awareness to the special needs community. I want to spread joy to everyone I can, and I believe my future degree in event management would greatly help me accomplish this goal. My aim for this essay is that it may serve as a reminder to you today that there is joy in this world, just like the Hobbit Samwise Gamgee declared, and “It is worth fighting for.”

In a world that has started recognizing all types of people, we must give the special needs community more recognition--this is one of my many life goals, and it all started with my twin autistic brothers. For my whole life, my family has fought hard for the welfare of my brothers, knowing there are many overwhelming obstacles to overcome in the future. My greatest fear is being left alone with my brothers when my parents pass, without any guidance and knowledge of how to provide for them and create a secure future for them. I know there are thousands of families out there who feel the same way. Thus began the long search for a welcoming and supportive community. My family began connecting my brothers with not only a great group of occupational therapists but also other individuals with special needs. These groups have been the most inspiring, supportive, and encouraging people to my family. I believe creating fun events for individuals with special needs, such as prom and other hangouts that prove fun activities and action steps for the future, can give the special needs community more peace, security, and joy, knowing that others struggle with their same diagnosis. So with my Bachelor's Degree in event planning at Texas A&M University, I hope to accomplish my life goal of bringing more recognition to people with special needs. By investing in more secure opportunities for the future of the special needs community, so many families could take back that joy and positivity that was once taken by fear. Our world thirsts for more joy and positivity, and a nation of altruistic leaders can create that hopeful atmosphere, especially for the special needs community. With my degree in event planning, I can organize events to share love and positivity, especially towards special needs individuals. Joy is one of the most definitive and impacting characteristics a person and nation can possess. So let us create, absorb, and maintain that joy because just like Sam Gamgee boldly proclaimed, "It is worth fighting for!"

Joy: The state of happiness and felicity. Joy contains the power to change an individual’s life, but I never knew it could fade so quickly. According to my friends and family, joy is my defining trait and smiling is my signature look; however, there have been moments where fear has drowned out my positivity. There is one fear in particular that looms over me like a dark cloud, and that fear is the future. When I was six years old, my twin brothers were diagnosed with autism. At the time I did not fully grasp the term autism, nor the long term changes it would make in the lives of my family. It was not until several years ago that I fully understood what autism meant. Autism is a type of special need and developmental disorder that comes with challenges such as verbal communication and social interaction. From that moment on, I grew up with the fear that my brothers may never gain independence in their lives.​ To this day I worry about their future because I know they will someday only have me to care for them. My grandmother, Yaya, told me to never lose hope and positivity in God and His plan because there was not enough of it in this world. God has a plan that is worth the followthrough, no matter the trials we face in life. This realization changed my life and afterward, I began living and breathing the Bible. I began reshaping my mental health and character because I knew I needed joy back in my life. After much perseverance, I finally began to see and feel color blossom in my life again. I found joy in my family’s shared circumstance. Over the many years, people who did not understand my brothers' condition have bullied them, which in turn gave me many opportunities to defend them. I now realize that my autistic brothers have affected my life in a GOOD way. I have learned how to stand up for what is right, show kindness and understanding to those with special needs, spread autism awareness to others, give grace without limit, and be a light that others might need in their lives. After much tribulation, I finally understand why the first thing that people thought of when they saw me was joy. My community of family and friends restored felicity in me, and I now feel called to build others up in a similar fashion. My aim for this essay is that it may serve as a reminder to you today that there is hope in this world, just like the Hobbit Samwise Gamgee declared, and “It is worth fighting for.”

