“Autism in young girls.” Even the cover frightened me when my mother showed interest in the book. When asked why she had the guide saved, she answered: “Because it’s interesting!” However, deep down in my gut, I knew this reason shrouded various undiagnosed suspicions. When I was young, autism spectrum disorder used to be a concept I feared. Being different from my peers had been a fact I deeply hoped was not reportedly true. There were times as a young teenager when my anxiety heightened with every speculation. My chest tight and mind spinning, I avoided the fact that the evidence proved otherwise. In navigating friendships, communication had always been a battle I wished to avoid. When conversing with friends, I recall rummaging for the right words to fit into the “social script,” but instead of succeeding, my efforts to stuttered sentences, misread social cues, and feeling less than. I marveled at how communication came easy to my peers, but the moment I opened my mouth, trying to spark conversation, I was tongue-tied. These challenges had continued for such a long period that I gradually adapted to the fact that my struggles went beyond an "awkward-teenager" phase. Finally, my autism diagnosis came in my sophomore year of high school. Through processing the news, I was surprisingly not angry or fearful. Instead, everything began to click like a puzzle piece, the possibilities of self-discovery becoming more interesting. Although I continued to wrestle with insecurities that lurked around the corner, I coped by depending on my core values and safety net through my parents, friends, teachers, and academic case manager. I recall these special people applauding me for my selflessness, resilience, and writing talent that shaped my identity. Through my support system, I caught a spark in myself that I kindled, reminding me that I could succeed as a black, autistic writer. While becoming more familiar with this newfound understanding, my autism grew to become a blessing as I knew more about where my actions stemmed from and why. By exploring this unique part of my identity, I am learning to give myself grace with a newfound dedication to love myself alongside my challenges. Knowing that this discovery initially appeared daunting, my self-confidence gradually spiked further than I could have thought by learning to accept my differences. I aim to help the youth achieve their long-term goals despite social struggles. Nobody deserves to feel underrepresented. If I come face-to-face with someone battling the same issues, I encourage them to turn to their safety net. There is often this pressure to overcome challenges all on your own. While it is imperative to rise above them independently, relying on your loved ones can help give you a new perspective and boost during a difficult journey. Receiving support from friends, family, and other trusted individuals can help to see yourself in a light you couldn't see before. This skill has truly boosted my confidence during this process of self-love, and I know that it can help so many others as well. Despite personal challenges, anyone is capable in a critical, constantly changing world. I am beyond excited to inform others that autism was never a rejection but a pathway to acceptance through the generation I will uplift.

As a black, autistic woman, writing is my literary lifeline, allowing me to express the challenges I go through. By crafting narratives that can relate to anyone, I hope to aid and comfort others in feeling not so alone. Through my experiences on the autism spectrum, verbal communication was a substantial weakness when navigating friendships. As a result of this problem, I believed I could only express myself through the written word, plucking whispers from my heart into messages. I reflect on sending genuine messages to my friends, explaining the roots of my social challenges without verbal communication. Without face-to-face pressure, I honestly articulated my concerns. My relationships with some of these special people have strengthened through my written communication, a blessing I will cherish. I am incredibly grateful for the positive outcomes that have come through my writing, allowing me to truly be myself, especially on a creative standpoint. For as long as I can remember, imagination has always been a unique piece of my identity through my writing journey. From children's picture books stapled with colorful doodles, to my best friend, our imaginations sprinting free to the sunsets as we began script writing in middle school, I truly matured as a storyteller as I practiced a variety of writing forms. I am beyond excited to enhance my craft at Arizona State University, Barrett the Honors College. My college's English program will enhance my literary abilities in an environment surrounded by gifted, like-minded students with a passion for prose. I am especially eager to expand my intellectual aptitudes by exploring global issues. Therefore, I will learn more about the power of words, and the positive difference they make in a constantly changing world. Through the challenges I have faced and my passion for creativity, I aim to make narratives inclusive for all. By pursuing an English degree with a creative writing concentration, I am not only contributing to literature through my distinctive worldview but coming from both the Black and neurodivergent community, I seek to widen the literary circle for others to take part in. Stories are what make life worth living, and I believe every person, regardless of their background, deserves to take part in this impactful pursuit. As a soon-to-be storyteller in novel and film experience, I will encourage those from underrepresented groups to find comfort in their passions and follow their artistic endeavors despite the challenges they face. In this way, they will know there are people in the world that relate, making them feel not so alone. This will be achievable as I address social issues that others relate to, such as mental health, neurodivergence, and culture, crafting universal change through stories. With one letter at a time, we have the power to highlight diversity and the personal value of others through words. In the end, it is about community from all walks of life. This world is deserving of unique young leaders who lead with creativity and topics that are meaningful to them, lifting up others. Through my stories, I am determined to extend the tether to people who are in need of hope and joy.

