Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has shaped my goals for the future because it has made me determined that I will achieve my goals. Having ASD has made school a unique experience. From an early age, I have had to learn to adapt to the world around me. I learned how to communicate with others and to process the everyday sounds and happenings of school. Learning how to overcome my weaknesses in communication and sensory processing has made me stronger and more empathetic to those around me. I had the privilege of having amazing Special Education Teachers in the Baldwin County School System that helped me develop the social skills necessary to understand my ASD. I plan to become and anthropologist. To be an anthropologist, you have to be able to understand the experiences of others. Anthropologists have to remember that humans are at the center of their research. ASD has impacted my goals by creating an innate desire for learning about those that have been overlooked or misunderstood. I have always dealt with people misunderstanding or overlooking me, so I find it important that I embrace the study of humanity. It is important that we understand the differences that exist in the world and understand those that have been forgotten. While many people see ASD as an obstacle to overcome, I see it as a slight bump in the journey. While it has given me rigid routines, worries, and concerns, it has also opened the door to discoveries, interests, and people. I have learned about Dr. Brady Barr and his passion for crocodiles and reptiles. I have learned about World War II and its lasting impacts on the world. I have learned about John Deere and the history of tractors and farming. I have learned about history, culture, and philosophy and its everlasting impact on humanity. ASD has given me the gift of intellectual insight. I structure my routines and excel at school so I can pursue my love for knowledge. I excel at tasks that require focus, intense interest, and attention to detail. I have learned to advocate for myself and push for what I need. Instead of conforming to the world around me, I advocate for what I need. I set realistic goals based on my interests, needs, and abilities. My favorite club in school is Scholar's Bowl because it allows me to share the information I have learned through my research and reading. It has helped me to develop confidence and given me a voice. I have been a member of the Elberta High School band since I was a freshman. Being a member of the band has taught me social skills and helped me learn coping strategies. Band also helped me develop friendships and peer connections that I would not have been able to create in any other place. Band became a safe place for me to learn how to grow and mature as a young adult with ASD. My experiences as a teenager with ASD have not been the easiest, but groups like Scholar's Bowl and Band, have helped me learn the tools needed to grow as a young adult with ASD and given me the a safe space to find friendship. ASD has given me a unique understanding of the world around me. It has taught me the importance of accepting those with differences. ASD has helped to fuel my advocacy for the rights of all, and it has influenced me to pursue a future career where humanity is at the center what I do. I want to make sure that everyone is celebrated.

If someone were to define me with one word, it would be "nerd." I am proud to be a nerd. I love anything to do with education. My favorite club is Scholar's Bowl, and my favorite hobby is researching historical topics. My first word was "book," and my love for learning has only continued to grow from that point. As a 3 year old, I would fall asleep in a pile of books. I want to follow my passions and immerse myself in the field of anthropology and archaeology. I would like to major in and earn a bachelor's degree in anthropology and archeology. After completing my undergraduate studies, I plan to pursue a graduate degree in anthropology focusing on archeology. My professional goal is to become an archaeologist for a museum or other academic institution. I want to be able to pursue research and contribute to the world of academics. My dream is to one day write a book that makes an impact on the world. My academic goal is to rediscover the lost treasures of the world and tell the stories of those who came before us. I have always been interested in the intersections of history, geology, biology, and culture. By pursuing degrees in anthropology and archaeology, I will be able to critically analyze these intersections. I also want to be able to create a meaningful change in the world. By becoming a research anthropologist/archaeologist, I hope to bring awareness to society about the diversity of the world. I hope to bring an understanding of various cultures and the deep impact they have had on our world. I want people to understand how we can create lasting change by embracing all of those around us and understanding their valuable contributions to society. After completing my degree, I would like to contribute to research that is occurring in our communities. I want to study anthropology because I have always been curious about human cultures and the development of society. My goal is to earn an undergraduate degree in anthropology and pursue my graduate and doctoral degrees in archaeology. I have always been interested in the intersections of history, geology, biology, and culture. By pursuing degrees in anthropology and archaeology, I will be able to critically analyze these intersections. I hope to one day work at either a major university doing research on various cultures or working with a group such as National Geographic and directly immersing myself in various cultures. These studies will help us develop a deeper understanding of culture and humankind. I will be in the Honors College and participate in the many opportunities available through the Honors College. I will be involved with the research opportunities available through the Honors College. I would also like to be able to pursue summer internships to explore vast undiscovered history and stories just waiting to be told. As a lifelong resident of the Gulf Coast, I would like to be able to study and contribute to the research of our community. By becoming a research anthropologist/archaeologist, I hope to bring an awareness to society about the world around us. I hope to bring an understanding of various cultures and the impact they have had on our world. I want people to understand the contributions of those who came before us.

