Living with autism has had a major impact on my beliefs, relationships, and the direction I want my life to take. For a long time, I didn’t fully understand why certain things felt more difficult for me than they seemed for others. Communication, social situations, and adjusting to different environments didn’t always come naturally, and because of that, there were times where I felt misunderstood or out of place. Those experiences shaped how I see the world. I’ve come to believe that people should not be judged based on how they communicate or process things differently. Everyone has their own way of understanding the world, and those differences should be respected, not overlooked. Because I’ve personally experienced what it feels like to be misunderstood, I’ve developed a strong sense of empathy for others who may feel the same way. My relationships have also been shaped by my experience with autism. I tend to value deeper, more genuine connections rather than surface-level interactions. Because communication has sometimes been a challenge for me, I’ve learned to really listen and pay attention to others. I notice things that might be overlooked, like when someone seems uncomfortable or left out. That awareness has helped me become a better friend and someone people can rely on. At the same time, I’ve had to grow in confidence within my relationships. There were times when I stayed quiet because I wasn’t sure how I would be received. Over time, I realized that being myself is more important than trying to fit into expectations that weren’t made for me. That shift has helped me build stronger, more authentic relationships with others. My experience with autism has also influenced my career aspirations in a significant way. It has led me toward the mental health field because I want to help others who feel misunderstood or overlooked. I know how important it is to have someone who listens without judgment and takes the time to understand you. In the future, I want to be that person for others. I am especially interested in supporting individuals who may feel like they don’t fully fit in, including those with autism or other mental health challenges. Too often, people are expected to adjust themselves to fit into systems that were not designed for them. I want to help create environments where people are accepted as they are and supported in ways that actually work for them. My leadership experiences may not always look traditional, but they are meaningful. I lead by being someone who is consistent, reliable, and aware of others. In group settings, I make sure everyone feels included, especially those who may not speak up as much. Because I understand what it feels like to be overlooked, I try to create space for others to be heard. Another way I’ve shown leadership is through my personal growth. Learning to advocate for myself has been one of the biggest challenges I’ve faced, but also one of the most important. Speaking up, sharing my ideas, and being confident in my own perspective are things I’ve had to work on over time. That growth has not only helped me personally, but it has also allowed me to contribute more in academic and group environments. Overall, my experience with autism has shaped me into someone who is empathetic, thoughtful, and determined to make a difference. It has influenced how I see others, how I build relationships, and the path I want to take in my career. Those challenges helped me grow and have given me a unique perspective that I can use to help others.

Education has played a major role in shaping both my goals and my sense of direction, even though my path has not always been straightforward. For a long time, school was something I had to learn how to navigate in my own way. As someone with autism, I experienced challenges that weren’t always visible to others. Things like communication, processing information, and feeling comfortable in certain environments didn’t always come naturally to me. Because of that, there were moments where I felt misunderstood, overlooked, or even underestimated. I remember times when I knew I understood the material, but expressing that understanding in the same way as others was difficult. There were also moments where I felt out of place in group settings, unsure of how to fully contribute or worried about being judged. Those experiences were frustrating because they made me question my own abilities. It wasn’t that I wasn’t capable...it was that I learned and interacted differently. At the time, that difference felt like something holding me back. However, over time, I began to see things differently. As I continued my education, I started to understand that my autism was not a limitation, but a different way of thinking and experiencing the world. That shift in perspective was important for me. Instead of focusing on what I struggled with, I began to recognize my strengths. I am detail-oriented, observant, and thoughtful. I take time to fully process situations, which allows me to understand things on a deeper level. I may not always be the fastest to respond, but when I do, my responses are intentional and meaningful. Education didn’t just teach me academic subjects...it helped me understand myself. It pushed me to grow, adapt, and become more confident in who I am. One of the biggest challenges I’ve had to overcome is learning how to advocate for myself. In the past, I often stayed quiet, even when I had something important to say. Whether it was during class discussions or group projects, I sometimes held back because I didn’t want to stand out or be misunderstood. There was a point where I realized that staying quiet was not helping me...it was only causing me to be overlooked. That realization changed how I approached school and my own growth. I started pushing myself to speak up more, even if it felt uncomfortable at first. It wasn’t about becoming the loudest person in the room, but about recognizing that my voice matters. Over time, that shift built my confidence and helped me become more comfortable expressing my thoughts and ideas. These experiences have had a major impact on my goals for the future. Through everything I’ve gone through, I’ve developed a strong interest in the mental health field. I want to be someone who helps others who feel misunderstood, overlooked, or unsure of themselves. I know what it feels like to struggle internally while trying to navigate environments that aren’t always built for you. Because of that, I want to create spaces where people feel supported, accepted, and understood. In the future, I plan to use my education to work with individuals who may feel like they don’t fully fit in, including those with autism or other mental health challenges. I want to help people build confidence, understand themselves better, and realize that their differences are not something to hide. Too often, people are made to feel like they need to change who they are in order to be accepted. I want to be part of changing that mindset. I also want to advocate for greater awareness and understanding of both mental health and neurodiversity. There is still a lack of knowledge in many communities, which can lead to stigma and misunderstanding. Through my education and future career, I want to help educate others and promote more inclusive environments where people feel valued for who they are. Even small changes in understanding can make a big difference in someone’s life. Another way I hope to use my education is by being someone who listens without judgment. Sometimes, people don’t need immediate solutions, they just need to feel heard. Because of my own experiences, I understand how important that is. I want to be someone who creates that kind of space for others, where they feel comfortable opening up and being themselves. Overall, education has given me more than just knowledge...it has given me confidence, direction, and purpose. It has helped me turn challenges into growth and has shown me that I am capable of more than I once believed. While my journey has included obstacles, those challenges have shaped me into someone who is resilient, self-aware, and motivated to make a difference. Looking ahead, I am committed to continuing my education and using it to create a positive impact, not just for myself, but for others as well. I want to help build a future where people feel understood instead of judged, supported instead of overlooked, and confident in who they are. My experiences have given me a unique perspective, and I plan to use that perspective to help others in a meaningful way.

