Autism and ADHD are the two mental disabilities that I have dealt with throughout my life. I was diagnosed with these disabilities at the age of two, but it hasn’t stopped me from pursuing a college degree. Currently, I am a senior at Fisk University with a double major in Mathematics and Physics. I received my associate degree in physics at Nashville State Community College before transferring to Fisk University. I completed my first semester at Fisk as a junior with a 4.0 GPA and this was a proud achievement for me because I felt that it was a difficult task to obtain due to my Autism and ADHD diagnosis. The daily challenge of living with Autism and ADHD is having increased anxiety about my future. Being an autistic person of color to me means that I can break barriers I once thought was impossible. My mother is a motivating factor in my life because she constantly encouraged me to be myself and ignore all the struggles of being an autistic person, and her hard work is paying off. I would like to obtain a graduate degree in physics. I’m currently a math and physics major at Fisk University. Fisk University has a great graduate degree transfer program with Vanderbilt University to increase minority involvement in science, and I plan on using that opportunity to obtain a doctoral degree in physics. Having a doctoral degree in physics as a minority means that I can bring a different experience to my field and be able to convince other minorities to obtain STEM degrees. I also will be able to enter the teaching field with a doctoral degree in physics and that would provide me with the opportunity to share my knowledge with underprivileged students. Before attending Fisk University, I had never had an African American physics professor. My current Fisk physics professor, Dr. Bryan Wallace encouraged me to pursue teaching as a potential career path. I used his advice as motivation to pursue other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. The lessons learned from my educational experience will grant me the ability to conduct science fairs in underserved communities. Having a doctoral degree in physics and pursuing a career in mechanical or aerospace engineering is great for my individual success, but I would not feel any accomplishment unless I helped other people join the STEM field. I had minimal interest in joining the STEM field until I had a high school instructor that highlighted the benefits of science in our community, and I gained the confidence that I could have a successful life within STEM. If I am selected for this scholarship, I would be very grateful to know that my dream of hosting science fairs in underserved communities would be one step closer to becoming a reality. Being a student with autism means that I had to break barriers and learning that I can accomplish many things in life with hard work gives me the motivation to continue my family’s legacy of fixing vehicles.

Autism and ADHD are the two mental disabilities that I have dealt with throughout my life. I was diagnosed with these disabilities at the age of two, but it hasn’t stopped me from pursuing a college degree. Currently, I am a senior at Fisk University with a double major in Mathematics and Physics. I received my associate degree in physics at Nashville State Community College before transferring to Fisk University. I completed my first semester at Fisk as a junior with a 4.0 GPA and this was a proud achievement for me because I felt that it was a difficult task to obtain due to my Autism and ADHD diagnosis. The daily challenge of living with Autism and ADHD is having increased anxiety about my future. Being an autistic person of color to me means that I can break barriers I once thought was impossible. My mother is a motivating factor in my life because she constantly encouraged me to be myself and ignore all the struggles of being an autistic person, and her hard work is paying off. I would like to obtain a graduate degree in physics. I’m currently a math and physics major at Fisk University. Fisk University has a great graduate degree transfer program with Vanderbilt University to increase minority involvement in science, and I plan on using that opportunity to obtain a doctoral degree in physics. Having a doctoral degree in physics as a minority means that I can bring a different experience to my field and be able to convince other minorities to obtain STEM degrees. I also will be able to enter the teaching field with a doctoral degree in physics and that would provide me with the opportunity to share my knowledge with underprivileged students. Before attending Fisk University, I had never had an African American physics professor. My current Fisk physics professor, Dr. Bryan Wallace encouraged me to pursue teaching as a potential career path. I used his advice as motivation to pursue other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. The lessons learned from my educational experience will grant me the ability to conduct science fairs in underserved communities. Having a doctoral degree in physics and pursuing a career in mechanical or aerospace engineering is great for my individual success, but I would not feel any accomplishment unless I helped other people join the STEM field. I had minimal interest in joining the STEM field until I had a high school instructor that highlighted the benefits of science in our community, and I gained the confidence that I could have a successful life within STEM. If I am selected for this scholarship, I would be very grateful to know that my dream of hosting science fairs in underserved communities would be one step closer to becoming a reality. Being a student with autism means that I had to break barriers and learning that I can accomplish many things in life with hard work gives me the motivation to continue my family’s legacy of fixing vehicles.

Autism and ADHD are the two mental disabilities that I have dealt with throughout my life. I was diagnosed with these disabilities at the age of two, but it hasn’t stopped me from pursuing a college degree. Currently, I am a senior at Fisk University with a double major in Mathematics and Physics. I received my associate degree in physics at Nashville State Community College before transferring to Fisk University. I completed my first semester at Fisk as a junior with a 4.0 GPA and this was a proud achievement for me because I felt that it was a difficult task to obtain due to my Autism and ADHD diagnosis. The daily challenge of living with Autism and ADHD is having increased anxiety about my future. Being an autistic person of color to me means that I can break barriers I once thought was impossible. My mother is a motivating factor in my life because she constantly encouraged me to be myself and ignore all the struggles of being an autistic person, and her hard work is paying off. I would like to obtain a graduate degree in physics. I’m currently a math and physics major at Fisk University. Fisk University has a great graduate degree transfer program with Vanderbilt University to increase minority involvement in science, and I plan on using that opportunity to obtain a doctoral degree in physics. Having a doctoral degree in physics as a minority means that I can bring a different experience to my field and be able to convince other minorities to obtain STEM degrees. I also will be able to enter the teaching field with a doctoral degree in physics and that would provide me with the opportunity to share my knowledge with underprivileged students. Before attending Fisk University, I had never had an African American physics professor. My current Fisk physics professor, Dr. Bryan Wallace encouraged me to pursue teaching as a potential career path. I used his advice as motivation to pursue other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. The lessons learned from my educational experience will grant me the ability to conduct science fairs in underserved communities. Having a doctoral degree in physics and pursuing a career in mechanical or aerospace engineering is great for my individual success, but I would not feel any accomplishment unless I helped other people join the STEM field. I had minimal interest in joining the STEM field until I had a high school instructor that highlighted the benefits of science in our community, and I gained the confidence that I could have a successful life within STEM. If I am selected for this scholarship, I would be very grateful to know that my dream of hosting science fairs in underserved communities would be one step closer to becoming a reality. Being a student with autism means that I had to break barriers and learning that I can accomplish many things in life with hard work gives me the motivation to continue my family’s legacy of fixing vehicles.

Autism and ADHD are the two mental disabilities that I have dealt with throughout my life. I was diagnosed with these disabilities at the age of two, but it hasn’t stopped me from pursuing a college degree. Currently, I am a senior at Fisk University with a double major in Mathematics and Physics. I received my associate degree in physics at Nashville State Community College before transferring to Fisk University. I completed my first semester at Fisk as a junior with a 4.0 GPA and this was a proud achievement for me because I felt that it was a difficult task to obtain due to my Autism and ADHD diagnosis. The daily challenge of living with Autism and ADHD is having increased anxiety about my future. Being an autistic person of color to me means that I can break barriers I once thought was impossible. My mother is a motivating factor in my life because she constantly encouraged me to be myself and ignore all the struggles of being an autistic person, and her hard work is paying off. I would like to obtain a graduate degree in physics. I’m currently a math and physics major at Fisk University. Fisk University has a great graduate degree transfer program with Vanderbilt University to increase minority involvement in science, and I plan on using that opportunity to obtain a doctoral degree in physics. Having a doctoral degree in physics as a minority means that I can bring a different experience to my field and be able to convince other minorities to obtain STEM degrees. I also will be able to enter the teaching field with a doctoral degree in physics and that would provide me with the opportunity to share my knowledge with underprivileged students. Before attending Fisk University, I had never had an African American physics professor. My current Fisk physics professor, Dr. Bryan Wallace encouraged me to pursue teaching as a potential career path. I used his advice as motivation to pursue other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. The lessons learned from my educational experience will grant me the ability to conduct science fairs in underserved communities. Having a doctoral degree in physics and pursuing a career in mechanical or aerospace engineering is great for my individual success, but I would not feel any accomplishment unless I helped other people join the STEM field. I had minimal interest in joining the STEM field until I had a high school instructor that highlighted the benefits of science in our community, and I gained the confidence that I could have a successful life within STEM. If I am selected for this scholarship, I would be very grateful to know that my dream of hosting science fairs in underserved communities would be one step closer to becoming a reality. Being a student with autism means that I had to break barriers and learning that I can accomplish many things in life with hard work gives me the motivation to continue my family’s legacy of fixing vehicles.

Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I currently attend Fisk University as a double major in Mathematics and Physics. I chose to attend an HBCU to inspire other minorities to not give up on your dreams of obtaining a college degree. I would like to pursue mechanical engineering or aerospace engineering. I am passionate about these fields because of my family’s background in maintaining vehicles. My grandmother worked for the U.S. Air Force as a mechanic working on fighter jets and military vehicles. My mother and father both worked as auto shop mechanics maintaining diesel trucks. From the exposure of being around hard-working mechanics, I have a passion for maintaining vehicles. Pursuing mechanical or aerospace engineering would grant me the opportunity to help our transportation sector by fixing and modifying how vehicles are made to protect the environment from harmful Carbon emissions and increase the safety of drivers and passengers within vehicles. I see myself becoming a carbon emission tester or working with electric vehicles in a large manufacturing company like General Motors. During my time at Fisk University, I have grown in maturity and gained a clearer understanding of my educational goals. In 2019, I graduated from high school and enrolled at Trevecca Nazarene University. At Trevecca, I had failed courses due to anxiety about being in an unfamiliar place and my father was dying from cancer. I became greatly depressed and unrolled from Trevecca in 2020 and decided to take a gap year to focus on my mental health. On November 6th, 2020, my father passed away from cancer and his last dying wish was for me to obtain a college education and earn my degree. On January 6th, 2021, I began my first day at the Tennessee College of Applied Technology, or TCAT. TCAT is a technical college that focuses on developing students for the workforce through different job training classes. I enrolled in the office assisting program at TCAT and learned valuable skills like using Microsoft Excel and learning better time management skills. TCAT not only provided me with job skills, but it also gave me back my motivation to succeed and earn a proper college degree. I graduated from TCAT on August 1st, 2021, with three diplomas in Administrative Assisting, Accounting Assisting, and Medical Assisting. On August 15th, 2021, I began my first day at Nashville State Community College, or NSCC. At NSCC, I pursued my associate degree in physics with plans to transfer after graduation. Fisk University was the school I set my sights on for two years until I obtained my associate degree in physics on August 3rd, 2023. On August 10th, 2023, I began my first day at Fisk University as a double major in Mathematics and Physics. During my two semesters at Fisk, I have met plenty of positive people that want to see minorities like me succeed and thrive. I currently have a 3.8 GPA and I will be graduating from Fisk University during the 2025 spring semester. Gaining a second chance at my education will allow me to keep my father’s dying wish of obtaining a college degree and prove to myself that having autism does not prevent you from reaching your dreams. I would like to obtain a graduate degree in physics. Fisk University has a great graduate degree transfer program with Vanderbilt University to increase minority involvement in science, and I plan on using that opportunity to obtain a doctoral degree in physics. Having a doctoral degree in physics as a minority means that I can bring a different experience to my field and be able to convince other minorities to obtain STEM degrees. I also will be able to enter the teaching field with a doctoral degree in physics and that would provide me with the opportunity to share my knowledge with underprivileged students. Before attending Fisk University, I had never had an African American physics professor. My current Fisk physics professor, Dr. Bryan Wallace, encouraged me to pursue teaching as a potential career path. I used his advice as motivation to pursue other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. The lessons learned from my educational experience will grant me the ability to conduct science fairs in underserved communities. Having a doctoral degree in physics and pursuing a career in mechanical or aerospace engineering is great for my individual success, but I would not feel any accomplishment unless I helped other people join the STEM field. I had minimal interest in joining the STEM field until I had a high school instructor that highlighted the benefits of science in our community, and I gained the confidence that STEM is a great career path. If I am selected for this scholarship, I would be very grateful to know that my dream of hosting science fairs in underserved communities would be one step closer to becoming a reality. Being a student with autism means that I had to break barriers and learning that I can accomplish many things in life with hard work gives me the motivation to continue my family’s legacy of fixing vehicles.

Autism and ADHD are the two mental disabilities that I have dealt with throughout my life. I was diagnosed with these disabilities at the age of two, but it hasn’t stopped me from pursuing a college degree. Currently, I am a senior at Fisk University with a double major in Mathematics and Physics. I received my associate degree in physics at Nashville State Community College before transferring to Fisk University. I completed my first semester at Fisk as a junior with a 4.0 GPA and this was a proud achievement for me because I felt that it was a difficult task to obtain due to my Autism and ADHD diagnosis. The daily challenge of living with Autism and ADHD is having increased anxiety about my future. Being an autistic person of color to me means that I can break barriers I once thought was impossible. My mother is a motivating factor in my life because she constantly encouraged me to be myself and ignore all the struggles of being an autistic person, and her hard work is paying off. I would like to obtain a graduate degree in physics. I’m currently a math and physics major at Fisk University. Fisk University has a great graduate degree transfer program with Vanderbilt University to increase minority involvement in science, and I plan on using that opportunity to obtain a doctoral degree in physics. Having a doctoral degree in physics as a minority means that I can bring a different experience to my field and be able to convince other minorities to obtain STEM degrees. I also will be able to enter the teaching field with a doctoral degree in physics and that would provide me with the opportunity to share my knowledge with underprivileged students. Before attending Fisk University, I had never had an African American physics professor. My current Fisk physics professor, Dr. Bryan Wallace encouraged me to pursue teaching as a potential career path. I used his advice as motivation to pursue other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. The lessons learned from my educational experience will grant me the ability to conduct science fairs in underserved communities. Having a doctoral degree in physics and pursuing a career in mechanical or aerospace engineering is great for my individual success, but I would not feel any accomplishment unless I helped other people join the STEM field. I had minimal interest in joining the STEM field until I had a high school instructor that highlighted the benefits of science in our community, and I gained the confidence that I could have a successful life within STEM. If I am selected for this scholarship, I would be very grateful to know that my dream of hosting science fairs in underserved communities would be one step closer to becoming a reality. Being a student with autism means that I had to break barriers and learning that I can accomplish many things in life with hard work gives me the motivation to continue my family’s legacy of fixing vehicles.

Autism and ADHD are the two mental disabilities that I have dealt with throughout my life. I was diagnosed with these disabilities at the age of two, but it hasn’t stopped me from pursuing a college degree. Currently, I am a senior at Fisk University with a double major in Mathematics and Physics. I received my associate degree in physics at Nashville State Community College before transferring to Fisk University. I completed my first semester at Fisk as a junior with a 4.0 GPA and this was a proud achievement for me because I felt that it was a difficult task to obtain due to my Autism and ADHD diagnosis. The daily challenge of living with Autism and ADHD is having increased anxiety about my future. Being an autistic person of color to me means that I can break barriers I once thought was impossible. My mother is a motivating factor in my life because she constantly encouraged me to be myself and ignore all the struggles of being an autistic person, and her hard work is paying off. I would like to obtain a graduate degree in physics. I’m currently a math and physics major at Fisk University. Fisk University has a great graduate degree transfer program with Vanderbilt University to increase minority involvement in science, and I plan on using that opportunity to obtain a doctoral degree in physics. Having a doctoral degree in physics as a minority means that I can bring a different experience to my field and be able to convince other minorities to obtain STEM degrees. I also will be able to enter the teaching field with a doctoral degree in physics and that would provide me with the opportunity to share my knowledge with underprivileged students. Before attending Fisk University, I had never had an African American physics professor. My current Fisk physics professor, Dr. Bryan Wallace encouraged me to pursue teaching as a potential career path. I used his advice as motivation to pursue other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. The lessons learned from my educational experience will grant me the ability to conduct science fairs in underserved communities. Having a doctoral degree in physics and pursuing a career in mechanical or aerospace engineering is great for my individual success, but I would not feel any accomplishment unless I helped other people join the STEM field. I had minimal interest in joining the STEM field until I had a high school instructor that highlighted the benefits of science in our community, and I gained the confidence that I could have a successful life within STEM. If I am selected for this scholarship, I would be very grateful to know that my dream of hosting science fairs in underserved communities would be one step closer to becoming a reality. Being a student with autism means that I had to break barriers and learning that I can accomplish many things in life with hard work gives me the motivation to continue my family’s legacy of fixing vehicles.

Autism and ADHD are the two mental disabilities that I have dealt with throughout my life. I was diagnosed with these disabilities at the age of two, but it hasn’t stopped me from pursuing a college degree. Currently, I am a senior at Fisk University with a double major in Mathematics and Physics. I received my associate degree in physics at Nashville State Community College before transferring to Fisk University. I completed my first semester at Fisk as a junior with a 4.0 GPA and this was a proud achievement for me because I felt that it was a difficult task to obtain due to my Autism and ADHD diagnosis. The daily challenge of living with Autism and ADHD is having increased anxiety about my future. Being an autistic person of color to me means that I can break barriers I once thought was impossible. My mother is a motivating factor in my life because she constantly encouraged me to be myself and ignore all the struggles of being an autistic person, and her hard work is paying off. I would like to obtain a graduate degree in physics. I’m currently a math and physics major at Fisk University. Fisk University has a great graduate degree transfer program with Vanderbilt University to increase minority involvement in science, and I plan on using that opportunity to obtain a doctoral degree in physics. Having a doctoral degree in physics as a minority means that I can bring a different experience to my field and be able to convince other minorities to obtain STEM degrees. I also will be able to enter the teaching field with a doctoral degree in physics and that would provide me with the opportunity to share my knowledge with underprivileged students. Before attending Fisk University, I had never had an African American physics professor. My current Fisk physics professor, Dr. Bryan Wallace encouraged me to pursue teaching as a potential career path. I used his advice as motivation to pursue other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. The lessons learned from my educational experience will grant me the ability to conduct science fairs in underserved communities. Having a doctoral degree in physics and pursuing a career in mechanical or aerospace engineering is great for my individual success, but I would not feel any accomplishment unless I helped other people join the STEM field. I had minimal interest in joining the STEM field until I had a high school instructor that highlighted the benefits of science in our community, and I gained the confidence that I could have a successful life within STEM. If I am selected for this scholarship, I would be very grateful to know that my dream of hosting science fairs in underserved communities would be one step closer to becoming a reality. Being a student with autism means that I had to break barriers and learning that I can accomplish many things in life with hard work gives me the motivation to continue my family’s legacy of fixing vehicles.

What makes me a leader is my determination to want better for myself and overcoming my mental disabilities. Autism and ADHD are the two mental disabilities that I have dealt with throughout my life. I was diagnosed with these disabilities at the age of two, but it hasn’t stopped me from pursuing a college degree. Currently, I am a senior at Fisk University with a double major in Mathematics and Physics. I received my associate degree in physics at Nashville State Community College before transferring to Fisk University. I completed my first semester at Fisk as a junior with a 4.0 GPA and this was a proud achievement for me because I felt that it was a difficult task to obtain due to my Autism and ADHD diagnosis. The daily challenge of living with Autism and ADHD is having increased anxiety about my future. Being an autistic person of color to me means that I can break barriers I once thought was impossible. My mother is a motivating factor in my life because she constantly encouraged me to be myself and ignore all the struggles of being an autistic person, and her hard work is paying off. I would like to obtain a graduate degree in physics. I’m currently a math and physics major at Fisk University. Fisk University has a great graduate degree transfer program with Vanderbilt University to increase minority involvement in science, and I plan on using that opportunity to obtain a doctoral degree in physics. Having a doctoral degree in physics as a minority means that I can bring a different experience to my field and be able to convince other minorities to obtain STEM degrees. I also will be able to enter the teaching field with a doctoral degree in physics and that would provide me with the opportunity to share my knowledge with underprivileged students. Before attending Fisk University, I had never had an African American physics professor. My current Fisk physics professor, Dr. Bryan Wallace encouraged me to pursue teaching as a potential career path. I used his advice as motivation to pursue other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. The lessons learned from my educational experience will grant me the ability to conduct science fairs in underserved communities. Having a doctoral degree in physics and pursuing a career in mechanical or aerospace engineering is great for my individual success, but I would not feel any accomplishment unless I helped other people join the STEM field. I had minimal interest in joining the STEM field until I had a high school instructor that highlighted the benefits of science in our community, and I gained the confidence that I could have a successful life within STEM. If I am selected for this scholarship, I would be very grateful to know that my dream of hosting science fairs in underserved communities would be one step closer to becoming a reality. Being a student with autism means that I had to break barriers and learning that I can accomplish many things in life with hard work gives me the motivation to continue my family’s legacy of fixing vehicles.

Autism and ADHD are the two mental disabilities that I have dealt with throughout my life. I was diagnosed with these disabilities at the age of two, but it hasn’t stopped me from pursuing a college degree. Currently, I am a senior at Fisk University with a double major in Mathematics and Physics. I received my associate degree in physics at Nashville State Community College before transferring to Fisk University. I completed my first semester at Fisk as a junior with a 4.0 GPA and this was a proud achievement for me because I felt that it was a difficult task to obtain due to my Autism and ADHD diagnosis. The daily challenge of living with Autism and ADHD is having increased anxiety about my future. Being an autistic person of color to me means that I can break barriers I once thought was impossible. My mother is a motivating factor in my life because she constantly encouraged me to be myself and ignore all the struggles of being an autistic person, and her hard work is paying off. I would like to obtain a graduate degree in physics. I’m currently a math and physics major at Fisk University. Fisk University has a great graduate degree transfer program with Vanderbilt University to increase minority involvement in science, and I plan on using that opportunity to obtain a doctoral degree in physics. Having a doctoral degree in physics as a minority means that I can bring a different experience to my field and be able to convince other minorities to obtain STEM degrees. I also will be able to enter the teaching field with a doctoral degree in physics and that would provide me with the opportunity to share my knowledge with underprivileged students. Before attending Fisk University, I had never had an African American physics professor. My current Fisk physics professor, Dr. Bryan Wallace encouraged me to pursue teaching as a potential career path. I used his advice as motivation to pursue other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. The lessons learned from my educational experience will grant me the ability to conduct science fairs in underserved communities. Having a doctoral degree in physics and pursuing a career in mechanical or aerospace engineering is great for my individual success, but I would not feel any accomplishment unless I helped other people join the STEM field. I had minimal interest in joining the STEM field until I had a high school instructor that highlighted the benefits of science in our community, and I gained the confidence that I could have a successful life within STEM. If I am selected for this scholarship, I would be very grateful to know that my dream of hosting science fairs in underserved communities would be one step closer to becoming a reality. Being a student with autism means that I had to break barriers and learning that I can accomplish many things in life with hard work gives me the motivation to continue my family’s legacy of fixing vehicles.

Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I have been overcoming the obstacle of being an autistic African American male in today's society while pursuing a college education to promote change for my community with hosting science fairs. Autism and ADHD are the two mental disabilities that I have dealt with throughout my life. I was diagnosed with these disabilities at the age of two, but it hasn’t stopped me from pursuing a college degree. Currently, I am a senior at Fisk University with a double major in Mathematics and Physics. I received my associate degree in physics at Nashville State Community College before transferring to Fisk University. I completed my first semester at Fisk as a junior with a 4.0 GPA and this was a proud achievement for me because I felt that it was a difficult task to obtain due to my Autism and ADHD diagnosis. The daily challenge of living with Autism and ADHD is having increased anxiety about my future. Being an autistic person of color to me means that I can break barriers I once thought was impossible. My mother is a motivating factor in my life because she constantly encouraged me to be myself and ignore all the struggles of being an autistic person, and her hard work is paying off. I would like to obtain a graduate degree in physics. I’m currently a math and physics major at Fisk University. Fisk University has a great graduate degree transfer program with Vanderbilt University to increase minority involvement in science, and I plan on using that opportunity to obtain a doctoral degree in physics. Having a doctoral degree in physics as a minority means that I can bring a different experience to my field and be able to convince other minorities to obtain STEM degrees. I also will be able to enter the teaching field with a doctoral degree in physics and that would provide me with the opportunity to share my knowledge with underprivileged students. Before attending Fisk University, I had never had an African American physics professor. My current Fisk physics professor, Dr. Bryan Wallace encouraged me to pursue teaching as a potential career path. I used his advice as motivation to pursue other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. The lessons learned from my educational experience will grant me the ability to conduct science fairs in underserved communities. Having a doctoral degree in physics and pursuing a career in mechanical or aerospace engineering is great for my individual success, but I would not feel any accomplishment unless I helped other people join the STEM field. I had minimal interest in joining the STEM field until I had a high school instructor that highlighted the benefits of science in our community, and I gained the confidence that I could have a successful life within STEM. If I am selected for this scholarship, I would be very grateful to know that my dream of hosting science fairs in underserved communities would be one step closer to becoming a reality. Being a student with autism means that I had to break barriers and learning that I can accomplish many things in life with hard work gives me the motivation to continue my family’s legacy of fixing vehicles.

Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I have been overcoming the obstacle of being an autistic African American male in today's society while pursuing a college education to promote change for my community with hosting science fairs. Autism and ADHD are the two mental disabilities that I have dealt with throughout my life. I was diagnosed with these disabilities at the age of two, but it hasn’t stopped me from pursuing a college degree. Currently, I am a senior at Fisk University with a double major in Mathematics and Physics. I received my associate degree in physics at Nashville State Community College before transferring to Fisk University. I completed my first semester at Fisk as a junior with a 4.0 GPA and this was a proud achievement for me because I felt that it was a difficult task to obtain due to my Autism and ADHD diagnosis. The daily challenge of living with Autism and ADHD is having increased anxiety about my future. Being an autistic person of color to me means that I can break barriers I once thought was impossible. My mother is a motivating factor in my life because she constantly encouraged me to be myself and ignore all the struggles of being an autistic person, and her hard work is paying off. I would like to obtain a graduate degree in physics. I’m currently a math and physics major at Fisk University. Fisk University has a great graduate degree transfer program with Vanderbilt University to increase minority involvement in science, and I plan on using that opportunity to obtain a doctoral degree in physics. Having a doctoral degree in physics as a minority means that I can bring a different experience to my field and be able to convince other minorities to obtain STEM degrees. I also will be able to enter the teaching field with a doctoral degree in physics and that would provide me with the opportunity to share my knowledge with underprivileged students. Before attending Fisk University, I had never had an African American physics professor. My current Fisk physics professor, Dr. Bryan Wallace encouraged me to pursue teaching as a potential career path. I used his advice as motivation to pursue other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. The lessons learned from my educational experience will grant me the ability to conduct science fairs in underserved communities. Having a doctoral degree in physics and pursuing a career in mechanical or aerospace engineering is great for my individual success, but I would not feel any accomplishment unless I helped other people join the STEM field. I had minimal interest in joining the STEM field until I had a high school instructor that highlighted the benefits of science in our community, and I gained the confidence that I could have a successful life within STEM. If I am selected for this scholarship, I would be very grateful to know that my dream of hosting science fairs in underserved communities would be one step closer to becoming a reality. Being a student with autism means that I had to break barriers and learning that I can accomplish many things in life with hard work gives me the motivation to continue my family’s legacy of fixing vehicles.

Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I have been overcoming the obstacle of being an autistic African American male in today's society while pursuing a college education to promote change for my community with hosting science fairs. Autism and ADHD are the two mental disabilities that I have dealt with throughout my life. I was diagnosed with these disabilities at the age of two, but it hasn’t stopped me from pursuing a college degree. Currently, I am a senior at Fisk University with a double major in Mathematics and Physics. I received my associate degree in physics at Nashville State Community College before transferring to Fisk University. I completed my first semester at Fisk as a junior with a 4.0 GPA and this was a proud achievement for me because I felt that it was a difficult task to obtain due to my Autism and ADHD diagnosis. The daily challenge of living with Autism and ADHD is having increased anxiety about my future. Being an autistic person of color to me means that I can break barriers I once thought was impossible. My mother is a motivating factor in my life because she constantly encouraged me to be myself and ignore all the struggles of being an autistic person, and her hard work is paying off. I would like to obtain a graduate degree in physics. I’m currently a math and physics major at Fisk University. Fisk University has a great graduate degree transfer program with Vanderbilt University to increase minority involvement in science, and I plan on using that opportunity to obtain a doctoral degree in physics. Having a doctoral degree in physics as a minority means that I can bring a different experience to my field and be able to convince other minorities to obtain STEM degrees. I also will be able to enter the teaching field with a doctoral degree in physics and that would provide me with the opportunity to share my knowledge with underprivileged students. Before attending Fisk University, I had never had an African American physics professor. My current Fisk physics professor, Dr. Bryan Wallace encouraged me to pursue teaching as a potential career path. I used his advice as motivation to pursue other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. The lessons learned from my educational experience will grant me the ability to conduct science fairs in underserved communities. Having a doctoral degree in physics and pursuing a career in mechanical or aerospace engineering is great for my individual success, but I would not feel any accomplishment unless I helped other people join the STEM field. I had minimal interest in joining the STEM field until I had a high school instructor that highlighted the benefits of science in our community, and I gained the confidence that I could have a successful life within STEM. If I am selected for this scholarship, I would be very grateful to know that my dream of hosting science fairs in underserved communities would be one step closer to becoming a reality. Being a student with autism means that I had to break barriers and learning that I can accomplish many things in life with hard work gives me the motivation to continue my family’s legacy of fixing vehicles.

Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I have been overcoming the obstacle of being an autistic African American male in today's society while pursuing a college education to promote change for my community with hosting science fairs. Autism and ADHD are the two mental disabilities that I have dealt with throughout my life. I was diagnosed with these disabilities at the age of two, but it hasn’t stopped me from pursuing a college degree. Currently, I am a senior at Fisk University with a double major in Mathematics and Physics. I received my associate degree in physics at Nashville State Community College before transferring to Fisk University. I completed my first semester at Fisk as a junior with a 4.0 GPA and this was a proud achievement for me because I felt that it was a difficult task to obtain due to my Autism and ADHD diagnosis. The daily challenge of living with Autism and ADHD is having increased anxiety about my future. Being an autistic person of color to me means that I can break barriers I once thought was impossible. My mother is a motivating factor in my life because she constantly encouraged me to be myself and ignore all the struggles of being an autistic person, and her hard work is paying off. I would like to obtain a graduate degree in physics. I’m currently a math and physics major at Fisk University. Fisk University has a great graduate degree transfer program with Vanderbilt University to increase minority involvement in science, and I plan on using that opportunity to obtain a doctoral degree in physics. Having a doctoral degree in physics as a minority means that I can bring a different experience to my field and be able to convince other minorities to obtain STEM degrees. I also will be able to enter the teaching field with a doctoral degree in physics and that would provide me with the opportunity to share my knowledge with underprivileged students. Before attending Fisk University, I had never had an African American physics professor. My current Fisk physics professor, Dr. Bryan Wallace encouraged me to pursue teaching as a potential career path. I used his advice as motivation to pursue other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. The lessons learned from my educational experience will grant me the ability to conduct science fairs in underserved communities. Having a doctoral degree in physics and pursuing a career in mechanical or aerospace engineering is great for my individual success, but I would not feel any accomplishment unless I helped other people join the STEM field. I had minimal interest in joining the STEM field until I had a high school instructor that highlighted the benefits of science in our community, and I gained the confidence that I could have a successful life within STEM. If I am selected for this scholarship, I would be very grateful to know that my dream of hosting science fairs in underserved communities would be one step closer to becoming a reality. Being a student with autism means that I had to break barriers and learning that I can accomplish many things in life with hard work gives me the motivation to continue my family’s legacy of fixing vehicles.

Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I currently attend Fisk University as a double major in Mathematics and Physics. I chose to attend an HBCU to inspire other minorities to not give up on your dreams of obtaining a college degree. I would like to pursue mechanical engineering or aerospace engineering. I am passionate about these fields because of my family’s background in maintaining vehicles. My grandmother worked for the U.S. Air Force as a mechanic working on fighter jets and military vehicles. My mother and father both worked as auto shop mechanics maintaining diesel trucks. From the exposure of being around hard-working mechanics, I have a passion for maintaining vehicles. Pursuing mechanical or aerospace engineering would grant me the opportunity to help our transportation sector by fixing and modifying how vehicles are made to protect the environment from harmful Carbon emissions and increase the safety of drivers and passengers within vehicles. I see myself becoming a carbon emission tester or working with electric vehicles in a large manufacturing company like General Motors. During my time at Fisk University, I have grown in maturity and gained a clearer understanding of my educational goals. In 2019, I graduated from high school and enrolled at Trevecca Nazarene University. At Trevecca, I had failed courses due to anxiety about being in an unfamiliar place and my father was dying from cancer. I became greatly depressed and unrolled from Trevecca in 2020 and decided to take a gap year to focus on my mental health. On November 6th, 2020, my father passed away from cancer and his last dying wish was for me to obtain a college education and earn my degree. On January 6th, 2021, I began my first day at the Tennessee College of Applied Technology, or TCAT. TCAT is a technical college that focuses on developing students for the workforce through different job training classes. I enrolled in the office assisting program at TCAT and learned valuable skills like using Microsoft Excel and learning better time management skills. TCAT not only provided me with job skills, but it also gave me back my motivation to succeed and earn a proper college degree. I graduated from TCAT on August 1st, 2021, with three diplomas in Administrative Assisting, Accounting Assisting, and Medical Assisting. On August 15th, 2021, I began my first day at Nashville State Community College, or NSCC. At NSCC, I pursued my associate degree in physics with plans to transfer after graduation. Fisk University was the school I set my sights on for two years until I obtained my associate degree in physics on August 3rd, 2023. On August 10th, 2023, I began my first day at Fisk University as a double major in Mathematics and Physics. During my two semesters at Fisk, I have met plenty of positive people that want to see minorities like me succeed and thrive. I currently have a 3.8 GPA and I will be graduating from Fisk University during the 2025 spring semester. Gaining a second chance at my education will allow me to keep my father’s dying wish of obtaining a college degree and prove to myself that having autism does not prevent you from reaching your dreams. I would like to obtain a graduate degree in physics. Fisk University has a great graduate degree transfer program with Vanderbilt University to increase minority involvement in science, and I plan on using that opportunity to obtain a doctoral degree in physics. Having a doctoral degree in physics as a minority means that I can bring a different experience to my field and be able to convince other minorities to obtain STEM degrees. I also will be able to enter the teaching field with a doctoral degree in physics and that would provide me with the opportunity to share my knowledge with underprivileged students. Before attending Fisk University, I had never had an African American physics professor. My current Fisk physics professor, Dr. Bryan Wallace, encouraged me to pursue teaching as a potential career path. I used his advice as motivation to pursue other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. The lessons learned from my educational experience will grant me the ability to conduct science fairs in underserved communities. Having a doctoral degree in physics and pursuing a career in mechanical or aerospace engineering is great for my individual success, but I would not feel any accomplishment unless I helped other people join the STEM field. I had minimal interest in joining the STEM field until I had a high school instructor that highlighted the benefits of science in our community, and I gained the confidence that STEM is a great career path. If I am selected for this scholarship, I would be very grateful to know that my dream of hosting science fairs in underserved communities would be one step closer to becoming a reality. Being a student with autism means that I had to break barriers and learning that I can accomplish many things in life with hard work gives me the motivation to continue my family’s legacy of fixing vehicles.

Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I currently attend Fisk University as a double major in Mathematics and Physics. I chose to attend an HBCU to inspire other minorities to not give up on your dreams of obtaining a college degree. I would like to pursue mechanical engineering or aerospace engineering. I am passionate about these fields because of my family’s background in maintaining vehicles. My grandmother worked for the U.S. Air Force as a mechanic working on fighter jets and military vehicles. My mother and father both worked as auto shop mechanics maintaining diesel trucks. From the exposure of being around hard-working mechanics, I have a passion for maintaining vehicles. Pursuing mechanical or aerospace engineering would grant me the opportunity to help our transportation sector by fixing and modifying how vehicles are made to protect the environment from harmful Carbon emissions and increase the safety of drivers and passengers within vehicles. I see myself becoming a carbon emission tester or working with electric vehicles in a large manufacturing company like General Motors. During my time at Fisk University, I have grown in maturity and gained a clearer understanding of my educational goals. In 2019, I graduated from high school and enrolled at Trevecca Nazarene University. At Trevecca, I had failed courses due to anxiety about being in an unfamiliar place and my father was dying from cancer. I became greatly depressed and unrolled from Trevecca in 2020 and decided to take a gap year to focus on my mental health. On November 6th, 2020, my father passed away from cancer and his last dying wish was for me to obtain a college education and earn my degree. On January 6th, 2021, I began my first day at the Tennessee College of Applied Technology, or TCAT. TCAT is a technical college that focuses on developing students for the workforce through different job training classes. I enrolled in the office assisting program at TCAT and learned valuable skills like using Microsoft Excel and learning better time management skills. TCAT not only provided me with job skills, but it also gave me back my motivation to succeed and earn a proper college degree. I graduated from TCAT on August 1st, 2021, with three diplomas in Administrative Assisting, Accounting Assisting, and Medical Assisting. On August 15th, 2021, I began my first day at Nashville State Community College, or NSCC. At NSCC, I pursued my associate degree in physics with plans to transfer after graduation. Fisk University was the school I set my sights on for two years until I obtained my associate degree in physics on August 3rd, 2023. On August 10th, 2023, I began my first day at Fisk University as a double major in Mathematics and Physics. During my two semesters at Fisk, I have met plenty of positive people that want to see minorities like me succeed and thrive. I currently have a 3.8 GPA and I will be graduating from Fisk University during the 2025 spring semester. Gaining a second chance at my education will allow me to keep my father’s dying wish of obtaining a college degree and prove to myself that having autism does not prevent you from reaching your dreams. I would like to obtain a graduate degree in physics. Having a doctoral degree in physics as a minority means that I can bring a different experience to my field and be able to convince other minorities to obtain STEM degrees. I also will be able to enter the teaching field with a doctoral degree in physics and that would provide me with the opportunity to share my knowledge with underprivileged students. Before attending Fisk University, I had never had an African American physics professor. My current Fisk physics professor, Dr. Bryan Wallace, encouraged me to pursue teaching as a potential career path. I used his advice as motivation to pursue other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. The lessons learned from my educational experience will grant me the ability to conduct science fairs in underserved communities. I had minimal interest in joining the STEM field until I had a high school instructor that highlighted the benefits of science in our community, and I gained the confidence that STEM is a great career path. If I am selected for this scholarship, I would be very grateful to know that my dream of hosting science fairs in underserved communities would be one step closer to becoming a reality. Being a student with autism means that I had to break barriers and learning that I can accomplish many things in life with hard work gives me the motivation to continue my family’s legacy of fixing vehicles.

Autism and ADHD are the two mental disabilities that I have dealt with throughout my life. I was diagnosed with these disabilities at the age of two, but it hasn’t stopped me from pursuing a college degree. Currently, I am a senior at Fisk University with a double major in Mathematics and Physics. I received my associate degree in physics at Nashville State Community College before transferring to Fisk University. I completed my first semester at Fisk as a junior with a 4.0 GPA and this was a proud achievement for me because I felt that it was a difficult task to obtain due to my Autism and ADHD diagnosis. The daily challenge of living with Autism and ADHD is having increased anxiety about my future. Being an autistic person of color to me means that I can break barriers I once thought was impossible. My mother is a motivating factor in my life because she constantly encouraged me to be myself and ignore all the struggles of being an autistic person, and her hard work is paying off. I would like to obtain a graduate degree in physics. I’m currently a math and physics major at Fisk University. Fisk University has a great graduate degree transfer program with Vanderbilt University to increase minority involvement in science, and I plan on using that opportunity to obtain a doctoral degree in physics. Having a doctoral degree in physics as a minority means that I can bring a different experience to my field and be able to convince other minorities to obtain STEM degrees. I also will be able to enter the teaching field with a doctoral degree in physics and that would provide me with the opportunity to share my knowledge with underprivileged students. Before attending Fisk University, I had never had an African American physics professor. My current Fisk physics professor, Dr. Bryan Wallace encouraged me to pursue teaching as a potential career path. I used his advice as motivation to pursue other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. The lessons learned from my educational experience will grant me the ability to conduct science fairs in underserved communities. Having a doctoral degree in physics and pursuing a career in mechanical or aerospace engineering is great for my individual success, but I would not feel any accomplishment unless I helped other people join the STEM field. I had minimal interest in joining the STEM field until I had a high school instructor that highlighted the benefits of science in our community, and I gained the confidence that I could have a successful life within STEM. If I am selected for this scholarship, I would be very grateful to know that my dream of hosting science fairs in underserved communities would be one step closer to becoming a reality. Being a student with autism means that I had to break barriers and learning that I can accomplish many things in life with hard work gives me the motivation to continue my family’s legacy of fixing vehicles.

Autism and ADHD are the two mental disabilities that I have dealt with throughout my life. I was diagnosed with these disabilities at the age of two, but it hasn’t stopped me from pursuing a college degree. Currently, I am a senior at Fisk University with a double major in Mathematics and Physics. I received my associate degree in physics at Nashville State Community College before transferring to Fisk University. I completed my first semester at Fisk as a junior with a 4.0 GPA and this was a proud achievement for me because I felt that it was a difficult task to obtain due to my Autism and ADHD diagnosis. The daily challenge of living with Autism and ADHD is having increased anxiety about my future. Being an autistic person of color to me means that I can break barriers I once thought was impossible. My mother is a motivating factor in my life because she constantly encouraged me to be myself and ignore all the struggles of being an autistic person, and her hard work is paying off. I would like to obtain a graduate degree in physics. I’m currently a math and physics major at Fisk University. Fisk University has a great graduate degree transfer program with Vanderbilt University to increase minority involvement in science, and I plan on using that opportunity to obtain a doctoral degree in physics. Having a doctoral degree in physics as a minority means that I can bring a different experience to my field and be able to convince other minorities to obtain STEM degrees. I also will be able to enter the teaching field with a doctoral degree in physics and that would provide me with the opportunity to share my knowledge with underprivileged students. Before attending Fisk University, I had never had an African American physics professor. My current Fisk physics professor, Dr. Bryan Wallace encouraged me to pursue teaching as a potential career path. I used his advice as motivation to pursue other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. The lessons learned from my educational experience will grant me the ability to conduct science fairs in underserved communities. Having a doctoral degree in physics and pursuing a career in mechanical or aerospace engineering is great for my individual success, but I would not feel any accomplishment unless I helped other people join the STEM field. I had minimal interest in joining the STEM field until I had a high school instructor that highlighted the benefits of science in our community, and I gained the confidence that I could have a successful life within STEM. If I am selected for this scholarship, I would be very grateful to know that my dream of hosting science fairs in underserved communities would be one step closer to becoming a reality. Being a student with autism means that I had to break barriers and learning that I can accomplish many things in life with hard work gives me the motivation to continue my family’s legacy of fixing vehicles.