Joy: The state of happiness and felicity. Joy contains the power to change an individual’s life, but I never knew it could fade so quickly. According to my friends and family, joy is my defining trait and smiling is my signature look; however, there have been moments where fear has drowned out my positivity. There is one fear in particular that looms over me like a dark cloud, and that fear is the future. When I was six years old, my twin brothers were diagnosed with autism. At the time I did not fully grasp the term autism, nor the long term changes it would make in the lives of my family. It was not until several years ago that I fully understood what autism meant. Autism is a type of special need and developmental disorder that comes with challenges such as verbal communication and social interaction. From that moment on, I grew up with the fear that my brothers may never gain independence in their lives.​ To this day I worry about their future because I know they will someday only have me to care for them. My grandmother, Yaya, told me to never lose hope and positivity in God and His plan because there was not enough of it in this world. God has a plan that is worth the followthrough, no matter the trials we face in life. This realization changed my life and afterward, I began living and breathing the Bible. I began reshaping my mental health and character because I knew I needed joy back in my life. After much perseverance, I finally began to see and feel color blossom in my life again. I found joy in my family’s shared circumstance. Over the many years, people who did not understand my brothers' condition have bullied them, which in turn gave me many opportunities to defend them. I now realize that my autistic brothers have affected my life in a GOOD way. I have learned how to stand up for what is right, show kindness and understanding to those with special needs, spread autism awareness to others, give grace without limit, and be a light that others might need in their lives. After much tribulation, I finally understand why the first thing that people thought of when they saw me was joy. My community of family and friends restored felicity in me, and I now feel called to build others up in a similar fashion. My aim for this essay is that it may serve as a reminder to you today that there is hope in this world, just like the Hobbit Samwise Gamgee declared, and “It is worth fighting for.”

I am very blessed to attend a preparatory school in Belton, Texas that operates much like the Wizarding World of Harry Potter (yes…you read it right). It has four different houses that are led by certain students nominated by the staff. Since my sixth grade year, others have elected me as an officer of the Augustine house because of my passion and encouragement for fellow classmates, not just in House Augustine. Now I am nominated prefect of my house heading into my senior year; it is a big role that requires much responsibility, creativity, dedication, and critical thinking. Today, I believe I am a leader at heart, and I am told by my friends, family, and school that they see that trait in me---for which I am honored! I have never been more excited in my life to lead others towards the path of humility and servantheartedness in our community. I seek to be an example of the importance of volunteer work and community service. For the past two years, the house of Augustine has had the pleasure of serving at a special needs school in Killeen, Texas. This small childcare facility exists to serve children in the special-needs community and rarely has the time and assistance to deep clean and organize the facility for all the kids. Thus, two years ago the members of Augustine set out to serve their community with humble and devoted hearts. They unboxed new toys for the kids to play with, and constructed sandboxes for the kids to play in. The next service project the Augustinites organized for the Killeen school included deep cleaning each classroom and all the furniture inside and writing encouraging notes for the teachers and students to discover the next week at school. All the hard-working and dedicated Augustinites used these opportunities to show love and care to the staff and students of the small academy, just like Jesus did to everyone He encountered in His lifetime. One of the values that the wise St. Augustine cherished most was community, and the Augustine house continues to carry on that legacy by acting in love to those around it, for that is one of the greatest commandments in the Bible. In conclusion, I am very blessed and thankful to have been given the opportunity to display the joy volunteer work brings to the community. I hope this essay encourages the person reading it to participate in community service, because one small act has the power to change someone's life.

