The journey that led me to advocate for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is deeply personal. My daughter’s autism diagnosis reshaped my world and set me on a path of learning, understanding, and unwavering advocacy. As a parent, I quickly realized that navigating life with an autistic child meant facing barriers that many others never have to consider—accessing quality therapies, securing educational accommodations, and finding inclusive spaces where she could thrive. More than anything, it meant becoming her voice in a world that often does not fully understand neurodiversity. At first, my advocacy was focused on my daughter alone. I immersed myself in research, sought out the best therapies, and learned how to fight for the resources she needed. But as I connected with other parents facing similar challenges, I realized that my voice could be used to help more than just my own child. I saw families struggling to access early intervention services, parents overwhelmed by the complex systems of support, and children who weren’t receiving the accommodations they needed to succeed. It was then that I knew I had to do more. I became a Connect Group leader for the Autism Support of Alabama, a non profit organization where I support and guide other parents who are navigating the world of autism. Through this role, I provide resources, encouragement, and a safe space for parents to share their experiences. Advocacy is not just about raising awareness—it is about action. I work to ensure families know their rights, understand the services available to them, and feel empowered to advocate for their children. Beyond direct advocacy, I also focus on fostering inclusivity and acceptance in the broader community. Society often misunderstands autism, focusing only on its challenges rather than recognizing the unique strengths and potential of autistic individuals. I strive to change this narrative by promoting autism acceptance, educating others, and encouraging inclusive environments where autistic individuals are valued for who they are. Looking ahead, I plan to expand my advocacy efforts by working more directly with organizations that support autistic individuals and their families. I want to contribute to policy changes that improve access to early intervention, therapy services, and inclusive education. Additionally, I hope to work with schools and community programs to create spaces where autistic individuals can flourish without barriers. Eventually, I plan to transition from advocacy into a professional role that allows me to make an even greater impact. My goal is to work in the disability services field, ensuring that individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities receive the support they need to reach their full potential. This scholarship would not only help me continue my work as an advocate but also allow me to further my education and take my efforts to the next level. Being the parent of an autistic child has been a transformative experience. It has given me a purpose far greater than myself. I am committed to ensuring that every individual with autism has the opportunity to thrive, and I will continue to be a voice for those who need it the most.

The Basic Principle my parents taught me is that if I demand honesty from others, I first need to be honest with myself and the people around me. My true character shines through my values and actions, as well as the smiles of others I've encountered along the journey. Honesty has enabled me to envision a future founded on my history without having to keep the repeat button pressed. Only people who benefit from their mistakes will not be bound to repeat them. And I hope I never go back to pointing fingers because I needed a scapegoat to relieve my paranoia. Personal responsibility is defined by honesty. And as a human being, I am liable for the future I shape, because even a single individual may affect the world, just as a solitary seed releases the existence of a tree, which can foster or even restrict the growth of other seedlings through excessive shade. When I look in the mirror, I see myself. Each of us is a seed with potential, and together we can select what sort of trees we would become. Whatever negative circumstances you are now experiencing, each one has a purpose. It's tough for most of us to comprehend that a child's death or being given a cancer diagnosis is a blessing. I'm speaking from personal experience. I was sexually abused when I was eight years old. It took some time for me to see it as an educational moment. The way you approach hardship can either set you free from grief, confusion, guilt, and dread, or it will negatively impact every element of your life. You will be at a fork in the path after an unfortunate tragedy. You may either look at it as a gift or let your past rule the remainder of your life. When you're in an emotional condition, it's critical to encircle yourself with individuals who are encouraging and supporting. Humans conform to their surroundings. Conformity is defined as a behavioral change caused by another individual or a group of people. When faced with difficulty, it is critical to surround oneself with individuals who embrace your flaws, blunders, and defects. Doing everything can be difficult; however, if you have a supporting team behind you, it is much simpler to embrace yourself. My dream career is to be a human resource manager who specifically deals with making sure inclusion and diversity is throughout the workplace. I feel like lack of diversity, equity, and inclusion is a real world problem. While many organizations have increased their emphasis on diversification, equality, and inclusion in recent years, there is still substantial opportunity for improvement. Hiring people from various backgrounds and pushing diversity programs are just the beginning. Equality, diversity, and inclusion all go hand in hand, and in order to see true organizational change, businesses must create a truly accessible work culture. This entails extending activities beyond the employment process and offering equal opportunity and respect at all points of contact with employees. While inclusion, diversity, and equity are at danger during a crisis or downturn, businesses must realize the critical role they play in future betterment, resilience, and overall success. Effective techniques such as mixing up your teams, being aware of unconscious bias, communicating the importance of managing bias, pay equality, acknowledge holidays of all cultures, etc. will improve employee support, foster culture, and foster a thriving organization. Staff will be more engaged if they arrive at work each day, whether it be in person or online, feeling secure, connected, and heard.

