What inspires me to pursue a career in mental health and education is the impact both fields have had on my life. Growing up undiagnosed with autism, I struggled to navigate the world not designed for me to fit into it, often just falling short of reaching my true potential. My journey included four inpatient hospitalizations within a single year. However, it was during that last influential hospital stay that I made a decision. I would no longer let my past define my future. Instead, I am absolutely determined to use my personal experiences, empathy, and resilience to help other children who struggle to find their place in the world. I want to see as many children live life to the fullest because once you realize it, life really is beautiful. Following that last, transformative hospital stay, I was introduced to ABA therapy. It was through this that I discovered my true calling. I realized that ABA is the perfect blend of the two things I have always wanted to do in life, educating children and studying the inner workings of the human brain to understand and help those with mental struggles. Through my own progress, I saw how ABA goes beyond mere behavior management, it provides ways of independence and a better quality of life. This realization brought me to my decision to study psychology and, eventually, to pursue my Master’s in ABA therapy at Rowan University. I plan to use the insights from my own lived experiences to bring a high level of empathy, understanding, and relatability to children going through similar challenges. The world is a terrifying place and I wish someone who understood how I viewed the world was there for me when I was younger. I know what it feels like to be misunderstood, and I aim to be the advocate I needed when I was younger. My ultimate goal is to change the lives of children by providing a safe and nurturing space where they can thrive, learn, and adapt to the world around them. I believe that even if I only make a lasting impact on one child’s life, my mission will have been completed. I know from experience that it doesn’t take a superhero to help someone, it just takes a patient shoulder to cry on or a steady hand to hold. I envision my life’s work as a calling, dedicated to making a purposeful, meaningful, and lasting difference in the lives of children with autism.