When most people think of leadership, they picture someone who is loud, outgoing, and always taking charge. For a long time, I didn’t see myself fitting that image. As someone with autism, I process the world differently. I’m not always the first to speak in a room, and I tend to observe before I act. But over time, I’ve realized that leadership isn’t about being the loudest person...it’s about how you show up for others, and that’s where I’ve found my strength. Having autism has shaped the way I think, communicate, and connect with people. I notice details that others might overlook, and I tend to think deeply about situations before responding. While this used to feel like a disadvantage, I’ve come to see it as something that makes me a stronger and more thoughtful leader. Instead of reacting quickly, I take the time to understand what’s really going on, which helps me make more intentional decisions. One of the biggest ways my autism has influenced my leadership is through empathy and awareness. Because I know what it feels like to be misunderstood or not fully seen, I make an effort to make sure others don’t feel that way. I pay attention to people who may not speak up as much and try to create space for them to be heard. Leadership, to me, isn’t just about guiding others...it’s about making sure no one feels overlooked. I’ve also learned the importance of patience. Communication doesn’t always come easily, and I’ve had to work through challenges in expressing myself clearly. That experience has taught me how to slow down, listen carefully, and be more understanding when others are struggling. Whether it’s in group work, conversations, or everyday situations, I try to lead by being someone who listens first and speaks with purpose. Another quality that makes me a leader is my consistency. I am someone who follows through, stays focused, and puts in the effort even when no one is watching. I don’t rely on attention or recognition to do my best work. Instead, I focus on contributing in a way that helps the group succeed as a whole. I’ve learned that leadership isn’t always visible, it often happens in the small, steady actions that keep things moving forward. At the same time, I’ve grown in confidence. There was a time when I stayed quiet even when I had something valuable to say. Now, I understand that my perspective matters. I may not speak the most, but when I do, it comes from a place of thought and intention. I’ve learned to advocate for myself while still staying true to who I am. My experiences have also shaped the kind of leader I want to be in the future. I want to be someone who creates inclusive environments where people feel comfortable being themselves, especially those who may feel different or overlooked. I understand what it’s like to feel out of place, and I want to help create spaces where that feeling is replaced with acceptance and support. Overall, what makes me a leader is not how loud I am or how much attention I receive, it’s how I treat others, how I think, and how I show up consistently. My autism has given me a unique perspective that allows me to lead with empathy, awareness, and intention. It has taught me that leadership comes in many forms, and sometimes the strongest leaders are the ones who take the time to truly understand others.