One of the distinctive aspects of nature is whether it draws us into sensory awareness vs being tangled up in our thinking. Whenever your senses are attracted by the elegance and wonder of a natural scene, all the clutter of intellectual chatter that ordinarily clutters our attention slows down. Consider that having a tranquil mind based in the senses represents a significant leap in perception from how most contemporary individuals spend their time. This happens to anyone who takes adequate time outdoors nature with the purpose of expanding their perspective of life. Personally, I think this is among the best approaches to acquire a flood of new ideas. I may begin feeling worried or uncertain, but as I roam and sit in silence in beautiful areas, I begin to feel better, which clears my thoughts and allows me to discover new opportunities that I had not previously considered. I adore how we have an endless supply of wisdom, inspiration, and creativity right at my fingertips. As I started to invest additional time outdoors, I realized that, aside from the obvious professional and personal benefits, being around by natural things simply makes me happy. Nature seems to be less about me attempting to improve myself and more about simply appreciating how much I adore songbirds, forests, flowers, sunlight, puffy clouds, mountains, and meadows. When you give it a chance, I think you'll feel the same way I do about nature as well.

Generosity - the attribute of being kind and sympathetic, as well as the readiness to give others valuable goods — is frequently described as the act of selflessness. Generosity is a gift that actually keeps on giving. Every day, we are presented with thousands of chances to be kind; by making generosity a lifestyle, we can do a world of good for ourselves and others. We feel much better about ourselves when we are generous. Generosity is a natural boost of confidence as well as a natural repellent of self-hatred. We establish a more outward attitude toward the world by concentrating on what we give rather than what we receive, which changes our attention away from ourselves. While it is necessary to retain a high degree of self and sensitivity to oneself, we all too frequently look at ourselves through a negative lens. When we are generous, we may give items or money away or put others ahead of ourselves. But there is much more to charity than money and possessions. We demonstrate generosity of spirit when we are forgiving, modest, and gentle to others. Giving others respect and assistance demonstrates generosity. The world would undoubtedly be a brighter place if we were much more giving than we are now.

Being a military brat means being exposed to cultures and so many different places that most people would never see or experience. This exposure to other cultures and people instills in military children a greater awareness for variety and encourages open-mindedness. Meeting new people, going to other parts of the world, beginning a new lifestyle and journey, and being able to assist your parents and attend their promotions are all fantastic aspects of being a military child. These are the pinnacles of my upbringing as a military kid. I'm grateful for how military life sculpted, molded, and formed me into the person I am today. I was a timid, quiet youngster from the start. Although my siblings were gregarious, I struggled with social anxiety when we moved to new places. However, as I grew older, I saw myself becoming bolder with every new address. I had grown accustomed to the environment I was raised into, and it instilled in me the confidence that I could undertake tough things, even if they worried me. This attribute has remained with me throughout my adulthood—even when change occurs, I know I can handle it gracefully. Those are the moments I cherish the absolute most that helped shaped the woman I am today.  Being a military child means spending a lot of time with other military families, especially if you reside on base. Now that I'm an adult, I recognize how unusual and unique this is. Many military children are socially savvy as a result of frequent travels and exposure to other cultures. This benefits them throughout all stages of their lives, but notably when it comes down to work possibilities and performance. While many people regard members of the military as remote members of our Military Forces, I viewed them as individuals. I viewed them for what they were: average men and women infused with bravery and a sense of responsibility, not superheroes. Life on base is a unique experience. Considering the fact that it is only  temporary and individuals arrive and go, there will always be a sense of belonging—of being part of a bigger military family. Other families came forward to help even though my father was deployed. When other families' needs were met, we did the same. Let's also not overlook how our parents are living heroes who fight for our liberty and our country. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have my father as a hero, as well as the role he performs in safeguarding our freedoms and privileges.