Autism and ADHD are the two mental disabilities that I have dealt with throughout my life. I was diagnosed with these disabilities at the age of two, but it hasn’t stopped me from pursuing a college degree. Currently, I am a senior at Fisk University with a double major in Mathematics and Physics. I received my associate degree in physics at Nashville State Community College before transferring to Fisk University. I completed my first semester at Fisk as a junior with a 4.0 GPA and this was a proud achievement for me because I felt that it was a difficult task to obtain due to my Autism and ADHD diagnosis. The daily challenge of living with Autism and ADHD is having increased anxiety about my future. Being an autistic person of color to me means that I can break barriers I once thought was impossible. My mother is a motivating factor in my life because she constantly encouraged me to be myself and ignore all the struggles of being an autistic person, and her hard work is paying off. I would like to obtain a graduate degree in physics. I’m currently a math and physics major at Fisk University. Fisk University has a great graduate degree transfer program with Vanderbilt University to increase minority involvement in science, and I plan on using that opportunity to obtain a doctoral degree in physics. Having a doctoral degree in physics as a minority means that I can bring a different experience to my field and be able to convince other minorities to obtain STEM degrees. I also will be able to enter the teaching field with a doctoral degree in physics and that would provide me with the opportunity to share my knowledge with underprivileged students. Before attending Fisk University, I had never had an African American physics professor. My current Fisk physics professor, Dr. Bryan Wallace encouraged me to pursue teaching as a potential career path. I used his advice as motivation to pursue other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. The lessons learned from my educational experience will grant me the ability to conduct science fairs in underserved communities. Having a doctoral degree in physics and pursuing a career in mechanical or aerospace engineering is great for my individual success, but I would not feel any accomplishment unless I helped other people join the STEM field. I had minimal interest in joining the STEM field until I had a high school instructor that highlighted the benefits of science in our community, and I gained the confidence that I could have a successful life within STEM. If I am selected for this scholarship, I would be very grateful to know that my dream of hosting science fairs in underserved communities would be one step closer to becoming a reality. Being a student with autism means that I had to break barriers and learning that I can accomplish many things in life with hard work gives me the motivation to continue my family’s legacy of fixing vehicles.

Autism and ADHD are the two mental disabilities that I have dealt with throughout my life. I was diagnosed with these disabilities at the age of two, but it hasn’t stopped me from pursuing a college degree. Currently, I am a senior at Fisk University with a double major in Mathematics and Physics. I received my associate degree in physics at Nashville State Community College before transferring to Fisk University. I completed my first semester at Fisk as a junior with a 4.0 GPA and this was a proud achievement for me because I felt that it was a difficult task to obtain due to my Autism and ADHD diagnosis. The daily challenge of living with Autism and ADHD is having increased anxiety about my future. Being an autistic person of color to me means that I can break barriers I once thought was impossible. My mother is a motivating factor in my life because she constantly encouraged me to be myself and ignore all the struggles of being an autistic person, and her hard work is paying off. I would like to obtain a graduate degree in physics. I’m currently a math and physics major at Fisk University. Fisk University has a great graduate degree transfer program with Vanderbilt University to increase minority involvement in science, and I plan on using that opportunity to obtain a doctoral degree in physics. Having a doctoral degree in physics as a minority means that I can bring a different experience to my field and be able to convince other minorities to obtain STEM degrees. I also will be able to enter the teaching field with a doctoral degree in physics and that would provide me with the opportunity to share my knowledge with underprivileged students. Before attending Fisk University, I had never had an African American physics professor. My current Fisk physics professor, Dr. Bryan Wallace encouraged me to pursue teaching as a potential career path. I used his advice as motivation to pursue other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. The lessons learned from my educational experience will grant me the ability to conduct science fairs in underserved communities. Having a doctoral degree in physics and pursuing a career in mechanical or aerospace engineering is great for my individual success, but I would not feel any accomplishment unless I helped other people join the STEM field. I had minimal interest in joining the STEM field until I had a high school instructor that highlighted the benefits of science in our community, and I gained the confidence that I could have a successful life within STEM. If I am selected for this scholarship, I would be very grateful to know that my dream of hosting science fairs in underserved communities would be one step closer to becoming a reality. Being a student with autism means that I had to break barriers and learning that I can accomplish many things in life with hard work gives me the motivation to continue my family’s legacy of fixing vehicles.

Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I have been overcoming the obstacle of being an autistic African American male in today's society while pursuing a college education to promote change for my community with hosting science fairs. Autism and ADHD are the two mental disabilities that I have dealt with throughout my life. I was diagnosed with these disabilities at the age of two, but it hasn’t stopped me from pursuing a college degree. Currently, I am a senior at Fisk University with a double major in Mathematics and Physics. I received my associate degree in physics at Nashville State Community College before transferring to Fisk University. I completed my first semester at Fisk as a junior with a 4.0 GPA and this was a proud achievement for me because I felt that it was a difficult task to obtain due to my Autism and ADHD diagnosis. The daily challenge of living with Autism and ADHD is having increased anxiety about my future. Being an autistic person of color to me means that I can break barriers I once thought was impossible. My mother is a motivating factor in my life because she constantly encouraged me to be myself and ignore all the struggles of being an autistic person, and her hard work is paying off. I would like to obtain a graduate degree in physics. Fisk University has a great graduate degree transfer program with Vanderbilt University to increase minority involvement in science, and I plan on using that opportunity to obtain a doctoral degree in physics. Having a doctoral degree in physics as a minority means that I can bring a different experience to my field and be able to convince other minorities to obtain STEM degrees. I also will be able to enter the teaching field with a doctoral degree in physics and that would provide me with the opportunity to share my knowledge with underprivileged students. Before attending Fisk University, I had never had an African American physics professor. My current Fisk physics professor, Dr. Bryan Wallace encouraged me to pursue teaching as a potential career path. I used his advice as motivation to pursue other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. The lessons learned from my educational experience will grant me the ability to conduct science fairs in underserved communities. Having a doctoral degree in physics and pursuing a career in mechanical or aerospace engineering is great for my individual success, but I would not feel any accomplishment unless I helped other people join the STEM field. If I am selected for this scholarship, I would be very grateful to know that my dream of hosting science fairs in underserved communities would be one step closer to becoming a reality. Being a student with autism means that I had to break barriers and learning that I can accomplish many things in life with hard work gives me the motivation to continue my family’s legacy of fixing vehicles.

Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I have been overcoming the obstacle of being an autistic African American male in today's society while pursuing a college education to promote change for my community with hosting science fairs. Autism and ADHD are the two mental disabilities that I have dealt with throughout my life. I was diagnosed with these disabilities at the age of two, but it hasn’t stopped me from pursuing a college degree. Currently, I am a senior at Fisk University with a double major in Mathematics and Physics. I received my associate degree in physics at Nashville State Community College before transferring to Fisk University. I completed my first semester at Fisk as a junior with a 4.0 GPA and this was a proud achievement for me because I felt that it was a difficult task to obtain due to my Autism and ADHD diagnosis. The daily challenge of living with Autism and ADHD is having increased anxiety about my future. Being an autistic person of color to me means that I can break barriers I once thought was impossible. My mother is a motivating factor in my life because she constantly encouraged me to be myself and ignore all the struggles of being an autistic person, and her hard work is paying off. I would like to obtain a graduate degree in physics. I’m currently a math and physics major at Fisk University. Fisk University has a great graduate degree transfer program with Vanderbilt University to increase minority involvement in science, and I plan on using that opportunity to obtain a doctoral degree in physics. Having a doctoral degree in physics as a minority means that I can bring a different experience to my field and be able to convince other minorities to obtain STEM degrees. I also will be able to enter the teaching field with a doctoral degree in physics and that would provide me with the opportunity to share my knowledge with underprivileged students. Before attending Fisk University, I had never had an African American physics professor. My current Fisk physics professor, Dr. Bryan Wallace encouraged me to pursue teaching as a potential career path. I used his advice as motivation to pursue other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. The lessons learned from my educational experience will grant me the ability to conduct science fairs in underserved communities. Having a doctoral degree in physics and pursuing a career in mechanical or aerospace engineering is great for my individual success, but I would not feel any accomplishment unless I helped other people join the STEM field. I had minimal interest in joining the STEM field until I had a high school instructor that highlighted the benefits of science in our community, and I gained the confidence that I could have a successful life within STEM. If I am selected for this scholarship, I would be very grateful to know that my dream of hosting science fairs in underserved communities would be one step closer to becoming a reality. Being a student with autism means that I had to break barriers and learning that I can accomplish many things in life with hard work gives me the motivation to continue my family’s legacy of fixing vehicles.

Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I have been overcoming the obstacle of being an autistic African American male in today's society while pursuing a college education to promote change for my community with hosting science fairs. Autism and ADHD are the two mental disabilities that I have dealt with throughout my life. I was diagnosed with these disabilities at the age of two, but it hasn’t stopped me from pursuing a college degree. Currently, I am a senior at Fisk University with a double major in Mathematics and Physics. I received my associate degree in physics at Nashville State Community College before transferring to Fisk University. I completed my first semester at Fisk as a junior with a 4.0 GPA and this was a proud achievement for me because I felt that it was a difficult task to obtain due to my Autism and ADHD diagnosis. The daily challenge of living with Autism and ADHD is having increased anxiety about my future. Being an autistic person of color to me means that I can break barriers I once thought was impossible. My mother is a motivating factor in my life because she constantly encouraged me to be myself and ignore all the struggles of being an autistic person, and her hard work is paying off. I would like to obtain a graduate degree in physics. I’m currently a math and physics major at Fisk University. Fisk University has a great graduate degree transfer program with Vanderbilt University to increase minority involvement in science, and I plan on using that opportunity to obtain a doctoral degree in physics. Having a doctoral degree in physics as a minority means that I can bring a different experience to my field and be able to convince other minorities to obtain STEM degrees. I also will be able to enter the teaching field with a doctoral degree in physics and that would provide me with the opportunity to share my knowledge with underprivileged students. Before attending Fisk University, I had never had an African American physics professor. My current Fisk physics professor, Dr. Bryan Wallace encouraged me to pursue teaching as a potential career path. I used his advice as motivation to pursue other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. The lessons learned from my educational experience will grant me the ability to conduct science fairs in underserved communities. Having a doctoral degree in physics and pursuing a career in mechanical or aerospace engineering is great for my individual success, but I would not feel any accomplishment unless I helped other people join the STEM field. I had minimal interest in joining the STEM field until I had a high school instructor that highlighted the benefits of science in our community, and I gained the confidence that I could have a successful life within STEM. If I am selected for this scholarship, I would be very grateful to know that my dream of hosting science fairs in underserved communities would be one step closer to becoming a reality. Being a student with autism means that I had to break barriers and learning that I can accomplish many things in life with hard work gives me the motivation to continue my family’s legacy of fixing vehicles.

Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I have been overcoming the obstacle of being an autistic African American male in today's society while pursuing a college education to promote change for my community with hosting science fairs. Autism and ADHD are the two mental disabilities that I have dealt with throughout my life. I was diagnosed with these disabilities at the age of two, but it hasn’t stopped me from pursuing a college degree. Currently, I am a senior at Fisk University with a double major in Mathematics and Physics. I received my associate degree in physics at Nashville State Community College before transferring to Fisk University. I completed my first semester at Fisk as a junior with a 4.0 GPA and this was a proud achievement for me because I felt that it was a difficult task to obtain due to my Autism and ADHD diagnosis. The daily challenge of living with Autism and ADHD is having increased anxiety about my future. Being an autistic person of color to me means that I can break barriers I once thought was impossible. My mother is a motivating factor in my life because she constantly encouraged me to be myself and ignore all the struggles of being an autistic person, and her hard work is paying off. I would like to obtain a graduate degree in physics. I’m currently a math and physics major at Fisk University. Fisk University has a great graduate degree transfer program with Vanderbilt University to increase minority involvement in science, and I plan on using that opportunity to obtain a doctoral degree in physics. Having a doctoral degree in physics as a minority means that I can bring a different experience to my field and be able to convince other minorities to obtain STEM degrees. I also will be able to enter the teaching field with a doctoral degree in physics and that would provide me with the opportunity to share my knowledge with underprivileged students. Before attending Fisk University, I had never had an African American physics professor. My current Fisk physics professor, Dr. Bryan Wallace encouraged me to pursue teaching as a potential career path. I used his advice as motivation to pursue other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. The lessons learned from my educational experience will grant me the ability to conduct science fairs in underserved communities. Having a doctoral degree in physics and pursuing a career in mechanical or aerospace engineering is great for my individual success, but I would not feel any accomplishment unless I helped other people join the STEM field. I had minimal interest in joining the STEM field until I had a high school instructor that highlighted the benefits of science in our community, and I gained the confidence that I could have a successful life within STEM. If I am selected for this scholarship, I would be very grateful to know that my dream of hosting science fairs in underserved communities would be one step closer to becoming a reality. Being a student with autism means that I had to break barriers and learning that I can accomplish many things in life with hard work gives me the motivation to continue my family’s legacy of fixing vehicles.

Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I have been overcoming the obstacle of being an autistic African American male in today's society while pursuing a college education to promote change for my community with hosting science fairs. Autism and ADHD are the two mental disabilities that I have dealt with throughout my life. I was diagnosed with these disabilities at the age of two, but it hasn’t stopped me from pursuing a college degree. Currently, I am a senior at Fisk University with a double major in Mathematics and Physics. I received my associate degree in physics at Nashville State Community College before transferring to Fisk University. I completed my first semester at Fisk as a junior with a 4.0 GPA and this was a proud achievement for me because I felt that it was a difficult task to obtain due to my Autism and ADHD diagnosis. The daily challenge of living with Autism and ADHD is having increased anxiety about my future. Being an autistic person of color to me means that I can break barriers I once thought was impossible. My mother is a motivating factor in my life because she constantly encouraged me to be myself and ignore all the struggles of being an autistic person, and her hard work is paying off. I would like to obtain a graduate degree in physics. I’m currently a math and physics major at Fisk University. Fisk University has a great graduate degree transfer program with Vanderbilt University to increase minority involvement in science, and I plan on using that opportunity to obtain a doctoral degree in physics. Having a doctoral degree in physics as a minority means that I can bring a different experience to my field and be able to convince other minorities to obtain STEM degrees. I also will be able to enter the teaching field with a doctoral degree in physics and that would provide me with the opportunity to share my knowledge with underprivileged students. Before attending Fisk University, I had never had an African American physics professor. My current Fisk physics professor, Dr. Bryan Wallace encouraged me to pursue teaching as a potential career path. I used his advice as motivation to pursue other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. The lessons learned from my educational experience will grant me the ability to conduct science fairs in underserved communities. Having a doctoral degree in physics and pursuing a career in mechanical or aerospace engineering is great for my individual success, but I would not feel any accomplishment unless I helped other people join the STEM field. I had minimal interest in joining the STEM field until I had a high school instructor that highlighted the benefits of science in our community, and I gained the confidence that I could have a successful life within STEM. If I am selected for this scholarship, I would be very grateful to know that my dream of hosting science fairs in underserved communities would be one step closer to becoming a reality. Being a student with autism means that I had to break barriers and learning that I can accomplish many things in life with hard work gives me the motivation to continue my family’s legacy of fixing vehicles.

Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I have been overcoming the obstacle of being an autistic African American male in today's society while pursuing a college education to promote change for my community with hosting science fairs. Autism and ADHD are the two mental disabilities that I have dealt with throughout my life. I was diagnosed with these disabilities at the age of two, but it hasn’t stopped me from pursuing a college degree. Currently, I am a senior at Fisk University with a double major in Mathematics and Physics. I received my associate degree in physics at Nashville State Community College before transferring to Fisk University. I completed my first semester at Fisk as a junior with a 4.0 GPA and this was a proud achievement for me because I felt that it was a difficult task to obtain due to my Autism and ADHD diagnosis. The daily challenge of living with Autism and ADHD is having increased anxiety about my future. Being an autistic person of color to me means that I can break barriers I once thought was impossible. My mother is a motivating factor in my life because she constantly encouraged me to be myself and ignore all the struggles of being an autistic person, and her hard work is paying off. I would like to obtain a graduate degree in physics. I’m currently a math and physics major at Fisk University. Fisk University has a great graduate degree transfer program with Vanderbilt University to increase minority involvement in science, and I plan on using that opportunity to obtain a doctoral degree in physics. Having a doctoral degree in physics as a minority means that I can bring a different experience to my field and be able to convince other minorities to obtain STEM degrees. I also will be able to enter the teaching field with a doctoral degree in physics and that would provide me with the opportunity to share my knowledge with underprivileged students. Before attending Fisk University, I had never had an African American physics professor. My current Fisk physics professor, Dr. Bryan Wallace encouraged me to pursue teaching as a potential career path. I used his advice as motivation to pursue other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. The lessons learned from my educational experience will grant me the ability to conduct science fairs in underserved communities. Having a doctoral degree in physics and pursuing a career in mechanical or aerospace engineering is great for my individual success, but I would not feel any accomplishment unless I helped other people join the STEM field. I had minimal interest in joining the STEM field until I had a high school instructor that highlighted the benefits of science in our community, and I gained the confidence that I could have a successful life within STEM. If I am selected for this scholarship, I would be very grateful to know that my dream of hosting science fairs in underserved communities would be one step closer to becoming a reality. Being a student with autism means that I had to break barriers and learning that I can accomplish many things in life with hard work gives me the motivation to continue my family’s legacy of fixing vehicles.

Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I have been overcoming the obstacle of being an autistic African American male in today's society while pursuing a college education to promote change for my community with hosting science fairs. Autism and ADHD are the two mental disabilities that I have dealt with throughout my life. I was diagnosed with these disabilities at the age of two, but it hasn’t stopped me from pursuing a college degree. Currently, I am a senior at Fisk University with a double major in Mathematics and Physics. I received my associate degree in physics at Nashville State Community College before transferring to Fisk University. I completed my first semester at Fisk as a junior with a 4.0 GPA and this was a proud achievement for me because I felt that it was a difficult task to obtain due to my Autism and ADHD diagnosis. The daily challenge of living with Autism and ADHD is having increased anxiety about my future. Being an autistic person of color to me means that I can break barriers I once thought was impossible. My mother is a motivating factor in my life because she constantly encouraged me to be myself and ignore all the struggles of being an autistic person, and her hard work is paying off. I would like to obtain a graduate degree in physics. I’m currently a math and physics major at Fisk University. Fisk University has a great graduate degree transfer program with Vanderbilt University to increase minority involvement in science, and I plan on using that opportunity to obtain a doctoral degree in physics. Having a doctoral degree in physics as a minority means that I can bring a different experience to my field and be able to convince other minorities to obtain STEM degrees. I also will be able to enter the teaching field with a doctoral degree in physics and that would provide me with the opportunity to share my knowledge with underprivileged students. Before attending Fisk University, I had never had an African American physics professor. My current Fisk physics professor, Dr. Bryan Wallace encouraged me to pursue teaching as a potential career path. I used his advice as motivation to pursue other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. The lessons learned from my educational experience will grant me the ability to conduct science fairs in underserved communities. Having a doctoral degree in physics and pursuing a career in mechanical or aerospace engineering is great for my individual success, but I would not feel any accomplishment unless I helped other people join the STEM field. I had minimal interest in joining the STEM field until I had a high school instructor that highlighted the benefits of science in our community, and I gained the confidence that I could have a successful life within STEM. If I am selected for this scholarship, I would be very grateful to know that my dream of hosting science fairs in underserved communities would be one step closer to becoming a reality. Being a student with autism means that I had to break barriers and learning that I can accomplish many things in life with hard work gives me the motivation to continue my family’s legacy of fixing vehicles.

Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I have been overcoming the obstacle of being an autistic African American male in today's society while pursuing a college education to promote change for my community with hosting science fairs. Autism and ADHD are the two mental disabilities that I have dealt with throughout my life. I was diagnosed with these disabilities at the age of two, but it hasn’t stopped me from pursuing a college degree. Currently, I am a senior at Fisk University with a double major in Mathematics and Physics. I received my associate degree in physics at Nashville State Community College before transferring to Fisk University. I completed my first semester at Fisk as a junior with a 4.0 GPA and this was a proud achievement for me because I felt that it was a difficult task to obtain due to my Autism and ADHD diagnosis. The daily challenge of living with Autism and ADHD is having increased anxiety about my future. Being an autistic person of color to me means that I can break barriers I once thought was impossible. My mother is a motivating factor in my life because she constantly encouraged me to be myself and ignore all the struggles of being an autistic person, and her hard work is paying off. I would like to obtain a graduate degree in physics. I’m currently a math and physics major at Fisk University. Having a doctoral degree in physics as a minority means that I can bring a different experience to my field and be able to convince other minorities to obtain STEM degrees. I also will be able to enter the teaching field with a doctoral degree in physics and that would provide me with the opportunity to share my knowledge with underprivileged students. Before attending Fisk University, I had never had an African American physics professor. My current Fisk physics professor, Dr. Bryan Wallace encouraged me to pursue teaching as a potential career path. I used his advice as motivation to pursue other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. The lessons learned from my educational experience will grant me the ability to conduct science fairs in underserved communities. Having a doctoral degree in physics and pursuing a career in mechanical or aerospace engineering is great for my individual success, but I would not feel any accomplishment unless I helped other people join the STEM field. I had minimal interest in joining the STEM field until I had a high school instructor that highlighted the benefits of science in our community, and I gained the confidence that I could have a successful life within STEM. If I am selected for this scholarship, I would be very grateful to know that my dream of hosting science fairs in underserved communities would be one step closer to becoming a reality.

Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I have been overcoming the obstacle of being an autistic African American male in today's society while pursuing a college education to promote change for my community with hosting science fairs. Autism and ADHD are the two mental disabilities that I have dealt with throughout my life. I was diagnosed with these disabilities at the age of two, but it hasn’t stopped me from pursuing a college degree. Currently, I am a senior at Fisk University with a double major in Mathematics and Physics. I received my associate degree in physics at Nashville State Community College before transferring to Fisk University. I completed my first semester at Fisk as a junior with a 4.0 GPA and this was a proud achievement for me because I felt that it was a difficult task to obtain due to my Autism and ADHD diagnosis. The daily challenge of living with Autism and ADHD is having increased anxiety about my future. Being an autistic person of color to me means that I can break barriers I once thought was impossible. My mother is a motivating factor in my life because she constantly encouraged me to be myself and ignore all the struggles of being an autistic person, and her hard work is paying off. I would like to obtain a graduate degree in physics. I’m currently a math and physics major at Fisk University. Fisk University has a great graduate degree transfer program with Vanderbilt University to increase minority involvement in science, and I plan on using that opportunity to obtain a doctoral degree in physics. Having a doctoral degree in physics as a minority means that I can bring a different experience to my field and be able to convince other minorities to obtain STEM degrees. I also will be able to enter the teaching field with a doctoral degree in physics and that would provide me with the opportunity to share my knowledge with underprivileged students. Before attending Fisk University, I had never had an African American physics professor. My current Fisk physics professor, Dr. Bryan Wallace encouraged me to pursue teaching as a potential career path. I used his advice as motivation to pursue other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. The lessons learned from my educational experience will grant me the ability to conduct science fairs in underserved communities. Having a doctoral degree in physics and pursuing a career in mechanical or aerospace engineering is great for my individual success, but I would not feel any accomplishment unless I helped other people join the STEM field. I had minimal interest in joining the STEM field until I had a high school instructor that highlighted the benefits of science in our community, and I gained the confidence that I could have a successful life within STEM. If I am selected for this scholarship, I would be very grateful to know that my dream of hosting science fairs in underserved communities would be one step closer to becoming a reality. Being a student with autism means that I had to break barriers and learning that I can accomplish many things in life with hard work gives me the motivation to continue my family’s legacy of fixing vehicles.

Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I have been overcoming the obstacle of being an autistic African American male in today's society while pursuing a college education to promote change for my community with hosting science fairs. Autism and ADHD are the two mental disabilities that I have dealt with throughout my life. I was diagnosed with these disabilities at the age of two, but it hasn’t stopped me from pursuing a college degree. Currently, I am a senior at Fisk University with a double major in Mathematics and Physics. I received my associate degree in physics at Nashville State Community College before transferring to Fisk University. I completed my first semester at Fisk as a junior with a 4.0 GPA and this was a proud achievement for me because I felt that it was a difficult task to obtain due to my Autism and ADHD diagnosis. The daily challenge of living with Autism and ADHD is having increased anxiety about my future. Being an autistic person of color to me means that I can break barriers I once thought was impossible. My mother is a motivating factor in my life because she constantly encouraged me to be myself and ignore all the struggles of being an autistic person, and her hard work is paying off. I would like to obtain a graduate degree in physics. I’m currently a math and physics major at Fisk University. Having a doctoral degree in physics as a minority means that I can bring a different experience to my field and be able to convince other minorities to obtain STEM degrees. I also will be able to enter the teaching field with a doctoral degree in physics and that would provide me with the opportunity to share my knowledge with underprivileged students. Before attending Fisk University, I had never had an African American physics professor. My current Fisk physics professor, Dr. Bryan Wallace encouraged me to pursue teaching as a potential career path. I used his advice as motivation to pursue other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. The lessons learned from my educational experience will grant me the ability to conduct science fairs in underserved communities. Having a doctoral degree in physics and pursuing a career in mechanical or aerospace engineering is great for my individual success, but I would not feel any accomplishment unless I helped other people join the STEM field. I had minimal interest in joining the STEM field until I had a high school instructor that highlighted the benefits of science in our community, and I gained the confidence that I could have a successful life within STEM. If I am selected for this scholarship, I would be very grateful to know that my dream of hosting science fairs in underserved communities would be one step closer to becoming a reality.

Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I have been overcoming the obstacle of being an autistic African American male in today's society while pursuing a college education to promote change for my community with hosting science fairs. Autism and ADHD are the two mental disabilities that I have dealt with throughout my life. I was diagnosed with these disabilities at the age of two, but it hasn’t stopped me from pursuing a college degree. Currently, I am a senior at Fisk University with a double major in Mathematics and Physics. I received my associate degree in physics at Nashville State Community College before transferring to Fisk University. I completed my first semester at Fisk as a junior with a 4.0 GPA and this was a proud achievement for me because I felt that it was a difficult task to obtain due to my Autism and ADHD diagnosis. The daily challenge of living with Autism and ADHD is having increased anxiety about my future. Being an autistic person of color to me means that I can break barriers I once thought was impossible. My mother is a motivating factor in my life because she constantly encouraged me to be myself and ignore all the struggles of being an autistic person, and her hard work is paying off. I would like to obtain a graduate degree in physics. I’m currently a math and physics major at Fisk University. Fisk University has a great graduate degree transfer program with Vanderbilt University to increase minority involvement in science, and I plan on using that opportunity to obtain a doctoral degree in physics. Having a doctoral degree in physics as a minority means that I can bring a different experience to my field and be able to convince other minorities to obtain STEM degrees. I also will be able to enter the teaching field with a doctoral degree in physics and that would provide me with the opportunity to share my knowledge with underprivileged students. Before attending Fisk University, I had never had an African American physics professor. My current Fisk physics professor, Dr. Bryan Wallace encouraged me to pursue teaching as a potential career path. I used his advice as motivation to pursue other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. The lessons learned from my educational experience will grant me the ability to conduct science fairs in underserved communities. Having a doctoral degree in physics and pursuing a career in mechanical or aerospace engineering is great for my individual success, but I would not feel any accomplishment unless I helped other people join the STEM field. I had minimal interest in joining the STEM field until I had a high school instructor that highlighted the benefits of science in our community, and I gained the confidence that I could have a successful life within STEM. If I am selected for this scholarship, I would be very grateful to know that my dream of hosting science fairs in underserved communities would be one step closer to becoming a reality. Being a student with autism means that I had to break barriers and learning that I can accomplish many things in life with hard work gives me the motivation to continue my family’s legacy of fixing vehicles.

Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I have been overcoming the obstacle of being an autistic African American male in today's society while pursuing a college education to promote change for my community with hosting science fairs. Autism and ADHD are the two mental disabilities that I have dealt with throughout my life. I was diagnosed with these disabilities at the age of two, but it hasn’t stopped me from pursuing a college degree. Currently, I am a senior at Fisk University with a double major in Mathematics and Physics. I received my associate degree in physics at Nashville State Community College before transferring to Fisk University. I completed my first semester at Fisk as a junior with a 4.0 GPA and this was a proud achievement for me because I felt that it was a difficult task to obtain due to my Autism and ADHD diagnosis. The daily challenge of living with Autism and ADHD is having increased anxiety about my future. Being an autistic person of color to me means that I can break barriers I once thought was impossible. My mother is a motivating factor in my life because she constantly encouraged me to be myself and ignore all the struggles of being an autistic person, and her hard work is paying off. I would like to obtain a graduate degree in physics. I’m currently a math and physics major at Fisk University. Fisk University has a great graduate degree transfer program with Vanderbilt University to increase minority involvement in science, and I plan on using that opportunity to obtain a doctoral degree in physics. Having a doctoral degree in physics as a minority means that I can bring a different experience to my field and be able to convince other minorities to obtain STEM degrees. I also will be able to enter the teaching field with a doctoral degree in physics and that would provide me with the opportunity to share my knowledge with underprivileged students. Before attending Fisk University, I had never had an African American physics professor. My current Fisk physics professor, Dr. Bryan Wallace encouraged me to pursue teaching as a potential career path. I used his advice as motivation to pursue other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. The lessons learned from my educational experience will grant me the ability to conduct science fairs in underserved communities. Having a doctoral degree in physics and pursuing a career in mechanical or aerospace engineering is great for my individual success, but I would not feel any accomplishment unless I helped other people join the STEM field. I had minimal interest in joining the STEM field until I had a high school instructor that highlighted the benefits of science in our community, and I gained the confidence that I could have a successful life within STEM. If I am selected for this scholarship, I would be very grateful to know that my dream of hosting science fairs in underserved communities would be one step closer to becoming a reality. Being a student with autism means that I had to break barriers and learning that I can accomplish many things in life with hard work gives me the motivation to continue my family’s legacy of fixing vehicles.

Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I have been overcoming the obstacle of being an autistic African American male in today's society while pursuing a college education to promote change for my community with hosting science fairs. Autism and ADHD are the two mental disabilities that I have dealt with throughout my life. I was diagnosed with these disabilities at the age of two, but it hasn’t stopped me from pursuing a college degree. Currently, I am a senior at Fisk University with a double major in Mathematics and Physics. I received my associate degree in physics at Nashville State Community College before transferring to Fisk University. I completed my first semester at Fisk as a junior with a 4.0 GPA and this was a proud achievement for me because I felt that it was a difficult task to obtain due to my Autism and ADHD diagnosis. The daily challenge of living with Autism and ADHD is having increased anxiety about my future. Being an autistic person of color to me means that I can break barriers I once thought was impossible. My mother is a motivating factor in my life because she constantly encouraged me to be myself and ignore all the struggles of being an autistic person, and her hard work is paying off. I would like to obtain a graduate degree in physics. I’m currently a math and physics major at Fisk University. Fisk University has a great graduate degree transfer program with Vanderbilt University to increase minority involvement in science, and I plan on using that opportunity to obtain a doctoral degree in physics. Having a doctoral degree in physics as a minority means that I can bring a different experience to my field and be able to convince other minorities to obtain STEM degrees. I also will be able to enter the teaching field with a doctoral degree in physics and that would provide me with the opportunity to share my knowledge with underprivileged students. Before attending Fisk University, I had never had an African American physics professor. My current Fisk physics professor, Dr. Bryan Wallace encouraged me to pursue teaching as a potential career path. I used his advice as motivation to pursue other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. The lessons learned from my educational experience will grant me the ability to conduct science fairs in underserved communities. Having a doctoral degree in physics and pursuing a career in mechanical or aerospace engineering is great for my individual success, but I would not feel any accomplishment unless I helped other people join the STEM field. I had minimal interest in joining the STEM field until I had a high school instructor that highlighted the benefits of science in our community, and I gained the confidence that I could have a successful life within STEM. If I am selected for this scholarship, I would be very grateful to know that my dream of hosting science fairs in underserved communities would be one step closer to becoming a reality. Being a student with autism means that I had to break barriers and learning that I can accomplish many things in life with hard work gives me the motivation to continue my family’s legacy of fixing vehicles.

Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I have been overcoming the obstacle of being an autistic African American male in today's society while pursuing a college education to promote change for my community with hosting science fairs. Autism and ADHD are the two mental disabilities that I have dealt with throughout my life. I was diagnosed with these disabilities at the age of two, but it hasn’t stopped me from pursuing a college degree. Currently, I am a senior at Fisk University with a double major in Mathematics and Physics. I received my associate degree in physics at Nashville State Community College before transferring to Fisk University. I completed my first semester at Fisk as a junior with a 4.0 GPA and this was a proud achievement for me because I felt that it was a difficult task to obtain due to my Autism and ADHD diagnosis. The daily challenge of living with Autism and ADHD is having increased anxiety about my future. Being an autistic person of color to me means that I can break barriers I once thought was impossible. My mother is a motivating factor in my life because she constantly encouraged me to be myself and ignore all the struggles of being an autistic person, and her hard work is paying off. I would like to obtain a graduate degree in physics. I’m currently a math and physics major at Fisk University. Fisk University has a great graduate degree transfer program with Vanderbilt University to increase minority involvement in science, and I plan on using that opportunity to obtain a doctoral degree in physics. Having a doctoral degree in physics as a minority means that I can bring a different experience to my field and be able to convince other minorities to obtain STEM degrees. I also will be able to enter the teaching field with a doctoral degree in physics and that would provide me with the opportunity to share my knowledge with underprivileged students. Before attending Fisk University, I had never had an African American physics professor. My current Fisk physics professor, Dr. Bryan Wallace encouraged me to pursue teaching as a potential career path. I used his advice as motivation to pursue other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. The lessons learned from my educational experience will grant me the ability to conduct science fairs in underserved communities. Having a doctoral degree in physics and pursuing a career in mechanical or aerospace engineering is great for my individual success, but I would not feel any accomplishment unless I helped other people join the STEM field. I had minimal interest in joining the STEM field until I had a high school instructor that highlighted the benefits of science in our community, and I gained the confidence that I could have a successful life within STEM. If I am selected for this scholarship, I would be very grateful to know that my dream of hosting science fairs in underserved communities would be one step closer to becoming a reality. Being a student with autism means that I had to break barriers and learning that I can accomplish many things in life with hard work gives me the motivation to continue my family’s legacy of fixing vehicles.

Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I have been overcoming the obstacle of being an autistic African American male in today's society while pursuing a college education to promote change for my community with hosting science fairs. Autism and ADHD are the two mental disabilities that I have dealt with throughout my life. I was diagnosed with these disabilities at the age of two, but it hasn’t stopped me from pursuing a college degree. Currently, I am a senior at Fisk University with a double major in Mathematics and Physics. I received my associate degree in physics at Nashville State Community College before transferring to Fisk University. I completed my first semester at Fisk as a junior with a 4.0 GPA and this was a proud achievement for me because I felt that it was a difficult task to obtain due to my Autism and ADHD diagnosis. The daily challenge of living with Autism and ADHD is having increased anxiety about my future. Being an autistic person of color to me means that I can break barriers I once thought was impossible. My mother is a motivating factor in my life because she constantly encouraged me to be myself and ignore all the struggles of being an autistic person, and her hard work is paying off. I would like to obtain a graduate degree in physics. I’m currently a math and physics major at Fisk University. Fisk University has a great graduate degree transfer program with Vanderbilt University to increase minority involvement in science, and I plan on using that opportunity to obtain a doctoral degree in physics. Having a doctoral degree in physics as a minority means that I can bring a different experience to my field and be able to convince other minorities to obtain STEM degrees. I also will be able to enter the teaching field with a doctoral degree in physics and that would provide me with the opportunity to share my knowledge with underprivileged students. Before attending Fisk University, I had never had an African American physics professor. My current Fisk physics professor, Dr. Bryan Wallace encouraged me to pursue teaching as a potential career path. I used his advice as motivation to pursue other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. The lessons learned from my educational experience will grant me the ability to conduct science fairs in underserved communities. Having a doctoral degree in physics and pursuing a career in mechanical or aerospace engineering is great for my individual success, but I would not feel any accomplishment unless I helped other people join the STEM field. I had minimal interest in joining the STEM field until I had a high school instructor that highlighted the benefits of science in our community, and I gained the confidence that I could have a successful life within STEM. If I am selected for this scholarship, I would be very grateful to know that my dream of hosting science fairs in underserved communities would be one step closer to becoming a reality. Being a student with autism means that I had to break barriers and learning that I can accomplish many things in life with hard work gives me the motivation to continue my family’s legacy of fixing vehicles.

Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I have been overcoming the obstacle of being an autistic African American male in today's society while pursuing a college education to promote change for my community with hosting science fairs. Autism and ADHD are the two mental disabilities that I have dealt with throughout my life. I was diagnosed with these disabilities at the age of two, but it hasn’t stopped me from pursuing a college degree. Currently, I am a senior at Fisk University with a double major in Mathematics and Physics. I received my associate degree in physics at Nashville State Community College before transferring to Fisk University. I completed my first semester at Fisk as a junior with a 4.0 GPA and this was a proud achievement for me because I felt that it was a difficult task to obtain due to my Autism and ADHD diagnosis. The daily challenge of living with Autism and ADHD is having increased anxiety about my future. Being an autistic person of color to me means that I can break barriers I once thought was impossible. My mother is a motivating factor in my life because she constantly encouraged me to be myself and ignore all the struggles of being an autistic person, and her hard work is paying off. I would like to obtain a graduate degree in physics. I’m currently a math and physics major at Fisk University. Fisk University has a great graduate degree transfer program with Vanderbilt University to increase minority involvement in science, and I plan on using that opportunity to obtain a doctoral degree in physics. Having a doctoral degree in physics as a minority means that I can bring a different experience to my field and be able to convince other minorities to obtain STEM degrees. I also will be able to enter the teaching field with a doctoral degree in physics and that would provide me with the opportunity to share my knowledge with underprivileged students. Before attending Fisk University, I had never had an African American physics professor. My current Fisk physics professor, Dr. Bryan Wallace encouraged me to pursue teaching as a potential career path. I used his advice as motivation to pursue other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. The lessons learned from my educational experience will grant me the ability to conduct science fairs in underserved communities. Having a doctoral degree in physics and pursuing a career in mechanical or aerospace engineering is great for my individual success, but I would not feel any accomplishment unless I helped other people join the STEM field. I had minimal interest in joining the STEM field until I had a high school instructor that highlighted the benefits of science in our community, and I gained the confidence that I could have a successful life within STEM. If I am selected for this scholarship, I would be very grateful to know that my dream of hosting science fairs in underserved communities would be one step closer to becoming a reality. Being a student with autism means that I had to break barriers and learning that I can accomplish many things in life with hard work gives me the motivation to continue my family’s legacy of fixing vehicles.

Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I have been overcoming the obstacle of being an autistic African American male in today's society while pursuing a college education to promote change for my community with hosting science fairs. Autism and ADHD are the two mental disabilities that I have dealt with throughout my life. I was diagnosed with these disabilities at the age of two, but it hasn’t stopped me from pursuing a college degree. Currently, I am a senior at Fisk University with a double major in Mathematics and Physics. I received my associate degree in physics at Nashville State Community College before transferring to Fisk University. I completed my first semester at Fisk as a junior with a 4.0 GPA and this was a proud achievement for me because I felt that it was a difficult task to obtain due to my Autism and ADHD diagnosis. The daily challenge of living with Autism and ADHD is having increased anxiety about my future. Being an autistic person of color to me means that I can break barriers I once thought was impossible. My mother is a motivating factor in my life because she constantly encouraged me to be myself and ignore all the struggles of being an autistic person, and her hard work is paying off. I would like to obtain a graduate degree in physics. I’m currently a math and physics major at Fisk University. Fisk University has a great graduate degree transfer program with Vanderbilt University to increase minority involvement in science, and I plan on using that opportunity to obtain a doctoral degree in physics. Having a doctoral degree in physics as a minority means that I can bring a different experience to my field and be able to convince other minorities to obtain STEM degrees. I also will be able to enter the teaching field with a doctoral degree in physics and that would provide me with the opportunity to share my knowledge with underprivileged students. Before attending Fisk University, I had never had an African American physics professor. My current Fisk physics professor, Dr. Bryan Wallace encouraged me to pursue teaching as a potential career path. I used his advice as motivation to pursue other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. The lessons learned from my educational experience will grant me the ability to conduct science fairs in underserved communities. Having a doctoral degree in physics and pursuing a career in mechanical or aerospace engineering is great for my individual success, but I would not feel any accomplishment unless I helped other people join the STEM field. I had minimal interest in joining the STEM field until I had a high school instructor that highlighted the benefits of science in our community, and I gained the confidence that I could have a successful life within STEM. If I am selected for this scholarship, I would be very grateful to know that my dream of hosting science fairs in underserved communities would be one step closer to becoming a reality. Being a student with autism means that I had to break barriers and learning that I can accomplish many things in life with hard work gives me the motivation to continue my family’s legacy of fixing vehicles.

Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I have been overcoming the obstacle of being an autistic African American male in today's society while pursuing a college education to promote change for my community with hosting science fairs. Autism and ADHD are the two mental disabilities that I have dealt with throughout my life. I was diagnosed with these disabilities at the age of two, but it hasn’t stopped me from pursuing a college degree. Currently, I am a senior at Fisk University with a double major in Mathematics and Physics. I received my associate degree in physics at Nashville State Community College before transferring to Fisk University. I completed my first semester at Fisk as a junior with a 4.0 GPA and this was a proud achievement for me because I felt that it was a difficult task to obtain due to my Autism and ADHD diagnosis. The daily challenge of living with Autism and ADHD is having increased anxiety about my future. Being an autistic person of color to me means that I can break barriers I once thought was impossible. My mother is a motivating factor in my life because she constantly encouraged me to be myself and ignore all the struggles of being an autistic person, and her hard work is paying off. I would like to obtain a graduate degree in physics. I’m currently a math and physics major at Fisk University. Fisk University has a great graduate degree transfer program with Vanderbilt University to increase minority involvement in science, and I plan on using that opportunity to obtain a doctoral degree in physics. Having a doctoral degree in physics as a minority means that I can bring a different experience to my field and be able to convince other minorities to obtain STEM degrees. I also will be able to enter the teaching field with a doctoral degree in physics and that would provide me with the opportunity to share my knowledge with underprivileged students. Before attending Fisk University, I had never had an African American physics professor. My current Fisk physics professor, Dr. Bryan Wallace encouraged me to pursue teaching as a potential career path. I used his advice as motivation to pursue other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. The lessons learned from my educational experience will grant me the ability to conduct science fairs in underserved communities. Having a doctoral degree in physics and pursuing a career in mechanical or aerospace engineering is great for my individual success, but I would not feel any accomplishment unless I helped other people join the STEM field. I had minimal interest in joining the STEM field until I had a high school instructor that highlighted the benefits of science in our community, and I gained the confidence that I could have a successful life within STEM. If I am selected for this scholarship, I would be very grateful to know that my dream of hosting science fairs in underserved communities would be one step closer to becoming a reality. Being a student with autism means that I had to break barriers and learning that I can accomplish many things in life with hard work gives me the motivation to continue my family’s legacy of fixing vehicles.

Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I have been overcoming the obstacle of being an autistic African American male in today's society while pursuing a college education to promote change for my community with hosting science fairs. Autism and ADHD are the two mental disabilities that I have dealt with throughout my life. I was diagnosed with these disabilities at the age of two, but it hasn’t stopped me from pursuing a college degree. Currently, I am a senior at Fisk University with a double major in Mathematics and Physics. I received my associate degree in physics at Nashville State Community College before transferring to Fisk University. I completed my first semester at Fisk as a junior with a 4.0 GPA and this was a proud achievement for me because I felt that it was a difficult task to obtain due to my Autism and ADHD diagnosis. The daily challenge of living with Autism and ADHD is having increased anxiety about my future. Being an autistic person of color to me means that I can break barriers I once thought was impossible. My mother is a motivating factor in my life because she constantly encouraged me to be myself and ignore all the struggles of being an autistic person, and her hard work is paying off. I would like to obtain a graduate degree in physics. I’m currently a math and physics major at Fisk University. Fisk University has a great graduate degree transfer program with Vanderbilt University to increase minority involvement in science, and I plan on using that opportunity to obtain a doctoral degree in physics. Having a doctoral degree in physics as a minority means that I can bring a different experience to my field and be able to convince other minorities to obtain STEM degrees. I also will be able to enter the teaching field with a doctoral degree in physics and that would provide me with the opportunity to share my knowledge with underprivileged students. Before attending Fisk University, I had never had an African American physics professor. My current Fisk physics professor, Dr. Bryan Wallace encouraged me to pursue teaching as a potential career path. I used his advice as motivation to pursue other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. The lessons learned from my educational experience will grant me the ability to conduct science fairs in underserved communities. Having a doctoral degree in physics and pursuing a career in mechanical or aerospace engineering is great for my individual success, but I would not feel any accomplishment unless I helped other people join the STEM field. I had minimal interest in joining the STEM field until I had a high school instructor that highlighted the benefits of science in our community, and I gained the confidence that I could have a successful life within STEM. If I am selected for this scholarship, I would be very grateful to know that my dream of hosting science fairs in underserved communities would be one step closer to becoming a reality. Being a student with autism means that I had to break barriers and learning that I can accomplish many things in life with hard work gives me the motivation to continue my family’s legacy of fixing vehicles.

Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I have been overcoming the obstacle of being an autistic African American male in today's society while pursuing a college education to promote change for my community with hosting science fairs. Autism and ADHD are the two mental disabilities that I have dealt with throughout my life. I was diagnosed with these disabilities at the age of two, but it hasn’t stopped me from pursuing a college degree. Currently, I am a senior at Fisk University with a double major in Mathematics and Physics. I received my associate degree in physics at Nashville State Community College before transferring to Fisk University. I completed my first semester at Fisk as a junior with a 4.0 GPA and this was a proud achievement for me because I felt that it was a difficult task to obtain due to my Autism and ADHD diagnosis. The daily challenge of living with Autism and ADHD is having increased anxiety about my future. Being an autistic person of color to me means that I can break barriers I once thought was impossible. My mother is a motivating factor in my life because she constantly encouraged me to be myself and ignore all the struggles of being an autistic person, and her hard work is paying off. I would like to obtain a graduate degree in physics. I’m currently a math and physics major at Fisk University. Fisk University has a great graduate degree transfer program with Vanderbilt University to increase minority involvement in science, and I plan on using that opportunity to obtain a doctoral degree in physics. Having a doctoral degree in physics as a minority means that I can bring a different experience to my field and be able to convince other minorities to obtain STEM degrees. I also will be able to enter the teaching field with a doctoral degree in physics and that would provide me with the opportunity to share my knowledge with underprivileged students. Before attending Fisk University, I had never had an African American physics professor. My current Fisk physics professor, Dr. Bryan Wallace encouraged me to pursue teaching as a potential career path. I used his advice as motivation to pursue other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. The lessons learned from my educational experience will grant me the ability to conduct science fairs in underserved communities. Having a doctoral degree in physics and pursuing a career in mechanical or aerospace engineering is great for my individual success, but I would not feel any accomplishment unless I helped other people join the STEM field. I had minimal interest in joining the STEM field until I had a high school instructor that highlighted the benefits of science in our community, and I gained the confidence that I could have a successful life within STEM. If I am selected for this scholarship, I would be very grateful to know that my dream of hosting science fairs in underserved communities would be one step closer to becoming a reality. Being a student with autism means that I had to break barriers and learning that I can accomplish many things in life with hard work gives me the motivation to continue my family’s legacy of fixing vehicles.

Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I have been overcoming the obstacle of being an autistic African American male in today's society while pursuing a college education to promote change for my community with hosting science fairs. Autism and ADHD are the two mental disabilities that I have dealt with throughout my life. I was diagnosed with these disabilities at the age of two, but it hasn’t stopped me from pursuing a college degree. Currently, I am a senior at Fisk University with a double major in Mathematics and Physics. I received my associate degree in physics at Nashville State Community College before transferring to Fisk University. I completed my first semester at Fisk as a junior with a 4.0 GPA and this was a proud achievement for me because I felt that it was a difficult task to obtain due to my Autism and ADHD diagnosis. The daily challenge of living with Autism and ADHD is having increased anxiety about my future. Being an autistic person of color to me means that I can break barriers I once thought was impossible. My mother is a motivating factor in my life because she constantly encouraged me to be myself and ignore all the struggles of being an autistic person, and her hard work is paying off. I would like to obtain a graduate degree in physics. I’m currently a math and physics major at Fisk University. Fisk University has a great graduate degree transfer program with Vanderbilt University to increase minority involvement in science, and I plan on using that opportunity to obtain a doctoral degree in physics. Having a doctoral degree in physics as a minority means that I can bring a different experience to my field and be able to convince other minorities to obtain STEM degrees. I also will be able to enter the teaching field with a doctoral degree in physics and that would provide me with the opportunity to share my knowledge with underprivileged students. Before attending Fisk University, I had never had an African American physics professor. My current Fisk physics professor, Dr. Bryan Wallace encouraged me to pursue teaching as a potential career path. I used his advice as motivation to pursue other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. The lessons learned from my educational experience will grant me the ability to conduct science fairs in underserved communities. Having a doctoral degree in physics and pursuing a career in mechanical or aerospace engineering is great for my individual success, but I would not feel any accomplishment unless I helped other people join the STEM field. I had minimal interest in joining the STEM field until I had a high school instructor that highlighted the benefits of science in our community, and I gained the confidence that I could have a successful life within STEM. If I am selected for this scholarship, I would be very grateful to know that my dream of hosting science fairs in underserved communities would be one step closer to becoming a reality. Being a student with autism means that I had to break barriers and learning that I can accomplish many things in life with hard work gives me the motivation to continue my family’s legacy of fixing vehicles.

Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I have been overcoming the obstacle of being an autistic African American male in today's society while pursuing a college education to promote change for my community with hosting science fairs. Autism and ADHD are the two mental disabilities that I have dealt with throughout my life. I was diagnosed with these disabilities at the age of two, but it hasn’t stopped me from pursuing a college degree. Currently, I am a senior at Fisk University with a double major in Mathematics and Physics. I received my associate degree in physics at Nashville State Community College before transferring to Fisk University. I completed my first semester at Fisk as a junior with a 4.0 GPA and this was a proud achievement for me because I felt that it was a difficult task to obtain due to my Autism and ADHD diagnosis. The daily challenge of living with Autism and ADHD is having increased anxiety about my future. Being an autistic person of color to me means that I can break barriers I once thought was impossible. My mother is a motivating factor in my life because she constantly encouraged me to be myself and ignore all the struggles of being an autistic person, and her hard work is paying off. I would like to obtain a graduate degree in physics. I’m currently a math and physics major at Fisk University. Fisk University has a great graduate degree transfer program with Vanderbilt University to increase minority involvement in science, and I plan on using that opportunity to obtain a doctoral degree in physics. Having a doctoral degree in physics as a minority means that I can bring a different experience to my field and be able to convince other minorities to obtain STEM degrees. I also will be able to enter the teaching field with a doctoral degree in physics and that would provide me with the opportunity to share my knowledge with underprivileged students. Before attending Fisk University, I had never had an African American physics professor. My current Fisk physics professor, Dr. Bryan Wallace encouraged me to pursue teaching as a potential career path. I used his advice as motivation to pursue other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. The lessons learned from my educational experience will grant me the ability to conduct science fairs in underserved communities. Having a doctoral degree in physics and pursuing a career in mechanical or aerospace engineering is great for my individual success, but I would not feel any accomplishment unless I helped other people join the STEM field. I had minimal interest in joining the STEM field until I had a high school instructor that highlighted the benefits of science in our community, and I gained the confidence that I could have a successful life within STEM. If I am selected for this scholarship, I would be very grateful to know that my dream of hosting science fairs in underserved communities would be one step closer to becoming a reality. Being a student with autism means that I had to break barriers and learning that I can accomplish many things in life with hard work gives me the motivation to continue my family’s legacy of fixing vehicles.

Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I have been overcoming the obstacle of being an autistic African American male in today's society while pursuing a college education to promote change for my community with hosting science fairs. Autism and ADHD are the two mental disabilities that I have dealt with throughout my life. I was diagnosed with these disabilities at the age of two, but it hasn’t stopped me from pursuing a college degree. Currently, I am a senior at Fisk University with a double major in Mathematics and Physics. I received my associate degree in physics at Nashville State Community College before transferring to Fisk University. I completed my first semester at Fisk as a junior with a 4.0 GPA and this was a proud achievement for me because I felt that it was a difficult task to obtain due to my Autism and ADHD diagnosis. The daily challenge of living with Autism and ADHD is having increased anxiety about my future. Being an autistic person of color to me means that I can break barriers I once thought was impossible. My mother is a motivating factor in my life because she constantly encouraged me to be myself and ignore all the struggles of being an autistic person, and her hard work is paying off. I would like to obtain a graduate degree in physics. I’m currently a math and physics major at Fisk University. Fisk University has a great graduate degree transfer program with Vanderbilt University to increase minority involvement in science, and I plan on using that opportunity to obtain a doctoral degree in physics. Having a doctoral degree in physics as a minority means that I can bring a different experience to my field and be able to convince other minorities to obtain STEM degrees. I also will be able to enter the teaching field with a doctoral degree in physics and that would provide me with the opportunity to share my knowledge with underprivileged students. Before attending Fisk University, I had never had an African American physics professor. My current Fisk physics professor, Dr. Bryan Wallace encouraged me to pursue teaching as a potential career path. I used his advice as motivation to pursue other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. The lessons learned from my educational experience will grant me the ability to conduct science fairs in underserved communities. Having a doctoral degree in physics and pursuing a career in mechanical or aerospace engineering is great for my individual success, but I would not feel any accomplishment unless I helped other people join the STEM field. I had minimal interest in joining the STEM field until I had a high school instructor that highlighted the benefits of science in our community, and I gained the confidence that I could have a successful life within STEM. If I am selected for this scholarship, I would be very grateful to know that my dream of hosting science fairs in underserved communities would be one step closer to becoming a reality. Being a student with autism means that I had to break barriers and learning that I can accomplish many things in life with hard work gives me the motivation to continue my family’s legacy of fixing vehicles.

Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I have been overcoming the obstacle of being an autistic African American male in today's society while pursuing a college education to promote change for my community with hosting science fairs. Autism and ADHD are the two mental disabilities that I have dealt with throughout my life. I was diagnosed with these disabilities at the age of two, but it hasn’t stopped me from pursuing a college degree. Currently, I am a senior at Fisk University with a double major in Mathematics and Physics. I received my associate degree in physics at Nashville State Community College before transferring to Fisk University. I completed my first semester at Fisk as a junior with a 4.0 GPA and this was a proud achievement for me because I felt that it was a difficult task to obtain due to my Autism and ADHD diagnosis. The daily challenge of living with Autism and ADHD is having increased anxiety about my future. Being an autistic person of color to me means that I can break barriers I once thought was impossible. My mother is a motivating factor in my life because she constantly encouraged me to be myself and ignore all the struggles of being an autistic person, and her hard work is paying off. I would like to obtain a graduate degree in physics. I’m currently a math and physics major at Fisk University. Fisk University has a great graduate degree transfer program with Vanderbilt University to increase minority involvement in science, and I plan on using that opportunity to obtain a doctoral degree in physics. Having a doctoral degree in physics as a minority means that I can bring a different experience to my field and be able to convince other minorities to obtain STEM degrees. I also will be able to enter the teaching field with a doctoral degree in physics and that would provide me with the opportunity to share my knowledge with underprivileged students. Before attending Fisk University, I had never had an African American physics professor. My current Fisk physics professor, Dr. Bryan Wallace encouraged me to pursue teaching as a potential career path. I used his advice as motivation to pursue other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. The lessons learned from my educational experience will grant me the ability to conduct science fairs in underserved communities. Having a doctoral degree in physics and pursuing a career in mechanical or aerospace engineering is great for my individual success, but I would not feel any accomplishment unless I helped other people join the STEM field. I had minimal interest in joining the STEM field until I had a high school instructor that highlighted the benefits of science in our community, and I gained the confidence that I could have a successful life within STEM. If I am selected for this scholarship, I would be very grateful to know that my dream of hosting science fairs in underserved communities would be one step closer to becoming a reality. Being a student with autism means that I had to break barriers and learning that I can accomplish many things in life with hard work gives me the motivation to continue my family’s legacy of fixing vehicles.

Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I have been overcoming the obstacle of being an autistic African American male in today's society while pursuing a college education to promote change for my community with hosting science fairs. Autism and ADHD are the two mental disabilities that I have dealt with throughout my life. I was diagnosed with these disabilities at the age of two, but it hasn’t stopped me from pursuing a college degree. Currently, I am a senior at Fisk University with a double major in Mathematics and Physics. I received my associate degree in physics at Nashville State Community College before transferring to Fisk University. I completed my first semester at Fisk as a junior with a 4.0 GPA and this was a proud achievement for me because I felt that it was a difficult task to obtain due to my Autism and ADHD diagnosis. The daily challenge of living with Autism and ADHD is having increased anxiety about my future. Being an autistic person of color to me means that I can break barriers I once thought was impossible. My mother is a motivating factor in my life because she constantly encouraged me to be myself and ignore all the struggles of being an autistic person, and her hard work is paying off. I would like to obtain a graduate degree in physics. I’m currently a math and physics major at Fisk University. Fisk University has a great graduate degree transfer program with Vanderbilt University to increase minority involvement in science, and I plan on using that opportunity to obtain a doctoral degree in physics. Having a doctoral degree in physics as a minority means that I can bring a different experience to my field and be able to convince other minorities to obtain STEM degrees. I also will be able to enter the teaching field with a doctoral degree in physics and that would provide me with the opportunity to share my knowledge with underprivileged students. Before attending Fisk University, I had never had an African American physics professor. My current Fisk physics professor, Dr. Bryan Wallace encouraged me to pursue teaching as a potential career path. I used his advice as motivation to pursue other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. The lessons learned from my educational experience will grant me the ability to conduct science fairs in underserved communities. Having a doctoral degree in physics and pursuing a career in mechanical or aerospace engineering is great for my individual success, but I would not feel any accomplishment unless I helped other people join the STEM field. I had minimal interest in joining the STEM field until I had a high school instructor that highlighted the benefits of science in our community, and I gained the confidence that I could have a successful life within STEM. If I am selected for this scholarship, I would be very grateful to know that my dream of hosting science fairs in underserved communities would be one step closer to becoming a reality. Being a student with autism means that I had to break barriers and learning that I can accomplish many things in life with hard work gives me the motivation to continue my family’s legacy of fixing vehicles.

Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I have been overcoming the obstacle of being an autistic African American male in today's society while pursuing a college education to promote change for my community with hosting science fairs. Autism and ADHD are the two mental disabilities that I have dealt with throughout my life. I was diagnosed with these disabilities at the age of two, but it hasn’t stopped me from pursuing a college degree. Currently, I am a senior at Fisk University with a double major in Mathematics and Physics. I received my associate degree in physics at Nashville State Community College before transferring to Fisk University. I completed my first semester at Fisk as a junior with a 4.0 GPA and this was a proud achievement for me because I felt that it was a difficult task to obtain due to my Autism and ADHD diagnosis. The daily challenge of living with Autism and ADHD is having increased anxiety about my future. Being an autistic person of color to me means that I can break barriers I once thought was impossible. My mother is a motivating factor in my life because she constantly encouraged me to be myself and ignore all the struggles of being an autistic person, and her hard work is paying off. I would like to obtain a graduate degree in physics. I’m currently a math and physics major at Fisk University. Fisk University has a great graduate degree transfer program with Vanderbilt University to increase minority involvement in science, and I plan on using that opportunity to obtain a doctoral degree in physics. Having a doctoral degree in physics as a minority means that I can bring a different experience to my field and be able to convince other minorities to obtain STEM degrees. I also will be able to enter the teaching field with a doctoral degree in physics and that would provide me with the opportunity to share my knowledge with underprivileged students. Before attending Fisk University, I had never had an African American physics professor. My current Fisk physics professor, Dr. Bryan Wallace encouraged me to pursue teaching as a potential career path. I used his advice as motivation to pursue other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. The lessons learned from my educational experience will grant me the ability to conduct science fairs in underserved communities. Having a doctoral degree in physics and pursuing a career in mechanical or aerospace engineering is great for my individual success, but I would not feel any accomplishment unless I helped other people join the STEM field. I had minimal interest in joining the STEM field until I had a high school instructor that highlighted the benefits of science in our community, and I gained the confidence that I could have a successful life within STEM. If I am selected for this scholarship, I would be very grateful to know that my dream of hosting science fairs in underserved communities would be one step closer to becoming a reality. Being a student with autism means that I had to break barriers and learning that I can accomplish many things in life with hard work gives me the motivation to continue my family’s legacy of fixing vehicles.

Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I have been overcoming the obstacle of being an autistic African American male in today's society while pursuing a college education to promote change for my community with hosting science fairs. Autism and ADHD are the two mental disabilities that I have dealt with throughout my life. I was diagnosed with these disabilities at the age of two, but it hasn’t stopped me from pursuing a college degree. Currently, I am a senior at Fisk University with a double major in Mathematics and Physics. I received my associate degree in physics at Nashville State Community College before transferring to Fisk University. I completed my first semester at Fisk as a junior with a 4.0 GPA and this was a proud achievement for me because I felt that it was a difficult task to obtain due to my Autism and ADHD diagnosis. The daily challenge of living with Autism and ADHD is having increased anxiety about my future. Being an autistic person of color to me means that I can break barriers I once thought was impossible. My mother is a motivating factor in my life because she constantly encouraged me to be myself and ignore all the struggles of being an autistic person, and her hard work is paying off. I would like to obtain a graduate degree in physics. I’m currently a math and physics major at Fisk University. Fisk University has a great graduate degree transfer program with Vanderbilt University to increase minority involvement in science, and I plan on using that opportunity to obtain a doctoral degree in physics. Having a doctoral degree in physics as a minority means that I can bring a different experience to my field and be able to convince other minorities to obtain STEM degrees. I also will be able to enter the teaching field with a doctoral degree in physics and that would provide me with the opportunity to share my knowledge with underprivileged students. Before attending Fisk University, I had never had an African American physics professor. My current Fisk physics professor, Dr. Bryan Wallace encouraged me to pursue teaching as a potential career path. I used his advice as motivation to pursue other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. The lessons learned from my educational experience will grant me the ability to conduct science fairs in underserved communities. Having a doctoral degree in physics and pursuing a career in mechanical or aerospace engineering is great for my individual success, but I would not feel any accomplishment unless I helped other people join the STEM field. I had minimal interest in joining the STEM field until I had a high school instructor that highlighted the benefits of science in our community, and I gained the confidence that I could have a successful life within STEM. If I am selected for this scholarship, I would be very grateful to know that my dream of hosting science fairs in underserved communities would be one step closer to becoming a reality. Being a student with autism means that I had to break barriers and learning that I can accomplish many things in life with hard work gives me the motivation to continue my family’s legacy of fixing vehicles.

Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I have been overcoming the obstacle of being an autistic African American male in today's society while pursuing a college education to promote change for my community with hosting science fairs. Autism and ADHD are the two mental disabilities that I have dealt with throughout my life. I was diagnosed with these disabilities at the age of two, but it hasn’t stopped me from pursuing a college degree. Currently, I am a senior at Fisk University with a double major in Mathematics and Physics. I received my associate degree in physics at Nashville State Community College before transferring to Fisk University. I completed my first semester at Fisk as a junior with a 4.0 GPA and this was a proud achievement for me because I felt that it was a difficult task to obtain due to my Autism and ADHD diagnosis. The daily challenge of living with Autism and ADHD is having increased anxiety about my future. Being an autistic person of color to me means that I can break barriers I once thought was impossible. My mother is a motivating factor in my life because she constantly encouraged me to be myself and ignore all the struggles of being an autistic person, and her hard work is paying off. I would like to obtain a graduate degree in physics. I’m currently a math and physics major at Fisk University. Fisk University has a great graduate degree transfer program with Vanderbilt University to increase minority involvement in science, and I plan on using that opportunity to obtain a doctoral degree in physics. Having a doctoral degree in physics as a minority means that I can bring a different experience to my field and be able to convince other minorities to obtain STEM degrees. I also will be able to enter the teaching field with a doctoral degree in physics and that would provide me with the opportunity to share my knowledge with underprivileged students. Before attending Fisk University, I had never had an African American physics professor. My current Fisk physics professor, Dr. Bryan Wallace encouraged me to pursue teaching as a potential career path. I used his advice as motivation to pursue other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. The lessons learned from my educational experience will grant me the ability to conduct science fairs in underserved communities. Having a doctoral degree in physics and pursuing a career in mechanical or aerospace engineering is great for my individual success, but I would not feel any accomplishment unless I helped other people join the STEM field. I had minimal interest in joining the STEM field until I had a high school instructor that highlighted the benefits of science in our community, and I gained the confidence that I could have a successful life within STEM. If I am selected for this scholarship, I would be very grateful to know that my dream of hosting science fairs in underserved communities would be one step closer to becoming a reality. Being a student with autism means that I had to break barriers and learning that I can accomplish many things in life with hard work gives me the motivation to continue my family’s legacy of fixing vehicles.

Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I have been overcoming the obstacle of being an autistic African American male in today's society while pursuing a college education to promote change for my community with hosting science fairs. Autism and ADHD are the two mental disabilities that I have dealt with throughout my life. I was diagnosed with these disabilities at the age of two, but it hasn’t stopped me from pursuing a college degree. Currently, I am a senior at Fisk University with a double major in Mathematics and Physics. I received my associate degree in physics at Nashville State Community College before transferring to Fisk University. I completed my first semester at Fisk as a junior with a 4.0 GPA and this was a proud achievement for me because I felt that it was a difficult task to obtain due to my Autism and ADHD diagnosis. The daily challenge of living with Autism and ADHD is having increased anxiety about my future. Being an autistic person of color to me means that I can break barriers I once thought was impossible. My mother is a motivating factor in my life because she constantly encouraged me to be myself and ignore all the struggles of being an autistic person, and her hard work is paying off. I would like to obtain a graduate degree in physics. I’m currently a math and physics major at Fisk University. Fisk University has a great graduate degree transfer program with Vanderbilt University to increase minority involvement in science, and I plan on using that opportunity to obtain a doctoral degree in physics. Having a doctoral degree in physics as a minority means that I can bring a different experience to my field and be able to convince other minorities to obtain STEM degrees. I also will be able to enter the teaching field with a doctoral degree in physics and that would provide me with the opportunity to share my knowledge with underprivileged students. Before attending Fisk University, I had never had an African American physics professor. My current Fisk physics professor, Dr. Bryan Wallace encouraged me to pursue teaching as a potential career path. I used his advice as motivation to pursue other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. The lessons learned from my educational experience will grant me the ability to conduct science fairs in underserved communities. Having a doctoral degree in physics and pursuing a career in mechanical or aerospace engineering is great for my individual success, but I would not feel any accomplishment unless I helped other people join the STEM field. I had minimal interest in joining the STEM field until I had a high school instructor that highlighted the benefits of science in our community, and I gained the confidence that I could have a successful life within STEM. If I am selected for this scholarship, I would be very grateful to know that my dream of hosting science fairs in underserved communities would be one step closer to becoming a reality. Being a student with autism means that I had to break barriers and learning that I can accomplish many things in life with hard work gives me the motivation to continue my family’s legacy of fixing vehicles.

Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I have been overcoming the obstacle of being an autistic African American male in today's society while pursuing a college education to promote change for my community with hosting science fairs. Autism and ADHD are the two mental disabilities that I have dealt with throughout my life. I was diagnosed with these disabilities at the age of two, but it hasn’t stopped me from pursuing a college degree. Currently, I am a senior at Fisk University with a double major in Mathematics and Physics. I received my associate degree in physics at Nashville State Community College before transferring to Fisk University. I completed my first semester at Fisk as a junior with a 4.0 GPA and this was a proud achievement for me because I felt that it was a difficult task to obtain due to my Autism and ADHD diagnosis. The daily challenge of living with Autism and ADHD is having increased anxiety about my future. Being an autistic person of color to me means that I can break barriers I once thought was impossible. My mother is a motivating factor in my life because she constantly encouraged me to be myself and ignore all the struggles of being an autistic person, and her hard work is paying off. I would like to obtain a graduate degree in physics. I’m currently a math and physics major at Fisk University. Fisk University has a great graduate degree transfer program with Vanderbilt University to increase minority involvement in science, and I plan on using that opportunity to obtain a doctoral degree in physics. Having a doctoral degree in physics as a minority means that I can bring a different experience to my field and be able to convince other minorities to obtain STEM degrees. I also will be able to enter the teaching field with a doctoral degree in physics and that would provide me with the opportunity to share my knowledge with underprivileged students. Before attending Fisk University, I had never had an African American physics professor. My current Fisk physics professor, Dr. Bryan Wallace encouraged me to pursue teaching as a potential career path. I used his advice as motivation to pursue other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. The lessons learned from my educational experience will grant me the ability to conduct science fairs in underserved communities. Having a doctoral degree in physics and pursuing a career in mechanical or aerospace engineering is great for my individual success, but I would not feel any accomplishment unless I helped other people join the STEM field. I had minimal interest in joining the STEM field until I had a high school instructor that highlighted the benefits of science in our community, and I gained the confidence that I could have a successful life within STEM. If I am selected for this scholarship, I would be very grateful to know that my dream of hosting science fairs in underserved communities would be one step closer to becoming a reality. Being a student with autism means that I had to break barriers and learning that I can accomplish many things in life with hard work gives me the motivation to continue my family’s legacy of fixing vehicles.

Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I have been overcoming the obstacle of being an autistic African American male in today's society while pursuing a college education to promote change for my community with hosting science fairs. Autism and ADHD are the two mental disabilities that I have dealt with throughout my life. I was diagnosed with these disabilities at the age of two, but it hasn’t stopped me from pursuing a college degree. Currently, I am a senior at Fisk University with a double major in Mathematics and Physics. I received my associate degree in physics at Nashville State Community College before transferring to Fisk University. I completed my first semester at Fisk as a junior with a 4.0 GPA and this was a proud achievement for me because I felt that it was a difficult task to obtain due to my Autism and ADHD diagnosis. The daily challenge of living with Autism and ADHD is having increased anxiety about my future. Being an autistic person of color to me means that I can break barriers I once thought was impossible. My mother is a motivating factor in my life because she constantly encouraged me to be myself and ignore all the struggles of being an autistic person, and her hard work is paying off. I would like to obtain a graduate degree in physics. I’m currently a math and physics major at Fisk University. Fisk University has a great graduate degree transfer program with Vanderbilt University to increase minority involvement in science, and I plan on using that opportunity to obtain a doctoral degree in physics. Having a doctoral degree in physics as a minority means that I can bring a different experience to my field and be able to convince other minorities to obtain STEM degrees. I also will be able to enter the teaching field with a doctoral degree in physics and that would provide me with the opportunity to share my knowledge with underprivileged students. Before attending Fisk University, I had never had an African American physics professor. My current Fisk physics professor, Dr. Bryan Wallace encouraged me to pursue teaching as a potential career path. I used his advice as motivation to pursue other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. The lessons learned from my educational experience will grant me the ability to conduct science fairs in underserved communities. Having a doctoral degree in physics and pursuing a career in mechanical or aerospace engineering is great for my individual success, but I would not feel any accomplishment unless I helped other people join the STEM field. I had minimal interest in joining the STEM field until I had a high school instructor that highlighted the benefits of science in our community, and I gained the confidence that I could have a successful life within STEM. If I am selected for this scholarship, I would be very grateful to know that my dream of hosting science fairs in underserved communities would be one step closer to becoming a reality. Being a student with autism means that I had to break barriers and learning that I can accomplish many things in life with hard work gives me the motivation to continue my family’s legacy of fixing vehicles.

Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I have been overcoming the obstacle of being an autistic African American male in today's society while pursuing a college education to promote change for my community with hosting science fairs. Autism and ADHD are the two mental disabilities that I have dealt with throughout my life. I was diagnosed with these disabilities at the age of two, but it hasn’t stopped me from pursuing a college degree. Currently, I am a senior at Fisk University with a double major in Mathematics and Physics. I received my associate degree in physics at Nashville State Community College before transferring to Fisk University. I completed my first semester at Fisk as a junior with a 4.0 GPA and this was a proud achievement for me because I felt that it was a difficult task to obtain due to my Autism and ADHD diagnosis. The daily challenge of living with Autism and ADHD is having increased anxiety about my future. Being an autistic person of color to me means that I can break barriers I once thought was impossible. My mother is a motivating factor in my life because she constantly encouraged me to be myself and ignore all the struggles of being an autistic person, and her hard work is paying off. I would like to obtain a graduate degree in physics. I’m currently a math and physics major at Fisk University. Fisk University has a great graduate degree transfer program with Vanderbilt University to increase minority involvement in science, and I plan on using that opportunity to obtain a doctoral degree in physics. Having a doctoral degree in physics as a minority means that I can bring a different experience to my field and be able to convince other minorities to obtain STEM degrees. I also will be able to enter the teaching field with a doctoral degree in physics and that would provide me with the opportunity to share my knowledge with underprivileged students. Before attending Fisk University, I had never had an African American physics professor. My current Fisk physics professor, Dr. Bryan Wallace encouraged me to pursue teaching as a potential career path. I used his advice as motivation to pursue other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. The lessons learned from my educational experience will grant me the ability to conduct science fairs in underserved communities. Having a doctoral degree in physics and pursuing a career in mechanical or aerospace engineering is great for my individual success, but I would not feel any accomplishment unless I helped other people join the STEM field. I had minimal interest in joining the STEM field until I had a high school instructor that highlighted the benefits of science in our community, and I gained the confidence that I could have a successful life within STEM. If I am selected for this scholarship, I would be very grateful to know that my dream of hosting science fairs in underserved communities would be one step closer to becoming a reality. Being a student with autism means that I had to break barriers and learning that I can accomplish many things in life with hard work gives me the motivation to continue my family’s legacy of fixing vehicles.

Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I have been overcoming the obstacle of being an autistic African American male in today's society while pursuing a college education to promote change for my community with hosting science fairs. Autism and ADHD are the two mental disabilities that I have dealt with throughout my life. I was diagnosed with these disabilities at the age of two, but it hasn’t stopped me from pursuing a college degree. Currently, I am a senior at Fisk University with a double major in Mathematics and Physics. I received my associate degree in physics at Nashville State Community College before transferring to Fisk University. I completed my first semester at Fisk as a junior with a 4.0 GPA and this was a proud achievement for me because I felt that it was a difficult task to obtain due to my Autism and ADHD diagnosis. The daily challenge of living with Autism and ADHD is having increased anxiety about my future. Being an autistic person of color to me means that I can break barriers I once thought was impossible. My mother is a motivating factor in my life because she constantly encouraged me to be myself and ignore all the struggles of being an autistic person, and her hard work is paying off. I would like to obtain a graduate degree in physics. I’m currently a math and physics major at Fisk University. Fisk University has a great graduate degree transfer program with Vanderbilt University to increase minority involvement in science, and I plan on using that opportunity to obtain a doctoral degree in physics. Having a doctoral degree in physics as a minority means that I can bring a different experience to my field and be able to convince other minorities to obtain STEM degrees. I also will be able to enter the teaching field with a doctoral degree in physics and that would provide me with the opportunity to share my knowledge with underprivileged students. Before attending Fisk University, I had never had an African American physics professor. My current Fisk physics professor, Dr. Bryan Wallace encouraged me to pursue teaching as a potential career path. I used his advice as motivation to pursue other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. The lessons learned from my educational experience will grant me the ability to conduct science fairs in underserved communities. Having a doctoral degree in physics and pursuing a career in mechanical or aerospace engineering is great for my individual success, but I would not feel any accomplishment unless I helped other people join the STEM field. I had minimal interest in joining the STEM field until I had a high school instructor that highlighted the benefits of science in our community, and I gained the confidence that I could have a successful life within STEM. If I am selected for this scholarship, I would be very grateful to know that my dream of hosting science fairs in underserved communities would be one step closer to becoming a reality. Being a student with autism means that I had to break barriers and learning that I can accomplish many things in life with hard work gives me the motivation to continue my family’s legacy of fixing vehicles.

Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I have been overcoming the obstacle of being an autistic African American male in today's society while pursuing a college education to promote change for my community with hosting science fairs. Autism and ADHD are the two mental disabilities that I have dealt with throughout my life. I was diagnosed with these disabilities at the age of two, but it hasn’t stopped me from pursuing a college degree. Currently, I am a senior at Fisk University with a double major in Mathematics and Physics. I received my associate degree in physics at Nashville State Community College before transferring to Fisk University. I completed my first semester at Fisk as a junior with a 4.0 GPA and this was a proud achievement for me because I felt that it was a difficult task to obtain due to my Autism and ADHD diagnosis. The daily challenge of living with Autism and ADHD is having increased anxiety about my future. Being an autistic person of color to me means that I can break barriers I once thought was impossible. My mother is a motivating factor in my life because she constantly encouraged me to be myself and ignore all the struggles of being an autistic person, and her hard work is paying off. I would like to obtain a graduate degree in physics. I’m currently a math and physics major at Fisk University. Fisk University has a great graduate degree transfer program with Vanderbilt University to increase minority involvement in science, and I plan on using that opportunity to obtain a doctoral degree in physics. Having a doctoral degree in physics as a minority means that I can bring a different experience to my field and be able to convince other minorities to obtain STEM degrees. I also will be able to enter the teaching field with a doctoral degree in physics and that would provide me with the opportunity to share my knowledge with underprivileged students. Before attending Fisk University, I had never had an African American physics professor. My current Fisk physics professor, Dr. Bryan Wallace encouraged me to pursue teaching as a potential career path. I used his advice as motivation to pursue other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. The lessons learned from my educational experience will grant me the ability to conduct science fairs in underserved communities. Having a doctoral degree in physics and pursuing a career in mechanical or aerospace engineering is great for my individual success, but I would not feel any accomplishment unless I helped other people join the STEM field. I had minimal interest in joining the STEM field until I had a high school instructor that highlighted the benefits of science in our community, and I gained the confidence that I could have a successful life within STEM. If I am selected for this scholarship, I would be very grateful to know that my dream of hosting science fairs in underserved communities would be one step closer to becoming a reality. Being a student with autism means that I had to break barriers and learning that I can accomplish many things in life with hard work gives me the motivation to continue my family’s legacy of fixing vehicles.

Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I have been overcoming the obstacle of being an autistic African American male in today's society while pursuing a college education to promote change for my community with hosting science fairs. Autism and ADHD are the two mental disabilities that I have dealt with throughout my life. I was diagnosed with these disabilities at the age of two, but it hasn’t stopped me from pursuing a college degree. Currently, I am a senior at Fisk University with a double major in Mathematics and Physics. I received my associate degree in physics at Nashville State Community College before transferring to Fisk University. I completed my first semester at Fisk as a junior with a 4.0 GPA and this was a proud achievement for me because I felt that it was a difficult task to obtain due to my Autism and ADHD diagnosis. The daily challenge of living with Autism and ADHD is having increased anxiety about my future. Being an autistic person of color to me means that I can break barriers I once thought was impossible. My mother is a motivating factor in my life because she constantly encouraged me to be myself and ignore all the struggles of being an autistic person, and her hard work is paying off. I would like to obtain a graduate degree in physics. I’m currently a math and physics major at Fisk University. Fisk University has a great graduate degree transfer program with Vanderbilt University to increase minority involvement in science, and I plan on using that opportunity to obtain a doctoral degree in physics. Having a doctoral degree in physics as a minority means that I can bring a different experience to my field and be able to convince other minorities to obtain STEM degrees. I also will be able to enter the teaching field with a doctoral degree in physics and that would provide me with the opportunity to share my knowledge with underprivileged students. Before attending Fisk University, I had never had an African American physics professor. My current Fisk physics professor, Dr. Bryan Wallace encouraged me to pursue teaching as a potential career path. I used his advice as motivation to pursue other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. The lessons learned from my educational experience will grant me the ability to conduct science fairs in underserved communities. Having a doctoral degree in physics and pursuing a career in mechanical or aerospace engineering is great for my individual success, but I would not feel any accomplishment unless I helped other people join the STEM field. I had minimal interest in joining the STEM field until I had a high school instructor that highlighted the benefits of science in our community, and I gained the confidence that I could have a successful life within STEM. If I am selected for this scholarship, I would be very grateful to know that my dream of hosting science fairs in underserved communities would be one step closer to becoming a reality. Being a student with autism means that I had to break barriers and learning that I can accomplish many things in life with hard work gives me the motivation to continue my family’s legacy of fixing vehicles.

Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I have been overcoming the obstacle of being an autistic African American male in today's society while pursuing a college education to promote change for my community with hosting science fairs. Autism and ADHD are the two mental disabilities that I have dealt with throughout my life. I was diagnosed with these disabilities at the age of two, but it hasn’t stopped me from pursuing a college degree. Currently, I am a senior at Fisk University with a double major in Mathematics and Physics. I received my associate degree in physics at Nashville State Community College before transferring to Fisk University. I completed my first semester at Fisk as a junior with a 4.0 GPA and this was a proud achievement for me because I felt that it was a difficult task to obtain due to my Autism and ADHD diagnosis. The daily challenge of living with Autism and ADHD is having increased anxiety about my future. Being an autistic person of color to me means that I can break barriers I once thought was impossible. My mother is a motivating factor in my life because she constantly encouraged me to be myself and ignore all the struggles of being an autistic person, and her hard work is paying off. I would like to obtain a graduate degree in physics. I’m currently a math and physics major at Fisk University. Fisk University has a great graduate degree transfer program with Vanderbilt University to increase minority involvement in science, and I plan on using that opportunity to obtain a doctoral degree in physics. Having a doctoral degree in physics as a minority means that I can bring a different experience to my field and be able to convince other minorities to obtain STEM degrees. I also will be able to enter the teaching field with a doctoral degree in physics and that would provide me with the opportunity to share my knowledge with underprivileged students. Before attending Fisk University, I had never had an African American physics professor. My current Fisk physics professor, Dr. Bryan Wallace encouraged me to pursue teaching as a potential career path. I used his advice as motivation to pursue other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. The lessons learned from my educational experience will grant me the ability to conduct science fairs in underserved communities. Having a doctoral degree in physics and pursuing a career in mechanical or aerospace engineering is great for my individual success, but I would not feel any accomplishment unless I helped other people join the STEM field. I had minimal interest in joining the STEM field until I had a high school instructor that highlighted the benefits of science in our community, and I gained the confidence that I could have a successful life within STEM. If I am selected for this scholarship, I would be very grateful to know that my dream of hosting science fairs in underserved communities would be one step closer to becoming a reality. Being a student with autism means that I had to break barriers and learning that I can accomplish many things in life with hard work gives me the motivation to continue my family’s legacy of fixing vehicles.

Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I have been overcoming the obstacle of being an autistic African American male in today's society while pursuing a college education to promote change for my community with hosting science fairs. Autism and ADHD are the two mental disabilities that I have dealt with throughout my life. I was diagnosed with these disabilities at the age of two, but it hasn’t stopped me from pursuing a college degree. Currently, I am a senior at Fisk University with a double major in Mathematics and Physics. I received my associate degree in physics at Nashville State Community College before transferring to Fisk University. I completed my first semester at Fisk as a junior with a 4.0 GPA and this was a proud achievement for me because I felt that it was a difficult task to obtain due to my Autism and ADHD diagnosis. The daily challenge of living with Autism and ADHD is having increased anxiety about my future. Being an autistic person of color to me means that I can break barriers I once thought was impossible. My mother is a motivating factor in my life because she constantly encouraged me to be myself and ignore all the struggles of being an autistic person, and her hard work is paying off. I would like to obtain a graduate degree in physics. I’m currently a math and physics major at Fisk University. Fisk University has a great graduate degree transfer program with Vanderbilt University to increase minority involvement in science, and I plan on using that opportunity to obtain a doctoral degree in physics. Having a doctoral degree in physics as a minority means that I can bring a different experience to my field and be able to convince other minorities to obtain STEM degrees. I also will be able to enter the teaching field with a doctoral degree in physics and that would provide me with the opportunity to share my knowledge with underprivileged students. Before attending Fisk University, I had never had an African American physics professor. My current Fisk physics professor, Dr. Bryan Wallace encouraged me to pursue teaching as a potential career path. I used his advice as motivation to pursue other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. The lessons learned from my educational experience will grant me the ability to conduct science fairs in underserved communities. Having a doctoral degree in physics and pursuing a career in mechanical or aerospace engineering is great for my individual success, but I would not feel any accomplishment unless I helped other people join the STEM field. I had minimal interest in joining the STEM field until I had a high school instructor that highlighted the benefits of science in our community, and I gained the confidence that I could have a successful life within STEM. If I am selected for this scholarship, I would be very grateful to know that my dream of hosting science fairs in underserved communities would be one step closer to becoming a reality. Being a student with autism means that I had to break barriers and learning that I can accomplish many things in life with hard work gives me the motivation to continue my family’s legacy of fixing vehicles.

Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I have been overcoming the obstacle of being an autistic African American male in today's society while pursuing a college education to promote change for my community with hosting science fairs. Autism and ADHD are the two mental disabilities that I have dealt with throughout my life. I was diagnosed with these disabilities at the age of two, but it hasn’t stopped me from pursuing a college degree. Currently, I am a senior at Fisk University with a double major in Mathematics and Physics. I received my associate degree in physics at Nashville State Community College before transferring to Fisk University. I completed my first semester at Fisk as a junior with a 4.0 GPA and this was a proud achievement for me because I felt that it was a difficult task to obtain due to my Autism and ADHD diagnosis. The daily challenge of living with Autism and ADHD is having increased anxiety about my future. Being an autistic person of color to me means that I can break barriers I once thought was impossible. My mother is a motivating factor in my life because she constantly encouraged me to be myself and ignore all the struggles of being an autistic person, and her hard work is paying off. I would like to obtain a graduate degree in physics. I’m currently a math and physics major at Fisk University. Fisk University has a great graduate degree transfer program with Vanderbilt University to increase minority involvement in science, and I plan on using that opportunity to obtain a doctoral degree in physics. Having a doctoral degree in physics as a minority means that I can bring a different experience to my field and be able to convince other minorities to obtain STEM degrees. I also will be able to enter the teaching field with a doctoral degree in physics and that would provide me with the opportunity to share my knowledge with underprivileged students. Before attending Fisk University, I had never had an African American physics professor. My current Fisk physics professor, Dr. Bryan Wallace encouraged me to pursue teaching as a potential career path. I used his advice as motivation to pursue other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. The lessons learned from my educational experience will grant me the ability to conduct science fairs in underserved communities. Having a doctoral degree in physics and pursuing a career in mechanical or aerospace engineering is great for my individual success, but I would not feel any accomplishment unless I helped other people join the STEM field. I had minimal interest in joining the STEM field until I had a high school instructor that highlighted the benefits of science in our community, and I gained the confidence that I could have a successful life within STEM. If I am selected for this scholarship, I would be very grateful to know that my dream of hosting science fairs in underserved communities would be one step closer to becoming a reality. Being a student with autism means that I had to break barriers and learning that I can accomplish many things in life with hard work gives me the motivation to continue my family’s legacy of fixing vehicles.

Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I have been overcoming the obstacle of being an autistic African American male in today's society while pursuing a college education to promote change for my community with hosting science fairs. Autism and ADHD are the two mental disabilities that I have dealt with throughout my life. I was diagnosed with these disabilities at the age of two, but it hasn’t stopped me from pursuing a college degree. Currently, I am a senior at Fisk University with a double major in Mathematics and Physics. I received my associate degree in physics at Nashville State Community College before transferring to Fisk University. I completed my first semester at Fisk as a junior with a 4.0 GPA and this was a proud achievement for me because I felt that it was a difficult task to obtain due to my Autism and ADHD diagnosis. The daily challenge of living with Autism and ADHD is having increased anxiety about my future. Being an autistic person of color to me means that I can break barriers I once thought was impossible. My mother is a motivating factor in my life because she constantly encouraged me to be myself and ignore all the struggles of being an autistic person, and her hard work is paying off. I would like to obtain a graduate degree in physics. I’m currently a math and physics major at Fisk University. Fisk University has a great graduate degree transfer program with Vanderbilt University to increase minority involvement in science, and I plan on using that opportunity to obtain a doctoral degree in physics. Having a doctoral degree in physics as a minority means that I can bring a different experience to my field and be able to convince other minorities to obtain STEM degrees. I also will be able to enter the teaching field with a doctoral degree in physics and that would provide me with the opportunity to share my knowledge with underprivileged students. Before attending Fisk University, I had never had an African American physics professor. My current Fisk physics professor, Dr. Bryan Wallace encouraged me to pursue teaching as a potential career path. I used his advice as motivation to pursue other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. The lessons learned from my educational experience will grant me the ability to conduct science fairs in underserved communities. Having a doctoral degree in physics and pursuing a career in mechanical or aerospace engineering is great for my individual success, but I would not feel any accomplishment unless I helped other people join the STEM field. I had minimal interest in joining the STEM field until I had a high school instructor that highlighted the benefits of science in our community, and I gained the confidence that I could have a successful life within STEM. If I am selected for this scholarship, I would be very grateful to know that my dream of hosting science fairs in underserved communities would be one step closer to becoming a reality. Being a student with autism means that I had to break barriers and learning that I can accomplish many things in life with hard work gives me the motivation to continue my family’s legacy of fixing vehicles.

Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I have been overcoming the obstacle of being an autistic African American male in today's society while pursuing a college education to promote change for my community with hosting science fairs. Autism and ADHD are the two mental disabilities that I have dealt with throughout my life. I was diagnosed with these disabilities at the age of two, but it hasn’t stopped me from pursuing a college degree. Currently, I am a senior at Fisk University with a double major in Mathematics and Physics. I received my associate degree in physics at Nashville State Community College before transferring to Fisk University. I completed my first semester at Fisk as a junior with a 4.0 GPA and this was a proud achievement for me because I felt that it was a difficult task to obtain due to my Autism and ADHD diagnosis. The daily challenge of living with Autism and ADHD is having increased anxiety about my future. Being an autistic person of color to me means that I can break barriers I once thought was impossible. My mother is a motivating factor in my life because she constantly encouraged me to be myself and ignore all the struggles of being an autistic person, and her hard work is paying off. I would like to obtain a graduate degree in physics. I’m currently a math and physics major at Fisk University. Fisk University has a great graduate degree transfer program with Vanderbilt University to increase minority involvement in science, and I plan on using that opportunity to obtain a doctoral degree in physics. Having a doctoral degree in physics as a minority means that I can bring a different experience to my field and be able to convince other minorities to obtain STEM degrees. I also will be able to enter the teaching field with a doctoral degree in physics and that would provide me with the opportunity to share my knowledge with underprivileged students. Before attending Fisk University, I had never had an African American physics professor. My current Fisk physics professor, Dr. Bryan Wallace encouraged me to pursue teaching as a potential career path. I used his advice as motivation to pursue other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. The lessons learned from my educational experience will grant me the ability to conduct science fairs in underserved communities. Having a doctoral degree in physics and pursuing a career in mechanical or aerospace engineering is great for my individual success, but I would not feel any accomplishment unless I helped other people join the STEM field. I had minimal interest in joining the STEM field until I had a high school instructor that highlighted the benefits of science in our community, and I gained the confidence that I could have a successful life within STEM. If I am selected for this scholarship, I would be very grateful to know that my dream of hosting science fairs in underserved communities would be one step closer to becoming a reality. Being a student with autism means that I had to break barriers and learning that I can accomplish many things in life with hard work gives me the motivation to continue my family’s legacy of fixing vehicles.

Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I have been overcoming the obstacle of being an autistic African American male in today's society while pursuing a college education to promote change for my community with hosting science fairs. Autism and ADHD are the two mental disabilities that I have dealt with throughout my life. I was diagnosed with these disabilities at the age of two, but it hasn’t stopped me from pursuing a college degree. Currently, I am a senior at Fisk University with a double major in Mathematics and Physics. I received my associate degree in physics at Nashville State Community College before transferring to Fisk University. I completed my first semester at Fisk as a junior with a 4.0 GPA and this was a proud achievement for me because I felt that it was a difficult task to obtain due to my Autism and ADHD diagnosis. The daily challenge of living with Autism and ADHD is having increased anxiety about my future. Being an autistic person of color to me means that I can break barriers I once thought was impossible. My mother is a motivating factor in my life because she constantly encouraged me to be myself and ignore all the struggles of being an autistic person, and her hard work is paying off. I would like to obtain a graduate degree in physics. I’m currently a math and physics major at Fisk University. Fisk University has a great graduate degree transfer program with Vanderbilt University to increase minority involvement in science, and I plan on using that opportunity to obtain a doctoral degree in physics. Having a doctoral degree in physics as a minority means that I can bring a different experience to my field and be able to convince other minorities to obtain STEM degrees. I also will be able to enter the teaching field with a doctoral degree in physics and that would provide me with the opportunity to share my knowledge with underprivileged students. Before attending Fisk University, I had never had an African American physics professor. My current Fisk physics professor, Dr. Bryan Wallace encouraged me to pursue teaching as a potential career path. I used his advice as motivation to pursue other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. The lessons learned from my educational experience will grant me the ability to conduct science fairs in underserved communities. Having a doctoral degree in physics and pursuing a career in mechanical or aerospace engineering is great for my individual success, but I would not feel any accomplishment unless I helped other people join the STEM field. I had minimal interest in joining the STEM field until I had a high school instructor that highlighted the benefits of science in our community, and I gained the confidence that I could have a successful life within STEM. If I am selected for this scholarship, I would be very grateful to know that my dream of hosting science fairs in underserved communities would be one step closer to becoming a reality. Being a student with autism means that I had to break barriers and learning that I can accomplish many things in life with hard work gives me the motivation to continue my family’s legacy of fixing vehicles.

Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I have been overcoming the obstacle of being an autistic African American male in today's society while pursuing a college education to promote change for my community with hosting science fairs. Autism and ADHD are the two mental disabilities that I have dealt with throughout my life. I was diagnosed with these disabilities at the age of two, but it hasn’t stopped me from pursuing a college degree. Currently, I am a senior at Fisk University with a double major in Mathematics and Physics. I received my associate degree in physics at Nashville State Community College before transferring to Fisk University. I completed my first semester at Fisk as a junior with a 4.0 GPA and this was a proud achievement for me because I felt that it was a difficult task to obtain due to my Autism and ADHD diagnosis. The daily challenge of living with Autism and ADHD is having increased anxiety about my future. Being an autistic person of color to me means that I can break barriers I once thought was impossible. My mother is a motivating factor in my life because she constantly encouraged me to be myself and ignore all the struggles of being an autistic person, and her hard work is paying off. I would like to obtain a graduate degree in physics. I’m currently a math and physics major at Fisk University. Fisk University has a great graduate degree transfer program with Vanderbilt University to increase minority involvement in science, and I plan on using that opportunity to obtain a doctoral degree in physics. Having a doctoral degree in physics as a minority means that I can bring a different experience to my field and be able to convince other minorities to obtain STEM degrees. I also will be able to enter the teaching field with a doctoral degree in physics and that would provide me with the opportunity to share my knowledge with underprivileged students. Before attending Fisk University, I had never had an African American physics professor. My current Fisk physics professor, Dr. Bryan Wallace encouraged me to pursue teaching as a potential career path. I used his advice as motivation to pursue other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. The lessons learned from my educational experience will grant me the ability to conduct science fairs in underserved communities. Having a doctoral degree in physics and pursuing a career in mechanical or aerospace engineering is great for my individual success, but I would not feel any accomplishment unless I helped other people join the STEM field. I had minimal interest in joining the STEM field until I had a high school instructor that highlighted the benefits of science in our community, and I gained the confidence that I could have a successful life within STEM. If I am selected for this scholarship, I would be very grateful to know that my dream of hosting science fairs in underserved communities would be one step closer to becoming a reality. Being a student with autism means that I had to break barriers and learning that I can accomplish many things in life with hard work gives me the motivation to continue my family’s legacy of fixing vehicles.

Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I have been overcoming the obstacle of being an autistic African American male in today's society while pursuing a college education to promote change for my community with hosting science fairs. Autism and ADHD are the two mental disabilities that I have dealt with throughout my life. I was diagnosed with these disabilities at the age of two, but it hasn’t stopped me from pursuing a college degree. Currently, I am a senior at Fisk University with a double major in Mathematics and Physics. I received my associate degree in physics at Nashville State Community College before transferring to Fisk University. I completed my first semester at Fisk as a junior with a 4.0 GPA and this was a proud achievement for me because I felt that it was a difficult task to obtain due to my Autism and ADHD diagnosis. The daily challenge of living with Autism and ADHD is having increased anxiety about my future. Being an autistic person of color to me means that I can break barriers I once thought was impossible. My mother is a motivating factor in my life because she constantly encouraged me to be myself and ignore all the struggles of being an autistic person, and her hard work is paying off. I would like to obtain a graduate degree in physics. I’m currently a math and physics major at Fisk University. Having a doctoral degree in physics as a minority means that I can bring a different experience to my field and be able to convince other minorities to obtain STEM degrees. I also will be able to enter the teaching field with a doctoral degree in physics and that would provide me with the opportunity to share my knowledge with underprivileged students. Before attending Fisk University, I had never had an African American physics professor. My current Fisk physics professor, Dr. Bryan Wallace encouraged me to pursue teaching as a potential career path. I used his advice as motivation to pursue other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. The lessons learned from my educational experience will grant me the ability to conduct science fairs in underserved communities. Having a doctoral degree in physics and pursuing a career in mechanical or aerospace engineering is great for my individual success, but I would not feel any accomplishment unless I helped other people join the STEM field. I had minimal interest in joining the STEM field until I had a high school instructor that highlighted the benefits of science in our community, and I gained the confidence that I could have a successful life within STEM. If I am selected for this scholarship, I would be very grateful to know that my dream of hosting science fairs in underserved communities would be one step closer to becoming a reality.

Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I have been overcoming the obstacle of being an autistic African American male in today's society while pursuing a college education to promote change for my community with hosting science fairs. Autism and ADHD are the two mental disabilities that I have dealt with throughout my life. I was diagnosed with these disabilities at the age of two, but it hasn’t stopped me from pursuing a college degree. Currently, I am a senior at Fisk University with a double major in Mathematics and Physics. I received my associate degree in physics at Nashville State Community College before transferring to Fisk University. I completed my first semester at Fisk as a junior with a 4.0 GPA and this was a proud achievement for me because I felt that it was a difficult task to obtain due to my Autism and ADHD diagnosis. The daily challenge of living with Autism and ADHD is having increased anxiety about my future. Being an autistic person of color to me means that I can break barriers I once thought was impossible. My mother is a motivating factor in my life because she constantly encouraged me to be myself and ignore all the struggles of being an autistic person, and her hard work is paying off. I would like to obtain a graduate degree in physics. I’m currently a math and physics major at Fisk University. Fisk University has a great graduate degree transfer program with Vanderbilt University to increase minority involvement in science, and I plan on using that opportunity to obtain a doctoral degree in physics. Having a doctoral degree in physics as a minority means that I can bring a different experience to my field and be able to convince other minorities to obtain STEM degrees. I also will be able to enter the teaching field with a doctoral degree in physics and that would provide me with the opportunity to share my knowledge with underprivileged students. Before attending Fisk University, I had never had an African American physics professor. My current Fisk physics professor, Dr. Bryan Wallace encouraged me to pursue teaching as a potential career path. I used his advice as motivation to pursue other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. The lessons learned from my educational experience will grant me the ability to conduct science fairs in underserved communities. Having a doctoral degree in physics and pursuing a career in mechanical or aerospace engineering is great for my individual success, but I would not feel any accomplishment unless I helped other people join the STEM field. I had minimal interest in joining the STEM field until I had a high school instructor that highlighted the benefits of science in our community, and I gained the confidence that I could have a successful life within STEM. If I am selected for this scholarship, I would be very grateful to know that my dream of hosting science fairs in underserved communities would be one step closer to becoming a reality. Being a student with autism means that I had to break barriers and learning that I can accomplish many things in life with hard work gives me the motivation to continue my family’s legacy of fixing vehicles.

Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I have been overcoming the obstacle of being an autistic African American male in today's society while pursuing a college education to promote change for my community with hosting science fairs. Autism and ADHD are the two mental disabilities that I have dealt with throughout my life. I was diagnosed with these disabilities at the age of two, but it hasn’t stopped me from pursuing a college degree. Currently, I am a senior at Fisk University with a double major in Mathematics and Physics. I received my associate degree in physics at Nashville State Community College before transferring to Fisk University. I completed my first semester at Fisk as a junior with a 4.0 GPA and this was a proud achievement for me because I felt that it was a difficult task to obtain due to my Autism and ADHD diagnosis. The daily challenge of living with Autism and ADHD is having increased anxiety about my future. Being an autistic person of color to me means that I can break barriers I once thought was impossible. My mother is a motivating factor in my life because she constantly encouraged me to be myself and ignore all the struggles of being an autistic person, and her hard work is paying off. I would like to obtain a graduate degree in physics. I’m currently a math and physics major at Fisk University. Fisk University has a great graduate degree transfer program with Vanderbilt University to increase minority involvement in science, and I plan on using that opportunity to obtain a doctoral degree in physics. Having a doctoral degree in physics as a minority means that I can bring a different experience to my field and be able to convince other minorities to obtain STEM degrees. I also will be able to enter the teaching field with a doctoral degree in physics and that would provide me with the opportunity to share my knowledge with underprivileged students. Before attending Fisk University, I had never had an African American physics professor. My current Fisk physics professor, Dr. Bryan Wallace encouraged me to pursue teaching as a potential career path. I used his advice as motivation to pursue other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. The lessons learned from my educational experience will grant me the ability to conduct science fairs in underserved communities. Having a doctoral degree in physics and pursuing a career in mechanical or aerospace engineering is great for my individual success, but I would not feel any accomplishment unless I helped other people join the STEM field. I had minimal interest in joining the STEM field until I had a high school instructor that highlighted the benefits of science in our community, and I gained the confidence that I could have a successful life within STEM. If I am selected for this scholarship, I would be very grateful to know that my dream of hosting science fairs in underserved communities would be one step closer to becoming a reality. Being a student with autism means that I had to break barriers and learning that I can accomplish many things in life with hard work gives me the motivation to continue my family’s legacy of fixing vehicles.

Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I have been overcoming the obstacle of being an autistic African American male in today's society while pursuing a college education to promote change for my community with hosting science fairs. Autism and ADHD are the two mental disabilities that I have dealt with throughout my life. I was diagnosed with these disabilities at the age of two, but it hasn’t stopped me from pursuing a college degree. Currently, I am a senior at Fisk University with a double major in Mathematics and Physics. I received my associate degree in physics at Nashville State Community College before transferring to Fisk University. I completed my first semester at Fisk as a junior with a 4.0 GPA and this was a proud achievement for me because I felt that it was a difficult task to obtain due to my Autism and ADHD diagnosis. The daily challenge of living with Autism and ADHD is having increased anxiety about my future. Being an autistic person of color to me means that I can break barriers I once thought was impossible. My mother is a motivating factor in my life because she constantly encouraged me to be myself and ignore all the struggles of being an autistic person, and her hard work is paying off. I would like to obtain a graduate degree in physics. I’m currently a math and physics major at Fisk University. Fisk University has a great graduate degree transfer program with Vanderbilt University to increase minority involvement in science, and I plan on using that opportunity to obtain a doctoral degree in physics. Having a doctoral degree in physics as a minority means that I can bring a different experience to my field and be able to convince other minorities to obtain STEM degrees. I also will be able to enter the teaching field with a doctoral degree in physics and that would provide me with the opportunity to share my knowledge with underprivileged students. Before attending Fisk University, I had never had an African American physics professor. My current Fisk physics professor, Dr. Bryan Wallace encouraged me to pursue teaching as a potential career path. I used his advice as motivation to pursue other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. The lessons learned from my educational experience will grant me the ability to conduct science fairs in underserved communities. Having a doctoral degree in physics and pursuing a career in mechanical or aerospace engineering is great for my individual success, but I would not feel any accomplishment unless I helped other people join the STEM field. I had minimal interest in joining the STEM field until I had a high school instructor that highlighted the benefits of science in our community, and I gained the confidence that I could have a successful life within STEM. If I am selected for this scholarship, I would be very grateful to know that my dream of hosting science fairs in underserved communities would be one step closer to becoming a reality. Being a student with autism means that I had to break barriers and learning that I can accomplish many things in life with hard work gives me the motivation to continue my family’s legacy of fixing vehicles.

Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I currently attend Fisk University as a double major in Mathematics and Physics. I chose to attend an HBCU to inspire other minorities to not give up on your dreams of obtaining a college degree. I would like to pursue mechanical engineering or aerospace engineering. I am passionate about these fields because of my family’s background in maintaining vehicles. My grandmother worked for the U.S. Air Force as a mechanic working on fighter jets and military vehicles. My mother and father both worked as auto shop mechanics maintaining diesel trucks. From the exposure of being around hard-working mechanics, I have a passion for maintaining vehicles. Pursuing mechanical or aerospace engineering would grant me the opportunity to help our transportation sector by fixing and modifying how vehicles are made to protect the environment from harmful Carbon emissions and increase the safety of drivers and passengers within vehicles. I see myself becoming a carbon emission tester or working with electric vehicles in a large manufacturing company like General Motors. During my time at Fisk University, I have grown in maturity and gained a clearer understanding of my educational goals. In 2019, I graduated from high school and enrolled at Trevecca Nazarene University. At Trevecca, I had failed courses due to anxiety about being in an unfamiliar place and my father was dying from cancer. I became greatly depressed and unrolled from Trevecca in 2020 and decided to take a gap year to focus on my mental health. On November 6th, 2020, my father passed away from cancer and his last dying wish was for me to obtain a college education and earn my degree. On January 6th, 2021, I began my first day at the Tennessee College of Applied Technology, or TCAT. TCAT is a technical college that focuses on developing students for the workforce through different job training classes. I enrolled in the office assisting program at TCAT and learned valuable skills like using Microsoft Excel and learning better time management skills. TCAT not only provided me with job skills, but it also gave me back my motivation to succeed and earn a proper college degree. I graduated from TCAT on August 1st, 2021, with three diplomas in Administrative Assisting, Accounting Assisting, and Medical Assisting. On August 15th, 2021, I began my first day at Nashville State Community College, or NSCC. At NSCC, I pursued my associate degree in physics with plans to transfer after graduation. Fisk University was the school I set my sights on for two years until I obtained my associate degree in physics on August 3rd, 2023. On August 10th, 2023, I began my first day at Fisk University as a double major in Mathematics and Physics. During my two semesters at Fisk, I have met plenty of positive people that want to see minorities like me succeed and thrive. I currently have a 3.8 GPA and I will be graduating from Fisk University during the 2025 spring semester. Gaining a second chance at my education will allow me to keep my father’s dying wish of obtaining a college degree and prove to myself that having autism does not prevent you from reaching your dreams. I would like to obtain a graduate degree in physics. Fisk University has a great graduate degree transfer program with Vanderbilt University to increase minority involvement in science, and I plan on using that opportunity to obtain a doctoral degree in physics. Having a doctoral degree in physics as a minority means that I can bring a different experience to my field and be able to convince other minorities to obtain STEM degrees. I also will be able to enter the teaching field with a doctoral degree in physics and that would provide me with the opportunity to share my knowledge with underprivileged students. Before attending Fisk University, I had never had an African American physics professor. My current Fisk physics professor, Dr. Bryan Wallace, encouraged me to pursue teaching as a potential career path. I used his advice as motivation to pursue other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. The lessons learned from my educational experience will grant me the ability to conduct science fairs in underserved communities. Having a doctoral degree in physics and pursuing a career in mechanical or aerospace engineering is great for my individual success, but I would not feel any accomplishment unless I helped other people join the STEM field. I had minimal interest in joining the STEM field until I had a high school instructor that highlighted the benefits of science in our community, and I gained the confidence that STEM is a great career path. If I am selected for this scholarship, I would be very grateful to know that my dream of hosting science fairs in underserved communities would be one step closer to becoming a reality. Being a student with autism means that I had to break barriers and learning that I can accomplish many things in life with hard work gives me the motivation to continue my family’s legacy of fixing vehicles.