There was a time in one of my classes where I worked really hard on a group project, but when it came time to present, most of the credit was given to someone else. I had spent a lot of time helping organize the project, putting together ideas, and making sure everything came together, but that wasn’t really recognized in front of the class. Instead, another group member who spoke more during the presentation was seen as the main contributor. At the moment, I felt frustrated and honestly a little overlooked. It wasn’t just about wanting recognition...it was about feeling like my effort didn’t matter. I remember sitting there thinking about all the time I put in behind the scenes, and how easy it was for that to go unnoticed. I didn’t say anything right away, though. Part of me didn’t want to create tension in the group or come off as someone who was just looking for attention. I’ve always been someone who tries to avoid conflict when possible, especially in group settings where everyone has to work together. So I stayed quiet, even though I knew I had contributed a lot. At the time, I convinced myself that it wasn’t a big deal and that it was better to keep the peace. But later, I realized that staying quiet didn’t actually make me feel better...it just made me feel more overlooked. That feeling stuck with me longer than I expected. Looking back, I think my response was understandable, but not completely right either. While I handled it calmly and avoided unnecessary conflict, I also didn’t advocate for myself. That experience taught me that there’s a difference between being easygoing and allowing yourself to be overlooked. I learned that speaking up for yourself doesn’t have to mean creating problems...it can simply mean being honest about your role and contributions. This situation impacted me more than I expected because it made me reflect on how I handle situations where I feel undervalued. It also made me realize how common it is for people who do quieter or behind-the-scenes work to be overlooked. Not everyone is the loudest voice in the room, but that doesn’t mean their contributions are any less important. That realization changed the way I approach group work and interactions with others. Because of this experience, I’ve become more intentional about recognizing other people’s efforts. When I work in a group now, I make it a point to acknowledge what others have done and make sure credit is shared fairly. I’ve learned that a simple moment of recognition can make a big difference in how someone feels about their work. I don’t want anyone else to feel the way I did in that moment, like their effort didn’t matter. This experience also helped me grow in confidence. Over time, I’ve started to understand that my voice matters, even if I’m not always the most outspoken person. I’ve been working on finding a balance between staying respectful and also standing up for myself. Confidence doesn’t always mean being loud, it can also mean being clear and honest about your value. If I were faced with a similar situation again, I would handle it differently. I wouldn’t stay completely silent. Instead, I would find a respectful and appropriate way to speak up, whether that’s during the project or afterward. For example, I might clarify my role when discussing the project or have a conversation with the group about making sure everyone’s contributions are recognized. I’ve learned that advocating for yourself doesn’t have to be confrontational...it can be calm, respectful, and still effective. At the same time, I would still try to keep the group dynamic positive. I understand that sometimes situations like this aren’t intentional. The person who received the credit may not have realized how much others contributed. That’s why I believe it’s important to approach these situations with understanding instead of immediately assuming the worst. You can stand up for yourself while still maintaining respect for others. Overall, this experience taught me an important lesson about self-advocacy, confidence, and fairness. It showed me that my work has value, even if it isn’t always immediately recognized. It also reminded me of the importance of making sure others feel seen and appreciated. While it was frustrating in the moment, it helped me grow into someone who is more aware, more confident, and more intentional in how I communicate and work with others. If I were given the chance to go back, I might handle it differently, but I don’t regret the experience. It taught me something I needed to learn—that my voice matters, and that it’s okay to use it. Moving forward, I plan to carry that lesson with me in both academic and professional settings, making sure I not only do the work, but also stand behind it.

The change I wish to see in the world is real acceptance for LGBTQ+ people...not just tolerance, but genuine understanding and respect. As a gay person, this isn’t just something I’ve observed, it’s something I’ve experienced. There are still moments where I’ve felt like I had to think twice about how I act, what I say, or how open I can be about who I am. That feeling alone shows how much work still needs to be done. Even though society has made progress, there is still stigma and judgment that people face every day. It’s not always obvious, but it’s there in the way people talk, the assumptions they make, or the discomfort they show. Those small things can add up over time and affect someone’s confidence, mental health, and sense of belonging. No one should feel like they have to shrink themselves just to be accepted. This matters to me because I know what it feels like to question whether you fully belong. That experience has shaped how I see others and has made me more aware of how important support and understanding really are. It’s also a big reason why I’m pursuing a career in social work. I want to be someone who helps create safe spaces where people can be themselves without fear of judgment. Through social work, I plan to make a difference by supporting individuals who feel overlooked or misunderstood, especially within the LGBTQ+ community. I want to be someone who listens without judgment and helps people work through challenges they may be facing. At the same time, I want to advocate for better mental health resources and more inclusive environments where people feel supported from the start. I also want to help change the way people think about identity and mental health. A lot of the stigma that exists comes from a lack of understanding. By encouraging open conversations and educating others, I believe we can start to break down those barriers. Change doesn’t happen overnight, but it starts with people being willing to listen and grow. The world I want to see is one where people don’t have to question if they are accepted...they just are. A world where being LGBTQ+ doesn’t come with extra challenges or judgment. Through my career, I want to be part of creating that kind of environment, where people feel seen, supported, and valued for who they truly are.