A happy life necessitates good mental health. It influences our feelings, thoughts, and behaviors by embracing our psychological, physical, and sociological well-being. Of course, prioritizing mental wellness is crucial. There are frightening statistics to illustrate that mental health is a major concern in the United States. Unfortunately, there is also a notable stigma associated to anything mental health related, which is why it is critical that we recognize improved mental health tasks and resources to remove the challenges that have been erected that prevent us from acknowledging mental performance in a positive, constructive way. You should give yourself time to check in with yourself and assess your mental wellbeing on a frequent basis so that you can adequately address your requirements. My mental state is much more vital than ever; it affects all aspect of our life. Everything that we do, feel, or say is influenced by our mental health. Sustaining positive mental health and managing any mental health disorders are critical for me in order to stabilize constructive actions, emotions, and thoughts. Concentrating on mental care has increased my productivity, improved my self-image, and strengthened my relationships. Having those difficult conversations and acknowledging there is an issue means we can find a solution. We can begin to dispel the shame and anxiety that are frequently linked with mental health issues. This increases the possibility of someone seeking out for help when they need it, which is a sign of confidence. Working together helps us to provide the groundwork for a foundation that recognizes and values the value of healthy mental health. One of the most convincing arguments for its importance is the connection among mental health and relationships. Mental illness may affect how we connect with our family and friends. Passive-aggressiveness, antagonism, and an inability to contribute to the community are all common symptoms of mental diseases. This may lead to disagreements with our relatives and friends. For no apparent reason, mental disorder has the capacity to force us to destroy our loved ones. Self-care and, if necessary, medicines for mental health can result in healthier existence while also sustaining our relationships. Another advantage of concentrating on mental health awareness is that it might raise awareness of specific illnesses' signs and symptoms. A diseased mind might drive us to lose pleasure in the activities we previously enjoyed. It can cause highs and lows and overburden us to the point where we are unable to do even the most basic activities. Undiagnosed mental health is frequently associated with emotions of hopelessness, melancholy, worthlessness, shame, stress, fear, and a seeming lack of control. It is critical to recognize these signs and get mental health advice from a qualified practitioner now before it's too late. Early intervention predicts the success of mental health treatment for many illnesses. The sooner someone can be diagnosed and receives therapy, the better their chances of recovery. We can improve support services for those dealing with mental diseases if we aggressively promote the importance of mental health awareness. It has the ability to create a more compassionate and caring global society, increasing the odds of survival in cases of mental illness. Understanding about mental illnesses and educating others about it can help us effect needed changes and heal the earth – an individual at a time!

Among the many functions performed by the human resource department of a successful company is the monitoring of the progress of other personnel management tasks. Studying human resources will provide me with the most secure path to pursuing it as a profession. As a matter of fact, obtaining a qualification in human resource management will not only help me climb the corporate ladder, but there are numerous other advantages to studying human resource management. When you study human resources, you open yourself up to a variety of opportunities at a variety of firms. Effectively managing various individuals in a corporate context is a critical component of achieving good performance, and this is one of the many characteristics of a human resource that can be applied in any industry. The subject matter you study will prepare me for a wide range of career paths and professional positions in human resource management and related fields. Administration, communication, multitasking, reporting, and presentations are some of the additional managerial abilities I will master that will be valuable in my day-to-day tasks. Interacting with new people on a daily basis is an important part of the job of a human resource officer, and thus understanding how people react to one another will be vital to your success in this field. The management of personnel affairs will become second nature as I gain business and real-world experience. From the hiring process to dispute resolution, I will become an expert in the field. Human resource specialists have a unique perspective on the companies for which they work. What distinguishes them from the competition is not only their in-depth awareness of an organization's aims and issues, but also their capacity to impact the future of the firm through their personnel selections. I intend to use my human resources degree in the hopes of motivating employees to perform at the maximum level possible and maintaining a high morale culture inside the firm. One of the most important ways that human resources provides value to a company is by persuading corporate executives to invest in training and development, as well as in rewarding outstanding performance with improved remuneration and regular promotions. This includes creating effective job designs and hiring the most qualified workers to fill those positions. This includes implementing effective interviewing and screening processes, preparing for orientation and training, creating effective employee evaluation tools, and developing motivating remuneration schemes that take use of all that your company has to offer.