“Autism in young girls.” Even the cover frightened me when my mother showed interest in the book. When asked why she had the guide saved, she answered: “Because it’s interesting!” However, deep down in my gut, I knew this reason shrouded various undiagnosed suspicions. When I was young, autism spectrum disorder used to be a concept I feared. Being different from my peers had been a fact I deeply hoped was not reportedly true. There were times as a young teenager when my anxiety heightened with every speculation. My chest tight and mind spinning, I avoided the fact that the evidence proved otherwise. In navigating friendships, communication had always been a battle I wished to avoid. When conversing with friends, I recall rummaging for the right words to fit into the “social script,” but instead of succeeding, my efforts to stuttered sentences, misread social cues, and feeling less than. I marveled at how communication came easy to my peers, but the moment I opened my mouth, trying to spark conversation, I was tongue-tied. These challenges had continued for such a long period that I gradually adapted to the fact that my struggles went beyond an "awkward-teenager" phase. Finally, my autism diagnosis came in my sophomore year of high school. Through processing the news, I was surprisingly not angry or fearful. Instead, everything began to click like a puzzle piece, the possibilities of self-discovery becoming more interesting. Although I continued to wrestle with insecurities that lurked around the corner, I coped by depending on my core values and safety net through my parents, friends, teachers, and academic case manager. I recall these special people applauding me for my selflessness, resilience, and writing talent that shaped my identity. Through my support system, I caught a spark in myself that I kindled, reminding me that I can succeed as a black, autistic writer. While becoming more familiar with my neurodivergence, I leaped to pursue high school extracurriculars that challenged my social anxieties. With my involvement in Link Crew, a mentorship program to guide 9th graders through their high-school transition, I learned to be a role model to those who need it. The organization revolves around communication, significantly confronting my weakness in a positive light, and easing myself into situations to rise above my fear rather than avoid it. I take pride in facing my social anxiety with such determination that, when at times I stumbled in my speech, I was not as disoriented. Understanding autism grew to become a blessing as I knew more about where my actions stemmed from and why. By exploring this unique part of my identity, I am learning to give myself grace with a newfound dedication to love myself alongside my challenges. Over time, I have thoroughly embraced my neurodivergent identity. Knowing that this discovery initially appeared daunting, my self-confidence gradually spiked further than I could have thought by learning to accept my differences. I aim to lift the African American and neurodivergent communities from which I belong to achieve their long-term goals despite social struggles. Nobody deserves to feel underrepresented, and I am looking forward to exploring ways to bring awareness to the issues such diverse groups face in this society, specifically through the narratives I will craft as a storyteller. Despite personal challenges, anyone is capable in a critical, constantly changing world. I am beyond excited to inform others that autism was never a rejection but a pathway to acceptance through the generation I will uplift.