I am someone who genuinely cares about people and wants to make a difference in a real way. Over time, I’ve realized that not everyone is given the same opportunities or support, especially individuals with special needs. That understanding has shaped who I am and the direction I want my life to go. What stands out to me the most is how often people with special needs are overlooked or misunderstood. Sometimes they are treated differently in ways that limit them instead of support them. Seeing that has made me want to be someone who helps change that mindset. I want to be part of creating an environment where people feel valued, supported, and capable. One of the biggest things I’ve learned is that patience and understanding go a long way. Everyone experiences the world differently, and for individuals with special needs, small things can make a big difference. Taking the time to listen, communicate, and meet someone where they are can completely change their experience. That is something I want to carry into my career. In my future career, I plan to make a positive social impact by working closely with individuals who need extra support and making sure they are not left behind. Whether that is through mental health services, education, or community programs, my goal is to help people build confidence and feel more independent. I want to focus on helping individuals recognize their strengths instead of only focusing on their challenges. I also want to be an advocate. Many people with special needs do not always have a strong voice in decisions that affect them. I want to help speak up for better resources, better support systems, and more awareness. Making a social impact is not just about working one-on-one with people...it is also about helping create change on a larger level so that future generations have better opportunities. Another important part of my goal is creating safe and comfortable spaces. People should feel accepted for who they are without fear of judgment. By building trust and showing consistency, I believe I can help people feel more secure and open, which is an important step in growth. Overall, I plan to make a positive social impact by being someone who truly cares, listens, and takes action. I want to support individuals with special needs in a way that helps them grow, feel confident, and live fulfilling lives. This is not just a career choice for me...it is something I am passionate about and committed to long-term.

I didn’t choose the mental health field randomly...it comes from real experiences and seeing how much people struggle, even when it’s not obvious on the outside. I’ve seen how mental health can affect someone’s daily life, their confidence, and even their ability to keep going. That made me realize how important it is to have someone who understands and is willing to help. What stood out to me the most is how many people feel like they have to deal with everything alone. Mental health is still something a lot of people don’t talk about openly, and because of that, people end up suffering in silence. I want to be someone who helps change that. I want to create a space where people feel comfortable being honest about what they’re going through without feeling judged. Pursuing a degree in the mental health field is my way of turning that understanding into something meaningful. I don’t just want to learn the technical side...I want to learn how to actually connect with people. Being able to listen, understand, and support someone during a difficult time can make a bigger difference than most people realize. Sometimes, just knowing that someone cares can help a person keep going. I also want to make mental health support more accessible. Not everyone has the same access to therapy, resources, or even basic support systems. I want to be part of changing that, whether it’s through counseling, community programs, or even just educating people about mental health. The goal is to make sure people don’t feel stuck or alone when they’re struggling. Another reason this field matters to me is because mental health affects every part of life whther that be school, relationships, work, and overall well-being. When someone’s mental health improves, everything else in their life can start to improve too. Being able to play a role in that change is something that motivates me. In the future, I plan to use my degree to directly help people who are struggling, especially those who feel overlooked or misunderstood. I want to be someone who listens without judgment and helps people find ways to move forward. I also want to continue learning and growing so I can provide the best support possible. Overall, I am pursuing a degree in the mental health field because I genuinely care about helping people and making a difference. I’ve seen how much impact mental health has, and I want to be part of the solution. Even small support can change someone’s life, and that is the kind of difference I want to make.

I remember a time when everything felt uncertain, and even small changes made things harder to handle. When routines break and support isn’t always there, it can feel like everything starts to fall apart. That’s why situations like a government shutdown can hit people with mental illness much harder than most people realize. At first, it may seem like the biggest issue is money. During a government shutdown, people may not get paid, and programs that help with therapy, medication, or support can slow down or stop. For someone already dealing with anxiety, depression, or another mental illness, financial stress can make everything worse. Worrying about bills or losing access to care adds another layer of pressure that can be overwhelming. But the impact is not just financial...it’s emotional and mental too. People who struggle with mental health often depend on routine and consistency. Therapy sessions, support groups, or even just knowing help is available can make a huge difference. When a shutdown disrupts those systems, it can feel like losing stability. That loss can lead to increased anxiety, isolation, or even falling back into unhealthy patterns. These effects are not always short-term either. Even after the shutdown ends, the damage can last. Missing weeks of support or dealing with high stress doesn’t just disappear overnight. It can take time to rebuild stability, and for some people, things may get worse before they get better. This shows that government shutdowns can have long-term effects, especially for those already struggling. There are ways to reduce this impact. First, mental health services should be treated as essential, meaning they stay available no matter what. People should not lose access to therapy or medication during a shutdown. Second, there should be emergency funding set aside specifically for mental health programs so they can continue running. Third, online services like telehealth can help people stay connected to support even if in-person options are limited. Clear communication is also important. People need to know what services are still available so they don’t feel lost or abandoned. In addition, communities can step in by creating local support systems that are not fully dependent on government funding. In the end, government shutdowns are about more than politics or money. For people with mental illness, they can affect stability, emotional health, and overall well-being. While financial stress is part of the problem, the deeper issue is the disruption of support systems people rely on. By protecting access to mental health care and planning ahead, we can reduce the harm and better support those who need it most.