Joy: The state of happiness and felicity. Joy contains the power to change an individual’s life, but I never knew it could fade so quickly. According to my friends and family, joy is my defining trait and smiling is my signature look; however, there have been moments where fear has drowned out my positivity. There is one fear in particular that looms over me like a dark cloud, and that fear is the future. When I was six years old, my twin brothers were diagnosed with autism. At the time I did not fully grasp the term autism, nor the long term changes it would make in the lives of my family. It was not until several years ago that I fully understood what autism meant. Autism is a type of special need and developmental disorder that comes with challenges such as verbal communication and social interaction. From that moment on, I grew up with the fear that my brothers may never gain independence in their lives.​ To this day I worry about their future because I know they will someday only have me to care for them. My grandmother, Yaya, told me to never lose hope and positivity in God and His plan because there was not enough of it in this world. God has a plan that is worth the followthrough, no matter the trials we face in life. This realization changed my life and afterward, I began living and breathing the Bible. I began reshaping my mental health and character because I knew I needed joy back in my life. After much perseverance, I finally began to see and feel color blossom in my life again. I found joy in my family’s shared circumstance. Over the many years, people who did not understand my brothers' condition have bullied them, which in turn gave me many opportunities to defend them. I now realize that my autistic brothers have affected my life in a GOOD way. I have learned how to stand up for what is right, show kindness and understanding to those with special needs, spread autism awareness to others, give grace without limit, and be a light that others might need in their lives. I am very blessed to attend a preparatory school in Belton, Texas that operates much like the Wizarding World of Harry Potter (yes…you read it right). It has four different houses that are led by certain students nominated by the staff. Since my sixth grade year, others have elected me as a house officer because of my passion and encouragement for fellow classmates, not just in House Augustine. Now I am nominated prefect of my house heading into my senior year; it is a big role that requires much responsibility, creativity, dedication, and critical thinking. Today, I believe I am a leader at heart, and I am told by my friends, family, and school that they see that trait in me---for which I am honored! After much tribulation, I finally understand why the first thing that people thought of when they saw me was joy. My community of family and friends restored felicity in me, and I now feel called to build others up in a similar fashion. I have never been more excited in my life to lead others towards the path to positivity. I seek to be an example of how optimism and tenacity can truly change someone's life in a real and meaningful way. I watch my brothers struggle daily with everyday things that come naturally to neurotypical kids, and they have taught me so much, with regard to their perseverance, gratitude for the littlest of things, and grace for others’ struggles. I wish that whomever is reading this, that you seek out joy in everything you experience in life, and I challenge you to also be that spark that sets a wildfire of positivity in another's life. I have learned that joy is not only a state but also a choice. I have to choose to fight for joy. I have to choose to look toward positivity. Whether you are a follower of Christ or not, I hope through whatever trials you are facing or will face in the coming days you might think about the lessons I have learned so far. (Psalm 34:19) “In your promised trials never forget that God is present in your journey. He is your provider, comforter, and refuge.” My aim for this essay is that it may serve as a reminder to you today that there is hope in this world, just like the Hobbit Samwise Gamgee declared, and “It is worth fighting for.” In a world that has started recognizing all types of people, we must give the special needs community more recognition. My family has fought hard for the welfare of my autistic brothers and our nation can create efficient ways to give the special needs community more peace, security, and JOY. My greatest fear is being left alone with my brothers when my parents pass, without any guidance and knowledge of how to provide for them and create a secure future for them. I know there are thousands of families out there who feel the same way. By investing in more secure opportunities for the future of the special needs community, so many people could take back that joy and positivity that was once taken by fear. Many generations would benefit from these changes. Secondly, our nation must set out to create more leaders fit for guiding us to success. Too often I see leaders absorbed in their own personal desires rather than engulfed in the welfare and joy of others. Humility is the KEY to effective leadership. Our world thirsts for more joy and positivity, and a nation of humble leaders can create that hopeful atmosphere. Joy is one of the most definitive and impacting characteristics a person and nation can possess. So let us create, absorb, and maintain that joy because just like Sam Gamgee boldly proclaimed, "It is worth fighting for!"

I was standing over the bassinet in the hospital, staring at the two little babies that are now my two crazy, authentic brothers. Fast forward to kindergarten, the year that my brothers were diagnosed with autism. My family, which was once a cherry blossom amid weeds, was then becoming one of the weeds. When I was six years old, I did not fully grasp the term autism, nor the long-term changes it would make in the lives of my family. My grandmother, also known as Yaya, always told me to never lose hope and positivity because there was not enough of it in this world. Hope was the only fighting strength I had to survive as long as I have. Over the many years, people who did not understand my brothers' condition bullied them, which in turn gave me many opportunities to stand up for what is right. I now realize that my autistic brothers have affected my life in a GOOD way. I have learned how to stand up for what is right, spread kindness to those with special needs out of empathy, spread awareness to others, and be the light that others may need in their life. I go to a classical school that is run basically like Hogwarts. It has four different houses that are led by certain students nominated by the staff. Ever since sixth grade, others have elected me as a house officer. For my senior year, I was just now elected prefect, which is the leader of the whole house. It is a big role that requires much responsibility, creativity, dedication, and critical thinking. I am a leader at heart, and my friends, family, and school see that in me---wow I am honored! I have never been more excited in my life to lead others towards the path to being a cherry blossom in the midst of weeds. I cannot wait to be an example of how hope and perseverance can change someone's life in a GOOD way. Even though my essay is not about losing a family member, my essay does speak of the constant fear of losing hope and joy in my family's current circumstances. I watch my brothers struggle daily with everyday things that come naturally to neurotypical kids and they have taught me so much about perseverance, gratitude for the littlest of things, and grace for others struggles. Now, Reader, I encourage you to also be that spark that sets a wildfire of positivity in another's life.