Autism Spectrum Disorder has shaped my goals for the future because it has made me determined that I will achieve my goals. Having Autism Spectrum Disorder has made school a unique experience. From an early age, I have had to learn to adapt to the world around me. I have had to learn how to communicate with others, and I have had to learn how to process the everyday sounds and happenings of school. Learning how to overcome my weaknesses in communication and sensory processing has made me stronger and more empathetic to those around me. Special Education has played an enormous role in helping me succeed at school. My first case managers provided me with some of the first tools to help guide me through school. They taught me social skills and helped learn what to expect in school. In elementary school, I had a difficult time understanding boundaries and social norms, but I had amazing case managers that helped me learn these concepts. I have always loved learning, but I have struggled with the social aspect of school. My middle school case manager helped me discover how to balance school and learn to develop friendship. She inspired me to become involved in extracurricular activities and advocate for my school needs. My experiences with autism have shaped the person I am today and who I want to be. Developing a sense of empathy for those around me is one of the reasons I want to become an anthropologist. To be an anthropologist, you have to be able to understand the experiences of others and observe their culture. Anthropologists have to remember that humans are at the center of all of their research. The social learning skills that I have learned throughout my experiences coping with Autism Spectrum Disorder have helped me to understand the importance of acknowledging the humanity within all of us. Autism Spectrum Disorder has impacted my goals by creating a deep sense of empathy and understanding for those that have been overlooked or misunderstood. I have always dealt with people misunderstanding or overlooking me, so I find it extremely important that I embrace the study of all of humanity. I believe that it is important that we understand the differences that exist in the world and understand those that have been forgotten. While many people see Autism Spectrum Disorder as an obstacle to overcome, I see it as a slight bump in a beautiful journey. While it has given me very rigid routines, worries, and concerns, it has also opened the door to amazing discoveries, interests, and people. I have learned about Dr. Brady Barr and his wonderful passion for crocodiles and reptiles. I have learned about World War II and its lasting impacts on the world. I have learned about John Deere and the history of tractors and farming. I have learned about history, culture, and philosophy and its everlasting impact on humanity. Autism Spectrum Disorder has given me the gift of intellectual insight. I structure my routines and excel at school so I can pursue my love for knowledge. I excel at tasks that require focus, intense interest, and attention to detail. I have learned to advocate for myself and push for what I need. Instead of conforming to the world around me, I advocate for what I need and make the world conform to my needs and expectations. I set realistic goals based on my interests, needs, and abilities. Autism Spectrum Disorder has given me an understanding of the world around me. It has helped me to understand how to communicate with others. It has taught me the importance of accepting those with differences. Autism Spectrum Disorder has helped to fuel my advocacy for the rights of all, and it has influenced me to pursue a future career where humanity is at the center of everything I do. I want to make sure that everyone is celebrated not just for their unique identity, but also for their important role in this thing we call humankind. I would not be where I am today without Special Education. It has provided me with teachers that have guided me and inspired me. They have given me the tools to understand who I am, to advocate for what I need, and to learn how to communicate with those around me. My Special Education teachers have helped me become the person I am today.

For many people, success is tied to wealth and material goods, but for me, success is tied to happiness and peace. My mom always told me that it does not matter how much you make, it only matters that you have found a career that makes you feel happy, fulfilled, and gives you a sense of purpose. My mom is a high school English teacher. She completed her MA in English and was even accepted to a doctoral program in English. She laughs that she fell into teaching high school. That accidental job teaching high school while she was trying to decide if she wanted to pursue her doctorate and teach in higher-education changed the course of her life. That accidental job gave her a greater meaning and purpose for her life than she could have ever imagined. The relationships she has made with her students and within her school community has had a profound impact on her. Although teachers are not seen as glamorous or prestigious, the impact she has had as a teacher has given her immeasurable success. I hope to achieve the same kind of success my mom has had. Although my mom did not complete her doctorate, I plan to complete my doctorate in anthropology or archaeology so I can have the same kind of meaningful success in my life. I am not concerned about money or material wealth. I want to be able to have a direct impact on those around me. I want to be able to spread an understanding of the world around us and promote cross-cultural awareness and acceptance. A career in anthropology and archaeology will help bring awareness to the inequalities and injustices of the world. Success is learning about the world around you and using those experiences to help others. This scholarship will help me to encourage change and promote equality. Success is a continual process. If we are happy with what we do, and we know we are doing something that brings good to others, that is part of being successful. I have amazing role models for success in my family. Success is hardwork and determination in the face of adversity. My grandparents are lifelong, multi-generational farmers. Regardless of the success of the crops, they are successful farmers. They believe in their family farm, and they believe in the importance of loving the land and what it means. Success is having pride in what you do and doing it selflessly. I have an aunt that is a pediatrician and an aunt that is a veterinarian. While many people would say that they are successful because they are in the medical field, I would say they are successful because they chose medical careers that are about selflessness and caring. They did not choose medical fields that are the highest paying or the most glamorous. They chose the medical fields that made them feel like they were having a direct impact on the lives of others and on the future. Success is about making a difference in the world and knowing that you are impacting others. It is about finding peace within yourself because you know that you are doing something for the betterment of mankind.

