Living with high functioning autism and ADHD has been both a challenge and a gift. I don’t think I’m different, I just experience the world differently. I was diagnosed as a young child and went through many years of therapy to learn how to make eye contact, understand touch, and manage sensory overload. It was hard, but it gave me the foundation that I continue to use today. Growing up, school didn’t come easy. My ADHD made it difficult to stay focused, stay organized, and keep up with lessons. My autism made some situations confusing and sometimes overwhelming. I felt more comfortable talking to adults than I did classmates. At times, I would be taken advantage of or bullied and in my confusion and frustration, I learned to model that behavior. Everything started to change when I took up Taekwondo. At first I was just there to learn the movements and give my body an opportunity to let out all the energy stored up from being in school. When my parents and coach found out I was bullying, they made the decision to strip me of all my belts so that I had to start over at the beginning white belt. I was embarrassed and felt awful. That was the turning point for me, it made me realize I was embarrassing someone else and ultimately making them feel ashamed and awful. I had to earn back each belt by fully understanding and demonstrating the Taekwondo tenets: respect, integrity, perseverance, and self-control. By age 13, I earned my first-degree black belt, not because I improved physically, but matured emotionally and learning self-control and empathy. The pandemic paused my training and I took up running to keep myself busy and in shape. Running was my outlet for my energy, clear my mind, and practice discipline. It ended up being becoming a new passion that helped me stay grounded during a time of uncertainty. One of the most meaningful parts of my journey has been how to advocate for others. I joined the Freddy Ford Family Foundation’s Teen Social Club, a group that supports kids with autism. Through that group, I connected with others with stories like mine and with the help of other advocates, we launched an anti-bullying initiative called Missouri Safe At School, which pushed for legislative changes in Missouri schools that not only won two awards but was internationally recognized. What motivates me to continue my education is my desire to become an educator and help students who might feel like I once did, those bullying and those being bullied. I was once overwhelmed, overlooked, and possibly misunderstood. I want to create a classroom where every student is seen for their potential, know that challenges can be overcome, and that their minds are uniquely valuable. I am proud of how far I’ve come. Autism and ADHD still present challenges, but they no longer set a limit but shape my strengths. I’ve learned to self-advocate, strategies to stay organized and manage my time, and to seek help when needed. My faith, my family, and my experiences have guided me here and I am excited for the next chapter. Pursing higher education is my mission to serve others. I am ready to take what I’ve learned and use it to help others grow and f myself empowered. Thank you for considering my application.

Living with high functioning autism and ADHD has been both a challenge and a gift. I don’t think I’m different, I just experience the world differently. I was diagnosed as a young child and went through many years of therapy to learn how to make eye contact, understand touch, and manage sensory overload. It was hard, but it gave me the foundation that I continue to use today. Growing up, school didn’t come easy. My ADHD made it difficult to stay focused, stay organized, and keep up with lessons. My autism made some situations confusing and sometimes overwhelming. I felt more comfortable talking to adults than I did classmates. At times, I would be taken advantage of or bullied and in my confusion and frustration, I learned to model that behavior. Everything started to change when I took up Taekwondo. At first I was just there to learn the movements and give my body an opportunity to let out all the energy stored up from being in school. When my parents and coach found out I was bullying, they made the decision to strip me of all my belts so that I had to start over at the beginning white belt. I was embarrassed and felt awful. That was the turning point for me, it made me realize I was embarrassing someone else and ultimately making them feel ashamed and awful. I had to earn back each belt by fully understanding and demonstrating the Taekwondo tenets: respect, integrity, perseverance, and self-control. By age 13, I earned my first-degree black belt, not because I improved physically, but matured emotionally and learning self-control and empathy. The pandemic paused my training and I took up running to keep myself busy and in shape. Running was my outlet for my energy, clear my mind, and practice discipline. It ended up being becoming a new passion that helped me stay grounded during a time of uncertainty. One of the most meaningful parts of my journey has been how to advocate for others. I joined the Freddy Ford Family Foundation’s Teen Social Club, a group that supports kids with autism. Through that group, I connected with others with stories like mine and with the help of other advocates, we launched an anti-bullying initiative called Missouri Safe At School, which pushed for legislative changes in Missouri schools that not only won two awards but was internationally recognized. What motivates me to continue my education is my desire to become an educator and help students who might feel like I once did, those bullying and those being bullied. I was once overwhelmed, overlooked, and possibly misunderstood. I want to create a classroom where every student is seen for their potential, know that challenges can be overcome, and that their minds are uniquely valuable. I am proud of how far I’ve come. Autism and ADHD still present challenges, but they no longer set a limit but shape my strengths. I’ve learned to self-advocate, strategies to stay organized and manage my time, and to seek help when needed. My faith, my family, and my experiences have guided me here and I am excited for the next chapter. Pursing higher education is my mission to serve others. I am ready to take what I’ve learned and use it to help others grow and f myself empowered. Thank you for considering my application.