Joy: The state of happiness and felicity. Joy contains the power to change an individual’s life, but I never knew it could fade so quickly. According to my friends and family, joy is my defining trait and smiling is my signature look; however, there have been moments where fear has drowned out my positivity. There is one fear in particular that looms over me like a dark cloud, and that fear is the future. When I was six years old, my twin brothers were diagnosed with autism. Autism is a type of special need and developmental disorder that comes with challenges such as verbal communication and social interaction. From that moment on, I grew up with the fear that my brothers may never gain independence in their lives.​ To this day I worry about their future because I know they will someday only have me to care for them. My grandmother, Yaya, told me to never lose hope and positivity in God and His plan because there was not enough of it in this world. This realization changed my life. I began reshaping my mental health and character because I knew I needed joy back in my life. After much perseverance, I finally began to see and feel color blossom in my life again. I found joy in my family’s shared circumstances. I now realize that my autistic brothers have affected my life in a GOOD way. I have learned how to stand up for what is right, show kindness and understanding to those with special needs, spread autism awareness to others, give grace without limit, and be a light that others might need in their lives. Today, I believe I am a leader at heart, and I am told by my friends, family, and school that they see that trait in me---for which I am honored! After much tribulation, I finally understand why the first thing that people thought of when they saw me was joy. My community of family and friends restored felicity in me, and I now feel called to build others up in a similar fashion. I have never been more excited in my life to lead others towards the path to positivity. I seek to be an example of how optimism and tenacity can truly change someone's life in a real and meaningful way. I watch my brothers struggle daily with everyday things that come naturally to neurotypical kids, and they have taught me so much, with regard to their perseverance, gratitude for the littlest of things, and grace for others’ struggles. I wish that whomever is reading this, that you seek out joy in everything you experience in life, and I challenge you to also be that spark that sets a wildfire of positivity in another's life. Whether you are a follower of Christ or not, I hope through whatever trials you are facing or will face in your coming days you might think upon the lessons I have learned so far. (Psalm 34:19) “In your promised trials never forget that God is present in your journey. He is your provider, comforter, and refuge.” My aim for this essay is that it may serve as a reminder to you today that there is hope in this world, just like the Hobbit Samwise Gamgee declared, and “It is worth fighting for.”

I was standing over the bassinet in the hospital, staring at the two little babies that are now my two crazy, authentic brothers, thinking to myself "This is going to be a handful" (just kidding!). Fast forward to kindergarten, the year that my brothers were diagnosed with autism. My family, which was once a cherry blossom in the midst of weeds, was then becoming one of the weeds. When I was six years old, I did not fully grasp the term autism, nor the long-term changes it would make in the lives of my family. My grandmother, also known as Yaya, always told me to never lose hope and positivity because there was not enough of it in this world. Hope was the only fighting strength I had to survive as long as I have. Over the many years, people who did not understand my brothers' condition bullied them, which in turn gave me many opportunities to stand up for what is right. I now realize that my autistic brothers have affected my life in a GOOD way. I have learned how to stand up for what is right, spread kindness to those with special needs out of empathy, spread awareness to others, be the light that others may need in their life, and be an exemplary leader. I go to a classical school that is run basically like Hogwarts. It has four different houses that are led by certain students nominated by the staff. Ever since sixth grade, others have elected me as a house officer. For my senior year, I was just now elected prefect, which is the leader of the whole house. It is a big role that requires much responsibility, creativity, dedication, critical thinking, and humility. I am a leader at heart, and my friends, family, and school see that in me---wow I am honored! I have never been more excited in my life to lead others toward the path to being a cherry blossom in the midst of weeds. I cannot wait to be an example of how hope and perseverance can change someone's life in a GOOD way. I watch my brothers struggle daily with everyday things that come naturally to neurotypical kids and they have taught me so much about perseverance through life challenges, gratitude for the littlest of things, and grace for others' struggles. Now, Reader, I encourage you to also be that spark that sets a wildfire of positivity in another's life.