I don't think of mental health as a vague idea. When I was in high school, a busy and very successful family member of mine had a major depressive episode. While my family tried to figure out what was going on, everything stopped. We had never even thought about mental health, let alone talked about it. I didn't know when I was a teen that mental illness is the same as a physical illness. We don't judge someone for being sick, so why do we when it comes to their mental health? I've learned that most people with depression keep it to themselves, even from themselves, and forget that it affects everyone around them. It would be an understatement to say that dealing with COVID-19 at work is stressful, especially if you work from home. There are many other things that can add to this stress, such as caring for children or elderly people, worrying about money, having health problems, and so on. If you're lucky, you might have a few trusted friends with whom you can talk about your feelings. However, most people don't think that bringing their feelings to work is the best way to get ahead. I'm always looking for ways to relate, connect, and make talking about mental health more normal, and it starts with me. If you ask me how I'm doing, I'll be honest: It's been hard to deal with the pandemic. I always hear a low-level hum of bad things going on in the background. I don't tell you this to make myself feel good; I tell you this to offer a lifeline, start a conversation, and connect with you. One that can save the day or even the life of someone. I do this by telling the people I care about that IT IS OKAY TO NOT BE OKAY. It improves not only health but also connection and staying power. People can do their best when they are at their best. By taking a more open, vulnerable, and caring approach to mental health and wellness, we can increase productivity, engagement, and retention. It also makes us better people.

Some of the challenges I have had to overcome throughout my life due to the color of my skin would have to be lack of diversity and/or inclusion. Diversity can be described as the "existence of difference in a specific circumstance," which is a straightforward definition. It depicts the portrayal of individual differences as well as the constellations of those diverse intersecting differences. Race, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic class, ability, and religion are just a few of the disparities that are frequently brought up in conversation. As well as representing social and group distinctions, diversity represents the representation of factors such as cultural capital, positional power, and privilege. What constitutes a difference is constantly growing and expanding in significance. It is necessary to undertake long-term efforts to recognize, engage with, and appreciate the differences that exist today and will exist in the future among the people who make up our communities. In its most fundamental application, variety is essentially a matter of makeup. This means that if you were to catalog or conduct a census of the participants in your program, you would discover a diverse range of different backgrounds and experiences represented. A number of critics, however, believe that this compositional approach to diversity is still an unfinished notion. It is true that there is representation; nevertheless, representation does not imply transformation or a sense of community. Inclusion is a process of constant engagement with differences (our individual and group differences). This interaction should have the explicit purpose of gaining a better understanding of how power works, as well as an acknowledgment of the positionality that exists amongst people of different backgrounds. Diversity has ramifications for the individual as well as for groups, institutions, and systems in terms of their historical, present, and future implications. An authentic environment that is accepting and committed to difference can be created through the conscious celebration of diversity, which includes the act of creating and honoring the space that both individuals and groups maintain.   Putting an emphasis on inclusion means going beyond simply recruiting for diverse populations or participants and instead rethinking systems in terms of how they interact with people who have marginalized identities, as well as how they practice and overcome barriers that both increase and decrease retention of people with marginalized identities. Inclusion is more than just a desire for or observation of variety; it is a pledge to remodel the community, the climate, and the physical environment into one that fosters constant transformation.

Don't doubt their abilities or abilities. For the first time, or after a long absence from college, it is necessary to take a leap of faith and enroll in college courses. You may help raise your loved one's confidence in their capacity to achieve as a student by expressing your belief and support. Do all you can to help out. Encourage others in person, by text, email, or even social media! Encouragement is contagious. "You can do it!" or "I'm so proud of you," or "Thanks for working so hard!" may sound insignificant, but if you encourage your loved one on frequently and with feeling, they will have no questions about your want to see them succeed. Make a big deal out of important anniversaries. Congratulations to your loved one on completing another semester of school! Give a hug, a high-five, or a cupcake to someone who has done well on a test. Become a part of it. Seeing your loved one move closer and closer to a college diploma should be a reason for happiness. Be motivated. In the face of obstacles, problems, or uncertainties, it is uplifting to witness someone you care about succeed in accomplishing a goal. It's not easy to go back to school, but it's just for a short time. A college degree lasts a lifetime. "Enjoy" the little victories. Is a Facebook acquaintance returning to school? Pay close attention to what's been posted on their timeline. A note of encouragement should be sent to everyone who mentions studying for an exam. The smallest of academic accomplishments, such as turning in a paper on time, to the largest, such as earning credit transfer, should be celebrated. Show your interest and concern for their well-being. Make sure to keep an eye on the young ones. You owe it to the people you care about, whether they're your significant other, your best friend, your brother or sister, or even your child, to be there often to assist out with the kids. The amount of work an adult learner can accomplish in just four hours of kid-free time on a Saturday morning may surprise you. Finally, pay attention. Your loved one may have days where they believe that obtaining a college degree is impossible. Listening may be all that matters on those days.