Living with high functioning autism and ADHD has been both a challenge and a gift. I don’t think I’m different, I just experience the world differently. I was diagnosed as a young child and went through many years of therapy to learn how to make eye contact, understand touch, and manage sensory overload. It was hard, but it gave me the foundation that I continue to use today. Growing up, school didn’t come easy. My ADHD made it difficult to stay focused, stay organized, and keep up with lessons. My autism made some situations confusing and sometimes overwhelming. I felt more comfortable talking to adults than I did classmates. At times, I would be taken advantage of or bullied and in my confusion and frustration, I learned to model that behavior. Everything started to change when I took up Taekwondo. At first I was just there to learn the movements and give my body an opportunity to let out all the energy stored up from being in school. When my parents and coach found out I was bullying, they made the decision to strip me of all my belts so that I had to start over at the beginning white belt. I was embarrassed and felt awful. That was the turning point for me, it made me realize I was embarrassing someone else and ultimately making them feel ashamed and awful. I had to earn back each belt by fully understanding and demonstrating the Taekwondo tenets: respect, integrity, perseverance, and self-control. By age 13, I earned my first-degree black belt, not because I improved physically, but matured emotionally and learning self-control and empathy. The pandemic paused my training and I took up running to keep myself busy and in shape. Running was my outlet for my energy, clear my mind, and practice discipline. It ended up being becoming a new passion that helped me stay grounded during a time of uncertainty. One of the most meaningful parts of my journey has been how to advocate for others. I joined the Freddy Ford Family Foundation’s Teen Social Club, a group that supports kids with autism. Through that group, I connected with others with stories like mine and with the help of other advocates, we launched an anti-bullying initiative called Missouri Safe At School, which pushed for legislative changes in Missouri schools that not only won two awards but was internationally recognized. What motivates me to continue my education is my desire to become an educator and help students who might feel like I once did, those bullying and those being bullied. I was once overwhelmed, overlooked, and possibly misunderstood. I want to create a classroom where every student is seen for their potential, know that challenges can be overcome, and that their minds are uniquely valuable. I am proud of how far I’ve come. Autism and ADHD still present challenges, but they no longer set a limit but shape my strengths. I’ve learned to self-advocate, strategies to stay organized and manage my time, and to seek help when needed. My faith, my family, and my experiences have guided me here and I am excited for the next chapter. Pursing higher education is my mission to serve others. I am ready to take what I’ve learned and use it to help others grow and f myself empowered. Thank you for considering my application.

Living with high functioning autism and ADHD has been both a challenge and a gift. I don’t think I’m different, I just experience the world differently. I was diagnosed as a young child and went through many years of therapy to learn how to make eye contact, understand touch, and manage sensory overload. It was hard, but it gave me the foundation that I continue to use today. Growing up, school didn’t come easy. My ADHD made it difficult to stay focused, stay organized, and keep up with lessons. My autism made some situations confusing and sometimes overwhelming. I felt more comfortable talking to adults than I did classmates. At times, I would be taken advantage of or bullied and in my confusion and frustration, I learned to model that behavior. Everything started to change when I took up Taekwondo. At first I was just there to learn the movements and give my body an opportunity to let out all the energy stored up from being in school. When my parents and coach found out I was bullying, they made the decision to strip me of all my belts so that I had to start over at the beginning white belt. I was embarrassed and felt awful. That was the turning point for me, it made me realize I was embarrassing someone else and ultimately making them feel ashamed and awful. I had to earn back each belt by fully understanding and demonstrating the Taekwondo tenets: respect, integrity, perseverance, and self-control. By age 13, I earned my first-degree black belt, not because I improved physically, but matured emotionally and learning self-control and empathy. The pandemic paused my training and I took up running to keep myself busy and in shape. Running was my outlet for my energy, clear my mind, and practice discipline. It ended up being becoming a new passion that helped me stay grounded during a time of uncertainty. One of the most meaningful parts of my journey has been how to advocate for others. I joined the Freddy Ford Family Foundation’s Teen Social Club, a group that supports kids with autism. Through that group, I connected with others with stories like mine and with the help of other advocates, we launched an anti-bullying initiative called Missouri Safe At School, which pushed for legislative changes in Missouri schools that not only won two awards but was internationally recognized. What motivates me to continue my education is my desire to become an educator and help students who may feel like I once did, those bullying and those being bullied. I was once overwhelmed, overlooked, and possibly misunderstood. I want to create a classroom where every student is seen for their potential, know that challenges can be overcome, and that their minds are uniquely valuable. I am proud of how far I’ve come. Autism and ADHD still present challenges, but they no longer set a limit but shape my strengths. I’ve learned to self-advocate, strategies to stay organized and manage my time, and to seek help when needed. My faith, my family, and my experiences have guided me here and I am excited for the next chapter. Pursing higher education is my mission to serve others. I am ready to take what I’ve learned and use it to help others grow and f myself empowered. Thank you for considering my application.

