When I was around the age of 2, I experienced a massive skill regression that led to me losing most of my expressive and receptive language skills. I could no longer follow instructions, respond to my name, and I had lost all the words I previously had. My parents were terrified, and immediately enrolled me in an early start program for children with special needs. Once I turned 3, and graduated from the program, I was evaluated by the school system to see if I would qualify for services. After a long examination, I was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. While I was showing progress at this time, my parents were still concerned about my future. It was uncertain, as the path to understanding is different for each individual with the diagnosis. Some will require 24/7 life-long care, and some can live completely independently. Even though I was making progress with my PECS(Picture Exchange Communication System), my parents still didn’t know if I would be able to have an independent life. Then, with the help of numerous ABA and speech hours, I was able to speak. First, I spoke in scripted sentences, saying “I want (item)” for everything. My mom once told me about this one time during my preschool Christmas party, how every single kid there was saying which item they wanted to receive. But, when it was my turn, I said “I want a gift” because I was still developing my fluency. Then, I started to read, and my mom claims that I learned to read aloud before I could speak. According to her, I was able to read a paper out to my entire preschool class, but I still couldn’t answer intraverbal questions. I remember reading that paper, remember using PECS, and attending a hybrid preschool. I thought it was normal, and didn’t question it until I started working as an RBT(Registered Behavior Technician.) When I looked up PECS for a client I was working with, they felt strangely familiar. Up until this time, I did not know I had received services, as my parents didn’t talk about it with me. However, my mom had mentioned that I was diagnosed with Autism when I was very little. So, I went up to her, asked her about PECS, and if I had ever used them. Then, she told me this entire story, and how my therapists gave my parents hope for a better future. I’ve been working as a Registered Behavior Technician for one year, and it has inspired me to go and pursue a degree in speech language pathology. Currently, I’m working with a child who is going through that same language explosion, and I’ve also worked with a child who appeared to be learning to read before they could speak. My past experiences motivate me, as I would love to help others to develop the skills I did when I was a child. As an RBT, I’ve seen how it helps the children, and how they’re significantly less stressed when they can communicate what they need. I’ve seen kids go from having severe tantrums, to being able to say “I need space” when they need a break from me talking. I’ve worked with children who at first would get frustrated when they couldn’t tell me what they needed, but with enough time, would ask for the item almost every minute. The progress a child makes under your care is the most rewarding thing to experience as a special needs professional, and for this reason, I would love to continue working in the field.

Good morning, my name is Jasmine LeNoir, and I'm currently a freshman at Mt. San Jacinto Community College District. I consider myself to be heavily involved in my community, from working 2 jobs, to participating in numerous extracurriculars, I love to keep myself busy. Out of all my activities, I'd say the two I'm the most proud of are my involvement in Phi Theta Kappa and my job as a behavior technician. As a behavior tech, I love making a difference in the lives of the children I work with. I primarily work with children on the Autism spectrum, and my job is to make sure they meet goals set by my BCBA. Goals vary, but they usually are focused on helping a student to integrate into daily life. For example, one student's goal could be to say hi to people, whereas another's could be to remain quiet for a set period of time. I love my job because not only will it be great for my future, but because it's also taught me more about others. As a psychology major, I strive to be the best person I can be, because I want all my clients to see me as a helpful person, and not an authority figure. My job has taught me how to be an enforcer without being feared, and I'm thankful for that because that skill will take me far in this world. A scholarship like this would help me to pay for my future university expenses. I have enough money to pay for community college, however, university is a different story. Since it can cost up to $10,000 for tuition at a local state school, going to a college can be a scary experience for one's finances. According to the Education Data Initiative, the average student loan debt is "$37,853 per borrower" (Hanson). My goal is to graduate from college with less than $10,000 in student debt. A scholarship like this could help me to achieve this while also helping me reach my academic goals. I'd love to go to graduate school too, so a scholarship like this could help me to save up for when the time comes. My goal is to become a lawyer, and if not that, then a BCBA. Specifically, I'd love to graduate from my major with at least a 3.5 GPA. In terms of graduate school, I want to study in-state and to attend one with great career prospects. I contribute to my community through volunteering and by being productive. I work 2 jobs, and I volunteer at my local church. Next semester, I'd like to volunteer for my college by being more active in Phi Theta Kappa. In terms of my strengths, when I contribute to my community, I bring forward my persistence, empathy, and strong work ethic to the table. My friends also describe me as a caring person, and that I'm much stronger than I claim. I've developed these traits because of my struggles, which have turned me into a better person. When I was in high school, I failed to perform to the best of my ability because I was struggling with numerous mental health problems. From this experience, I learned that good health is a privilege, and that you should make the most of it while you have it. I work hard today, because I look at the person I used to be, and I see that she prayed to be where I am today. When I'm struggling, I look at her, and realize that if she could persist, that so can I.

The vibrant lights filled the whole room, and the performers danced to what would be their final tour. As we waited for their performance in the audience, excitement filled our hearts as the curtains started to open. When I was 17 years old, my mom took me to my first concert. At the venue, the two of us got to see Foreigner on their last tour for less than $100 each. As a child, I had always listened to the same music as my parents. If they listened to Chicago, then I would listen to that band as well. I remember always listening to music with them on short and long drives. Out of all of us, I would say that I'm the biggest fan of music in the house. When I was younger, I would always beg my parents for the music to be just a little louder, so that I could hear the instruments in the background playing their tunes. I was also involved in band and choir, furthering my love for music. One of the bands that our family always listened to was Foreigner. Out of all of Foreigner's songs, my favorite has got to be "I Want to Know What Love Is." The slow pacing and the sweet music notes make it a great song to listen to at night, and it's also wonderful to listen to while studying. I remember this one night, where it was raining, and we were driving home from Castle Park. When that song played, I closed my eyes and let it take me on a journey in my mind. As the clouds thickened, and the sky cried harder, I was in my own little world. I was having vivid dreams as we drove on, not knowing when the end would be. On the night of the concert, I remember my mom and I dancing to every song. The music moved the meeting, and people were dancing and cheering and partying at every corner of the room. Superfans were huddled near the front of the stage, hoping to get noticed or to get an autograph from their favorite members. I was in one of the front rows with my mother, listening to the waves while being amazed by the scene of the place. Lights illuminated every seat, screens showed every scene, and the speakers were as clear as a sunny day. I took many photos(maybe too many) and l felt astonished at that pretty sight. Before the concert ended, the band decided to bring up a local choir from our city to sing with them. They were from one of the high schools nearby, and the band encouraged everyone to donate to them, as they rocked out while singing "I wanna know what love is...I want you to show me!" I felt moved by the contribution they made to our community, and I loved how they got to sing together with each other. Music is to key to success. Many studies prove that a musical education can encourage a student to get higher grades, participate in great extracurriculars, and can enhance a person's IQ. If I could make one decision for America's school system, I would require a music class to be in every school. Not only can it be the start of a fun career, but it can also increase one's appreciation and admiration for the music of today. I loved my first concert, and I believe that my brief education in music was what made it one of the best experiences of my life.