Autism Spectrum Disorder has shaped my goals for the future because it has made me determined that I will achieve my goals. Having Autism Spectrum Disorder has made school a unique experience. From an early age, I have had to learn to adapt to the world around me. I have had to learn how to communicate with others, and I have had to learn how to process the everyday sounds and happenings of school. Learning how to overcome my weaknesses in communication and sensory processing has made me stronger and more empathetic to those around me. Developing a sense of empathy for those around me is one of the reasons I want to become an anthropologist. To be an anthropologist, you have to be able to understand the experiences of others and observe their culture. Anthropologists have to remember that humans are at the center of all of their research. The social learning skills that I have learned throughout my experiences coping with Autism Spectrum Disorder have helped me to understand the importance of acknowledging the humanity within all of us. Autism Spectrum Disorder has impacted my goals by creating a deep sense of empathy and understanding for those that have been overlooked or misunderstood. I have always dealt with people misunderstanding or overlooking me, so I find it extremely important that I embrace the study of all of humanity. I believe that it is important that we understand the differences that exist in the world and understand those that have been forgotten. While many people see Autism Spectrum Disorder as an obstacle to overcome, I see it as a slight bump in a beautiful journey. While it has given me very rigid routines, worries, and concerns, it has also opened the door to amazing discoveries, interests, and people. I have learned about Dr. Brady Barr and his wonderful passion for crocodiles and reptiles. I have learned about World War II and its lasting impacts on the world. I have learned about John Deere and the history of tractors and farming. I have learned about history, culture, and philosophy and its everlasting impact on humanity. Autism Spectrum Disorder has given me the gift of intellectual insight. I structure my routines and excel at school so I can pursue my love for knowledge. I excel at tasks that require focus, intense interest, and attention to detail. I have learned to advocate for myself and push for what I need. Instead of conforming to the world around me, I advocate for what I need and make the world conform to my needs and expectations. I set realistic goals based on my interests, needs, and abilities. Autism Spectrum Disorder has given me an understanding of the world around me. It has helped me to understand how to communicate with others. It has taught me the importance of accepting those with differences. Autism Spectrum Disorder has helped to fuel my advocacy for the rights of all, and it has influenced me to pursue a future career where humanity is at the center of everything I do. I want to make sure that everyone is celebrated not just for their unique identity, but also for their important role in this thing we call humankind.

Autism Spectrum Disorder has shaped my goals for the future because it has made me determined that I will achieve my goals. Having Autism Spectrum Disorder has made school a unique experience. From an early age, I have had to learn to adapt to the world around me. I have had to learn how to communicate with others, and I have had to learn how to process the everyday sounds and happenings of school. Learning how to overcome my weaknesses in communication and sensory processing has made me stronger and more empathetic to those around me. Developing a sense of empathy for those around me is one of the reasons I want to become an anthropologist. To be an anthropologist, you have to be able to understand the experiences of others and observe their culture. Anthropologists have to remember that humans are at the center of all of their research. The social learning skills that I have learned throughout my experiences coping with Autism Spectrum Disorder have helped me to understand the importance of acknowledging the humanity within all of us. Autism Spectrum Disorder has impacted my goals by creating a deep sense of empathy and understanding for those that have been overlooked or misunderstood. I have always dealt with people misunderstanding or overlooking me, so I find it extremely important that I embrace the study of all of humanity. I believe that it is important that we understand the differences that exist in the world and understand those that have been forgotten. While many people see Autism Spectrum Disorder as an obstacle to overcome, I see it as a slight bump in a beautiful journey. While it has given me very rigid routines, worries, and concerns, it has also opened the door to amazing discoveries, interests, and people. I have learned about Dr. Brady Barr and his wonderful passion for crocodiles and reptiles. I have learned about World War II and its lasting impacts on the world. I have learned about John Deere and the history of tractors and farming. I have learned about history, culture, and philosophy and its everlasting impact on humanity. Autism Spectrum Disorder has given me the gift of intellectual insight. I structure my routines and excel at school so I can pursue my love for knowledge. I excel at tasks that require focus, intense interest, and attention to detail. I have learned to advocate for myself and push for what I need. Instead of conforming to the world around me, I advocate for what I need and make the world conform to my needs and expectations. I set realistic goals based on my interests, needs, and abilities. Autism Spectrum Disorder has given me an understanding of the world around me. It has helped me to understand how to communicate with others. It has taught me the importance of accepting those with differences. Autism Spectrum Disorder has helped to fuel my advocacy for the rights of all, and it has influenced me to pursue a future career where humanity is at the center of everything I do. I want to make sure that everyone is celebrated not just for their unique identity, but also for their important role in this thing we call humankind.