Living with high functioning autism and ADHD has been both a challenge and a gift. I don’t think I’m different, I just experience the world differently. I was diagnosed as a young child and went through many years of therapy to learn how to make eye contact, understand touch, and manage sensory overload. It was hard, but it gave me the foundation that I continue to use today. Growing up, school didn’t come easy. My ADHD made it difficult to stay focused, stay organized, and keep up with lessons. My autism made some situations confusing and sometimes overwhelming. I felt more comfortable talking to adults than I did classmates. At times, I would be taken advantage of or bullied and in my confusion and frustration, I learned to model that behavior. Everything started to change when I took up Taekwondo. At first I was just there to learn the movements and give my body an opportunity to let out all the energy stored up from being in school. When my parents and coach found out I was bullying, they made the decision to strip me of all my belts so that I had to start over at the beginning white belt. I was embarrassed and felt awful. That was the turning point for me, it made me realize I was embarrassing someone else and ultimately making them feel ashamed and awful. I had to earn back each belt by fully understanding and demonstrating the Taekwondo tenets: respect, integrity, perseverance, and self-control. By age 13, I earned my first-degree black belt, not because I improved physically, but matured emotionally and learning self-control and empathy. The pandemic paused my training and I took up running to keep myself busy and in shape. Running was my outlet for my energy, clear my mind, and practice discipline. It ended up being becoming a new passion that helped me stay grounded during a time of uncertainty. One of the most meaningful parts of my journey has been how to advocate for others. I joined the Freddy Ford Family Foundation’s Teen Social Club, a group that supports kids with autism. Through that group, I connected with others with stories like mine and with the help of other advocates, we launched an anti-bullying initiative called Missouri Safe At School, which pushed for legislative changes in Missouri schools that not only won two awards but was internationally recognized. What motivates me to continue my education is my desire to become an educator and help students who make feel like I once did, those bullying and those being bullied. I was once overwhelmed, overlooked, and possibly misunderstood. I want to create a classroom where every student is seen for their potential, know that challenges can be overcome, and that their minds are uniquely valuable. I am proud of how far I’ve come. Autism and ADHD still present challenges, but they no longer set a limit but shape my strengths. I’ve learned to self-advocate, strategies to stay organized and manage my time, and to seek help when needed. My faith, my family, and my experiences have guided me here and I am excited for the next chapter. Pursing higher education is my mission to serve others. I am ready to take what I’ve learned and use it to help others grow and f myself empowered. Thank you for considering my application.

I’m Hayden, a 17 year old high school senior with a deep love for my faith, running, history, and serving others. I hope to attend college to pursue a degree in Lutheran education, with a goal of becoming a teacher who creates an inclusive, compassionate, and Christ-centered classroom. I am also a young adult with high functioning autism and ADHD. From ages 3 to 5, I went through intensive therapy that helped me build the skills I needed to thrive socially, emotionally, and academically. Those early challenges shaped how I approach life, with focus, humility, and a heart for others who struggle. When I was five, I started Taekwondo, which was the biggest attribute to my growth. Early on, I didn’t fully understand the discipline or the tenets. I was both bullied and, unfortunately, began to model bullying myself. When my parents and coach found out, they held me accountable in a way I’ll never forget. I was stripped of all my belts and had to start over from the very beginning to white belt. Each time I was earning a belt back, I had to show I understood and lived out the tenets: respect, integrity, perseverance, and self-control. That experience shaped my character more than any award could have. At age 13, I earned my first-degree black belt. I was someone who truly transformed both physical but metaphysically. When the pandemic paused my Taekwondo journey, to keep up with training on my own, I took up running and became a major part of my life. Running helps me stay grounded, disciplined, and connected to my goals. My experiences with bullying also inspired me to make change and help others. I joined the Freddy Ford Family Foundation Teen Social Network, a group for teens with autism, where I connected with peers who understood my journey. Together, with the help of parent and advocates, we launched an anti-bullying project. The project, Missouri Safe At School, was designed from research and our personal experiences to address change in Missouri schools. It won two awards and was internationally recognized. Being a part of the group made an impact and confirmed my desire to be a voice for those who feel misunderstood or unseen. As a future educator, I want my classroom to be a place where every student knows they are loved, respected, and capable of growth. I will tell my personal story to show students that everyone can overcome challenges, change, and become a force for good. My family’s financial need is significant. I’m the second child going to college and while my parents are supportive and hardworking, they are stretching every resource to make it possible for me and my sister. Receiving this scholarship would not only lift a financial burden, but would allow me to follow my calling with focus and faith. Thank you for considering my application. I am excited to continue my journey as a student and as someone committed to making a difference in the lives of youth.