“Autism in young girls.” Even the cover frightened me when my mother showed interest in the book. When asked why she had the guide saved, she answered: “Because it’s interesting!” However, deep down in my gut, I knew this reason shrouded various undiagnosed suspicions. When I was young, autism spectrum disorder used to be a concept I feared. Being different from my peers had been a fact I deeply hoped was not reportedly true. There were times as a young teenager when my anxiety heightened with every speculation. My chest tight and mind spinning, I avoided the fact that the evidence proved otherwise. In navigating friendships, communication had always been a battle I wished to avoid. When conversing with friends, I recall rummaging for the right words to fit into the “social script,” but instead of succeeding, my efforts to stuttered sentences, misread social cues, and feeling less than. I marveled at how communication came easy to my peers, but the moment I opened my mouth, trying to spark conversation, I was tongue-tied. These challenges had continued for such a long period that I gradually adapted to the fact that my struggles went beyond an "awkward-teenager" phase. Finally, my autism diagnosis came in my sophomore year of high school. Through processing the news, I was surprisingly not angry or fearful. Instead, everything began to click like a puzzle piece, the possibilities of self-discovery becoming more interesting. Although I continued to wrestle with insecurities that lurked around the corner, I coped by depending on my core values and safety net through my parents, friends, teachers, and academic case manager. I recall these special people applauding me for my selflessness, resilience, and writing talent that shaped my identity. Through my support system, I caught a spark in myself that I kindled, reminding me that I can succeed as a black, autistic writer. While becoming more familiar with my neurodivergence, I leaped to pursue high school extracurriculars that challenged my social anxieties. With my involvement in Link Crew, a mentorship program to guide 9th graders through their high-school transition, I learned to be a role model to those who need it. The organization revolves around communication, significantly confronting my weakness in a positive light, and easing myself into situations to rise above my fear rather than avoid it. I take pride in facing my social anxiety with such determination that, when at times I stumbled in my speech, I was not as disoriented. Understanding autism grew to become a blessing as I knew more about where my actions stemmed from and why. By exploring this unique part of my identity, I am learning to give myself grace with a newfound dedication to love myself alongside my challenges. Over time, I have thoroughly embraced my neurodivergent identity. Knowing that this discovery initially appeared daunting, my self-confidence gradually spiked further than I could have thought by learning to accept my differences. I aim to lift the African American and neurodivergent communities from which I belong to achieve their long-term goals despite social struggles. Nobody deserves to feel underrepresented, and I am looking forward to exploring ways to bring awareness to the issues such diverse groups face in this society, specifically through the narratives I will craft as a storyteller. Despite personal challenges, anyone is capable in a critical, constantly changing world. I am beyond excited to inform others that autism was never a rejection but a pathway to acceptance through the generation I will uplift.

Walking out of the theatre that day, my mind continued to revert back to the cinematic masterpiece. With its powerful soundtrack, layered characters, and story of self-discovery and sisterhood has stuck with me for months. I could not stop thinking of Elphaba defying all odds, rising above the opposition that kept her down, reflecting my personal experiences. Her journey of social division, to conquering her challenges resonates with me as an autistic teen. I am extremely drawn to the exceptional portrayal of Elphaba, as she and I share similar social struggles. Watching her younger self separated from the other children, I was reminded of my difficulty navigating friendships. When interacting with my peers, I rummaged for the right words that suit the “social script,” to fit in. Unfortunately, these attempts led to misreading social cues and feeling less than. Like the young witch, I grew used to feeling misunderstood even through my imperfect efforts. But once my autism diagnosis came, I was not angry or fearful about the news. Instead, everything began to click like a puzzle piece. The possibilities of self-discovery became triumphant. In the movie, I watched Elphaba grow in confidence through learning more about the world and relying on her significant sisterhood with Glinda the Good Witch. With their new friendship solidified, I knew that the tears cascading down Elphaba's face at the Ozdust Ball meant more than fitting in This impactful moment has stuck with me, as I learned to embraced my individuality through my safety net. With the love and support of my parents, friends, and teachers, they helped me to recognize my selflessness, resilience, and writing gift that has shaped my identity. Depending on this support system, I caught a spark in myself that I kindled, reminding me that I can succeed as an autistic writer, a female at that. This new-found belief reflects Elphaba's friendship with Glinda, as new connections shape her confidence as an individual. I love the Wicked movie because of the protagonist's self-advocacy. In the most impactful climax I have ever seen in a film, she finally soars above the antagonism that had repressed her true potential. This movie is such a blessing, reaffirming my belief that I can still flourish in a critical world, despite my social challenges. In navigating my disorder, autism was never a hinderance, but a pathway to defy gravity.