I was standing over the bassinet in the hospital, staring at the two little babies that are now my two crazy, authentic brothers. Fast forward to kindergarten, the year that my brothers were diagnosed with autism. My family, which was once a cherry blossom in the midst of weeds, was then becoming one of the weeds. When I was six years old, I did not fully grasp the term autism, nor the long-term changes it would make in the lives of my family. My grandmother, also known as Yaya, always told me to never lose hope and positivity because there was not enough of it in this world. Hope was the only fighting strength I had to survive as long as I have. Over the many years, people who did not understand my brothers' condition bullied them, which in turn gave me many opportunities to stand up for what is right. I now realize that my autistic brothers have affected my life in a GOOD way. I have learned how to stand up for what is right, spread kindness to those with special needs out of empathy, spread awareness to others, and be the light that others may need in their life. I go to a classical school that is run basically like Hogwarts. It has four different houses that are led by certain students nominated by the staff. Ever since sixth grade, others have elected me as a house officer. For my senior year, I was just now elected prefect, which is the leader of the whole house. It is a big role that requires much responsibility, creativity, dedication, and critical thinking. I am a leader at heart, and my friends, family, and school see that in me---wow I am honored! I have never been more excited in my life to lead others toward the path to being a cherry blossom in the midst of weeds. I cannot wait to be an example of how hope and perseverance can change someone's life in a GOOD way. I watch my brothers struggle daily with everyday things that come naturally to neurotypical kids and they have taught me so much about perseverance, gratitude for the littlest of things, and grace for others' struggles. When I finish studying my major in business I want to use my strengths of organization and planning and life-learned lessons to lead others just like I will be doing my senior year. I want to lead others in a way that glorifies Christ and proclaims His goodness, and celebrate those who the world titles "different". Now, Reader, I encourage you to also be that spark that sets a wildfire of positivity in another's life.

I was standing over the bassinet in the hospital, staring at the two little babies that are now my two crazy, authentic brothers. Fast forward to kindergarten, the year that my brothers were diagnosed with autism. My family, which was once a cherry blossom in the midst of weeds, was then becoming one of the weeds. When I was six years old, I did not fully grasp the term autism, nor the long-term changes it would make not only in the lives of my brothers but also in the lives of the rest of my family. My grandmother, also known as Yaya, always told me to never lose hope and positivity because there was not enough of it in this world. Hope was the only fighting strength I had to survive as long as I have. Over the many years, people who did not understand my brothers' condition bullied them, which in turn gave me many opportunities to stand up for what is right. I now realize that my autistic brothers have affected my life in a GOOD way. I have learned how to stand up for what is right, spread kindness to those with special needs out of empathy, spread awareness to others, and be the light that others may need in their life. I go to a classical school that is run basically like Hogwarts. It has four different houses that are led by certain students nominated by the staff. Ever since sixth grade, others have elected me as a house officer. For my senior year, I was just now elected prefect, which is the leader of the whole house. It is a big role that requires much responsibility, creativity, dedication, and critical thinking. I am a leader at heart, and my friends, family, and school see that in me---wow I am honored! I have never been more excited in my life to lead others toward the path to being a cherry blossom in the midst of weeds. I cannot wait to be an example of how hope and perseverance can change someone's life in a GOOD way. I watch my brothers struggle daily with everyday things that come naturally to neurotypical kids and they have taught me so much about perseverance, gratitude for the littlest of things, and grace for others' struggles. Now, Reader, I encourage you to also be that spark that sets a wildfire of positivity in another's life.