Hello, my name is Michel Reed Warren and I plan on paying for college with academic scholarships and student loans. The main difficulties that I face with meeting my financial needs are maintaining satisfactory grades and rising costs of tuition. Currently I have an academic scholarship to attend Fisk University, but it does not cover my full tuition costs to attend. Their academic scholarship requires me to maintain a 2.7 GPA, and complete 50 hours of community service in an academic year. For the Fall 2024 semester, the tuition costs are increasing at Fisk University, and it puts extra pressure on me to find more money to pay for classes. Each semester, I have a great deal of stress managing my course load, community service hours, and applying for outside scholarships to maintain my dream of graduating from Fisk University with two degrees in Math and Physics. Looking for extra financial help to pay for college is difficult, but it gives me motivation to continue to pursue my goals and one day inspire the youth to not give up on their dreams. Pursuing a career in the tech industry will allow me to change my community and leave a legacy behind for others to follow. The lessons learned from my educational experience will grant me the ability to conduct science fairs in underserved communities. Having a doctoral degree in physics and pursuing a career in mechanical or aerospace engineering is great for my individual success, but I would not feel any accomplishment unless I helped other people join the STEM field. I had minimal interest in joining the STEM field until I had a high school instructor that highlighted the benefits of science in our community, and I gained the confidence that STEM is a great career path. If I am selected for this scholarship, I would be very grateful to know that my dream of hosting science fairs in underserved communities would be one step closer to becoming a reality. Being a student with autism means that I had to break barriers and learning that I can accomplish many things in life with hard work gives me the motivation to continue my family’s legacy of fixing vehicles. I would greatly benefit from receiving this scholarship by allowing me to continue my education and pursue a career in mechanical engineering. To attend Fisk University, I had to sacrifice receiving a meal plan just to afford my courses. The financial burden of paying for courses did not allow my family to pay for a meal plan. This scholarship will allow me to obtain a meal plan and feel like my sacrifices were not in vain. I see this scholarship as a pathway to success. If one person provides me with an opportunity to receive this scholarship, then I will show them that their investment in me was a great choice.

Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I’m currently a junior at Fisk University with a double major in mathematics and physics. I was diagnosed with Autism at the age of two, but it has not prevented me from pursuing a college degree. Attending Fisk University has motivated me to pursue new career goals that I believed were impossible. My passion is to become the first black autistic person on the moon, and I will achieve this goal by earning my doctorate in physics. Being an African American male with a mental disability to me means that I can break barriers and inspire others to achieve success. Continuing my education will help me to achieve black excellence by providing me the ability to start a non-profit that hosts science fairs in underserved communities. The science fairs will be used to increase minority participation in STEM careers and to showcase future career opportunities to the youth. I come from a lower-class community that believes that having an education is pointless and would not improve your social status in life. My goal is to change that narrative and inspire the youth and encourage others to not give up on your dreams no matter your background. The non-profit would be in memory of my father who passed away from cancer in 2020. My father’s dying wish was for me to receive a college degree and become a productive citizen. This scholarship will help alleviate the burden of paying for college.

Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I currently attend Fisk University as a double major in Mathematics and Physics. I chose to attend an HBCU to inspire other minorities to not give up on your dreams of obtaining a college degree. I would like to pursue mechanical engineering or aerospace engineering. I am passionate about these fields because of my family’s background in maintaining vehicles. My grandmother worked for the U.S. Air Force as a mechanic working on fighter jets and military vehicles. My mother and father both worked as auto shop mechanics maintaining diesel trucks. From the exposure of being around hard-working mechanics, I have a passion for maintaining vehicles. Pursuing mechanical or aerospace engineering would grant me the opportunity to help our transportation sector by fixing and modifying how vehicles are made to protect the environment from harmful Carbon emissions and increase the safety of drivers and passengers within vehicles. I see myself becoming a carbon emission tester or working with electric vehicles in a large manufacturing company like General Motors. During my time at Fisk University, I have grown in maturity and gained a clearer understanding of my educational goals. In 2019, I graduated from high school and enrolled at Trevecca Nazarene University. At Trevecca, I had failed courses due to anxiety about being in an unfamiliar place and my father was dying from cancer. I became greatly depressed and unrolled from Trevecca in 2020 and decided to take a gap year to focus on my mental health. On November 6th, 2020, my father passed away from cancer and his last dying wish was for me to obtain a college education and earn my degree. On January 6th, 2021, I began my first day at the Tennessee College of Applied Technology, or TCAT. TCAT is a technical college that focuses on developing students for the workforce through different job training classes. I enrolled in the office assisting program at TCAT and learned valuable skills like using Microsoft Excel and learning better time management skills. TCAT not only provided me with job skills, but it also gave me back my motivation to succeed and earn a proper college degree. I graduated from TCAT on August 1st, 2021, with three diplomas in Administrative Assisting, Accounting Assisting, and Medical Assisting. On August 15th, 2021, I began my first day at Nashville State Community College, or NSCC. At NSCC, I pursued my associate degree in physics with plans to transfer after graduation. Fisk University was the school I set my sights on for two years until I obtained my associate degree in physics on August 3rd, 2023. On August 10th, 2023, I began my first day at Fisk University as a double major in Mathematics and Physics. During my two semesters at Fisk, I have met plenty of positive people that want to see minorities like me succeed and thrive. I currently have a 3.8 GPA and I will be graduating from Fisk University during the 2025 spring semester. Gaining a second chance at my education will allow me to keep my father’s dying wish of obtaining a college degree and prove to myself that having autism does not prevent you from reaching your dreams.

Hello, my name is Michel Reed Warren and I plan on paying for college with academic scholarships and student loans. The main difficulties that I face with meeting my financial needs are maintaining satisfactory grades and rising costs of tuition. Currently I have an academic scholarship to attend Fisk University, but it does not cover my full tuition costs to attend. Their academic scholarship requires me to maintain a 2.7 GPA, and complete 50 hours of community service in an academic year. For the Fall 2024 semester, the tuition costs are increasing at Fisk University, and it puts extra pressure on me to find more money to pay for classes. Each semester, I have a great deal of stress managing my course load, community service hours, and applying for outside scholarships to maintain my dream of graduating from Fisk University with two degrees in Math and Physics. Looking for extra financial help to pay for college is difficult, but it gives me motivation to continue to pursue my goals and one day inspire the youth to not give up on their dreams. I would like to obtain a graduate degree in physics. Fisk University has a great graduate degree transfer program with Vanderbilt University to increase minority involvement in science, and I plan on using that opportunity to obtain a doctoral degree in physics. Having a doctoral degree in physics as a minority means that I can bring a different experience to my field and be able to convince other minorities to obtain STEM degrees. I also will be able to enter the teaching field with a doctoral degree in physics and that would provide me with the opportunity to share my knowledge with underprivileged students. Before attending Fisk University, I had never had an African American physics professor. My current Fisk physics professor, Dr. Bryan Wallace, encouraged me to pursue teaching as a potential career path. I used his advice as motivation to pursue other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. The lessons learned from my educational experience will grant me the ability to conduct science fairs in underserved communities. Having a doctoral degree in physics and pursuing a career in mechanical or aerospace engineering is great for my individual success, but I would not feel any accomplishment unless I helped other people join the STEM field. I had minimal interest in joining the STEM field until I had a high school instructor that highlighted the benefits of science in our community, and I gained the confidence that STEM is a great career path. If I am selected for this scholarship, I would be very grateful to know that my dream of hosting science fairs in underserved communities would be one step closer to becoming a reality. Being a student with autism means that I had to break barriers and learning that I can accomplish many things in life with hard work gives me the motivation to continue my family’s legacy of fixing vehicles. I would greatly benefit from receiving this scholarship by allowing me to continue my education and pursue a career in mechanical engineering. To attend Fisk University, I had to sacrifice receiving a meal plan just to afford my courses. The financial burden of paying for courses did not allow my family to pay for a meal plan. This scholarship will allow me to obtain a meal plan and feel like my sacrifices were not in vain. I see this scholarship as a pathway to success.

Autism and ADHD are the two mental disabilities that I have dealt with throughout my life. I was diagnosed with these disabilities at the age of two, but it hasn’t stopped me from pursuing a college degree. Currently, I am a senior at Fisk University with a double major in Mathematics and Physics. I received my associate degree in physics at Nashville State Community College before transferring to Fisk University. I completed my first semester at Fisk as a junior with a 4.0 GPA and this was a proud achievement for me because I felt that it was a difficult task to obtain due to my Autism and ADHD diagnosis. The daily challenge of living with Autism and ADHD is having increased anxiety about my future. Being an autistic person of color to me means that I can break barriers I once thought was impossible. My mother is a motivating factor in my life because she constantly encouraged me to be myself and ignore all the struggles of being an autistic person, and her hard work is paying off. I would like to obtain a graduate degree in physics. I’m currently a math and physics major at Fisk University. Fisk University has a great graduate degree transfer program with Vanderbilt University to increase minority involvement in science, and I plan on using that opportunity to obtain a doctoral degree in physics. Having a doctoral degree in physics as a minority means that I can bring a different experience to my field and be able to convince other minorities to obtain STEM degrees. I also will be able to enter the teaching field with a doctoral degree in physics and that would provide me with the opportunity to share my knowledge with underprivileged students. Before attending Fisk University, I had never had an African American physics professor. My current Fisk physics professor, Dr. Bryan Wallace encouraged me to pursue teaching as a potential career path. I used his advice as motivation to pursue other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. The lessons learned from my educational experience will grant me the ability to conduct science fairs in underserved communities. Having a doctoral degree in physics and pursuing a career in mechanical or aerospace engineering is great for my individual success, but I would not feel any accomplishment unless I helped other people join the STEM field. I had minimal interest in joining the STEM field until I had a high school instructor that highlighted the benefits of science in our community, and I gained the confidence that I could have a successful life within STEM. If I am selected for this scholarship, I would be very grateful to know that my dream of hosting science fairs in underserved communities would be one step closer to becoming a reality. Being a student with autism means that I had to break barriers and learning that I can accomplish many things in life with hard work gives me the motivation to continue my family’s legacy of fixing vehicles.

Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I currently attend Fisk University as a double major in mathematics and physics. I was diagnosed with Autism at the age of two, but it has not prevented me from pursuing a college degree. Attending Fisk University has greatly motivated me to pursue new career goals that I believed were impossible and the staff helps all students to reach their dreams. My passion is to become the first black autistic person on the moon, and I will achieve this goal by earning my doctorate in physics. Being an African American male with a mental disability to me means that I can break barriers and inspire others to achieve success. Continuing my education will help me to achieve black excellence by providing me the ability to start a non-profit that hosts science fairs in underserved communities. The main goal of having science fairs in underserved communities will be to increase minority participation in STEM careers and to showcase future career opportunities to the youth. I come from a lower-class community that believes that having an education is pointless and would not improve your social status in life. My goal is to change that narrative and inspire the youth and encourage others to not give up on your dreams no matter your background. The non-profit would be in memory of my father who passed away from cancer in 2020. My father liked to smoke cigarettes and eventually knew his time was coming to an end, but he didn't want me to worry about him, instead he told me to pursue to college degree and become a productive citizen. I would like to obtain a graduate degree in physics. Fisk University has a great graduate degree transfer program with Vanderbilt University to increase minority involvement in science, and I plan on using that opportunity to obtain a doctoral degree in physics. Having a doctoral degree in physics as a minority means that I can bring a different experience to my field and be able to convince other minorities to obtain STEM degrees. I also will be able to enter the teaching field with a doctoral degree in physics and that would provide me with the opportunity to share my knowledge with underprivileged students. Before attending Fisk University, I had never had an African American physics professor. My current Fisk physics professor, Dr. Bryan Wallace, encouraged me to pursue teaching as a potential career path. I used his advice as motivation to pursue other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. The lessons learned from my educational experience will grant me the ability to conduct science fairs in underserved communities. Having a doctoral degree in physics and pursuing a career in mechanical or aerospace engineering is great for my individual success, but I would not feel any accomplishment unless I helped other people join the STEM field. I had minimal interest in joining the STEM field until I had a high school instructor that highlighted the benefits of science in our community, and I gained the confidence that STEM is a great career path. If I am selected for this scholarship, I would be very grateful to know that my dream of hosting science fairs in underserved communities would be one step closer to becoming a reality. Being a student with autism means that I had to break barriers and learning that I can accomplish many things in life with hard work gives me the motivation to continue my family’s legacy of fixing vehicles.

Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I currently attend Fisk University as a double major in mathematics and physics. I was diagnosed with Autism at the age of two, but it has not prevented me from pursuing a college degree. Attending Fisk University has greatly motivated me to pursue new career goals that I believed were impossible and the staff helps all students to reach their dreams. My passion is to become the first black autistic person on the moon, and I will achieve this goal by earning my doctorate in physics. Being an African American male with a mental disability to me means that I can break barriers and inspire others to achieve success. Continuing my education will help me to achieve black excellence by providing me the ability to start a non-profit that hosts science fairs in underserved communities. The main goal of having science fairs in underserved communities will be to increase minority participation in STEM careers and to showcase future career opportunities to the youth. I come from a lower-class community that believes that having an education is pointless and would not improve your social status in life. My goal is to change that narrative and inspire the youth and encourage others to not give up on your dreams no matter your background. The non-profit would be in memory of my father who passed away from cancer in 2020. My father’s dying wish was for me to receive a college degree and become a productive citizen. I would like to obtain a graduate degree in physics. Fisk University has a great graduate degree transfer program with Vanderbilt University to increase minority involvement in science, and I plan on using that opportunity to obtain a doctoral degree in physics. Having a doctoral degree in physics as a minority means that I can bring a different experience to my field and be able to convince other minorities to obtain STEM degrees. I also will be able to enter the teaching field with a doctoral degree in physics and that would provide me with the opportunity to share my knowledge with underprivileged students. Before attending Fisk University, I had never had an African American physics professor. My current Fisk physics professor, Dr. Bryan Wallace, encouraged me to pursue teaching as a potential career path. I used his advice as motivation to pursue other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. The lessons learned from my educational experience will grant me the ability to conduct science fairs in underserved communities. Having a doctoral degree in physics and pursuing a career in mechanical or aerospace engineering is great for my individual success, but I would not feel any accomplishment unless I helped other people join the STEM field. I had minimal interest in joining the STEM field until I had a high school instructor that highlighted the benefits of science in our community, and I gained the confidence that STEM is a great career path. If I am selected for this scholarship, I would be very grateful to know that my dream of hosting science fairs in underserved communities would be one step closer to becoming a reality. Being a student with autism means that I had to break barriers and learning that I can accomplish many things in life with hard work gives me the motivation to continue my family’s legacy of fixing vehicles.

Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I currently attend Fisk University as a double major in mathematics and physics. I was diagnosed with Autism at the age of two, but it has not prevented me from pursuing a college degree. Attending Fisk University has greatly motivated me to pursue new career goals that I believed were impossible and the staff helps all students to reach their dreams. My passion is to become the first black autistic person on the moon, and I will achieve this goal by earning my doctorate in physics. Being an African American male with a mental disability to me means that I can break barriers and inspire others to achieve success. Continuing my education will help me to achieve black excellence by providing me the ability to start a non-profit that hosts science fairs in underserved communities. The main goal of having science fairs in underserved communities will be to increase minority participation in STEM careers and to showcase future career opportunities to the youth. I come from a lower-class community that believes that having an education is pointless and would not improve your social status in life. My goal is to change that narrative and inspire the youth and encourage others to not give up on your dreams no matter your background. The non-profit would be in memory of my father who passed away from cancer in 2020. My father’s dying wish was for me to receive a college degree and become a productive citizen. I would like to obtain a graduate degree in physics. Fisk University has a great graduate degree transfer program with Vanderbilt University to increase minority involvement in science, and I plan on using that opportunity to obtain a doctoral degree in physics. Having a doctoral degree in physics as a minority means that I can bring a different experience to my field and be able to convince other minorities to obtain STEM degrees. I also will be able to enter the teaching field with a doctoral degree in physics and that would provide me with the opportunity to share my knowledge with underprivileged students. Before attending Fisk University, I had never had an African American physics professor. My current Fisk physics professor, Dr. Bryan Wallace, encouraged me to pursue teaching as a potential career path. I used his advice as motivation to pursue other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. The lessons learned from my educational experience will grant me the ability to conduct science fairs in underserved communities. Having a doctoral degree in physics and pursuing a career in mechanical or aerospace engineering is great for my individual success, but I would not feel any accomplishment unless I helped other people join the STEM field. I had minimal interest in joining the STEM field until I had a high school instructor that highlighted the benefits of science in our community, and I gained the confidence that STEM is a great career path. If I am selected for this scholarship, I would be very grateful to know that my dream of hosting science fairs in underserved communities would be one step closer to becoming a reality. Being a student with autism means that I had to break barriers and learning that I can accomplish many things in life with hard work gives me the motivation to continue my family’s legacy of fixing vehicles.

Hello, my name is Michel Warren, and my mother has positively impacted my life by encouraging me to never give up on my dreams because of a mental disability. I was diagnosed with autism at two years old in 2002, and multiple mental health doctors told my mother that I wouldn’t have a normal productive life and that I should be institutionalized in a group home. My mother may not have understood what autism was in 2002, but she knew that her son had the potential to beat this disease and overcome the odds. My mother would always tell me to view my autism as a blessing and to not be ashamed of who I am. Her words of wisdom motivated me to perform well in school and to pursue a college education. Autism spectrum disorder is a neurological condition that affects social interaction and communication and causes limited and repetitive behaviors. The spectrum of autism can range from mild symptoms to severe symptoms. The main challenge that my mother faced with raising a child with autism was the social interactions with other people due to my mild symptoms of autism. During the mid to late 2000’s having a child with a mental disability made a person look inferior to someone that has a normal child. My mother overcame this social guilt by informing people about my mental condition and she gained a sense of confidence that her son would be fine due to sharing the information about autism in children. My mother has been instrumental in helping me become the person I am today by allowing me to learn and grow from mistakes I have made in my life. In 2019, I graduated from high school and enrolled at Trevecca Nazarene University. At Trevecca, I had failed courses due to anxiety about being in an unfamiliar place and my father was dying from cancer. I became greatly depressed and unrolled from Trevecca in 2020 and decided to take a gap year to focus on my mental health. This was a difficult time for me because I felt like a failure to not only my mother but to my father as well. My mother encouraged me to seek mental health help with Centerstone and I learn proper coping skills with managing grief of a loved one. In 2021, I enrolled at the Tennessee College of Applied Technology. TCAT is a technical college that focuses on developing students for the workforce through different job training classes. TCAT not only provided me with job skills, but it also gave me back my motivation to succeed and earn a proper college degree. I graduated from TCAT with three diplomas in Administrative Assisting, Accounting Assisting, and Medical Assisting. On August 15th, 2021, I began my first day at Nashville State Community College. At NSCC, I pursued my associate degree in physics with plans to transfer after graduation. Fisk University was the school I pursued for two years until I obtained my associate degree in physics on August 3rd, 2023. On August 10th, 2023, I enrolled at Fisk University as a double major in Mathematics and Physics. During my two semesters at Fisk, I have met plenty of positive people that want to see minorities like me succeed and thrive. I currently have a 3.8 GPA and will be graduating during the 2025 spring semester. Gaining a second chance at my education will allow me to keep my father’s dying wish of obtaining a college degree and prove to myself that having autism does not prevent you from reaching your dreams.

Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I currently attend Fisk University as a double major in Mathematics and Physics. I chose to attend an HBCU to inspire other minorities to not give up on your dreams of obtaining a college degree. I would like to pursue mechanical engineering or aerospace engineering. I am passionate about these fields because of my family’s background in maintaining vehicles. My grandmother worked for the U.S. Air Force as a mechanic working on fighter jets and military vehicles. My mother and father both worked as auto shop mechanics maintaining diesel trucks. From the exposure of being around hard-working mechanics, I have a passion for maintaining vehicles. Pursuing mechanical or aerospace engineering would grant me the opportunity to help our transportation sector by fixing and modifying how vehicles are made to protect the environment from harmful Carbon emissions and increase the safety of drivers and passengers within vehicles. I see myself becoming a carbon emission tester or working with electric vehicles in a large manufacturing company like General Motors. I would like to obtain a graduate degree in physics. Fisk University has a great graduate degree transfer program with Vanderbilt University to increase minority involvement in science, and I plan on using that opportunity to obtain a doctoral degree in physics. Having a doctoral degree in physics as a minority means that I can bring a different experience to my field and be able to convince other minorities to obtain STEM degrees. I also will be able to enter the teaching field with a doctoral degree in physics and that would provide me with the opportunity to share my knowledge with underprivileged students. Before attending Fisk University, I had never had an African American physics professor. My current Fisk physics professor, Dr. Bryan Wallace, encouraged me to pursue teaching as a potential career path. I used his advice as motivation to pursue other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. The lessons learned from my educational experience will grant me the ability to conduct science fairs in underserved communities. Having a doctoral degree in physics and pursuing a career in mechanical or aerospace engineering is great for my individual success, but I would not feel any accomplishment unless I helped other people join the STEM field. I had minimal interest in joining the STEM field until I had a high school instructor that highlighted the benefits of science in our community, and I gained the confidence that STEM is a great career path. If I am selected for this scholarship, I would be very grateful to know that my dream of hosting science fairs in underserved communities would be one step closer to becoming a reality. Being a student with autism means that I had to break barriers and learning that I can accomplish many things in life with hard work gives me the motivation to continue my family’s legacy of fixing vehicles.

Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I currently attend Fisk University as a double major in Mathematics and Physics. I chose to attend an HBCU to inspire other minorities to not give up on your dreams of obtaining a college degree. I would like to pursue mechanical engineering or aerospace engineering. I am passionate about these fields because of my family’s background in maintaining vehicles. My grandmother worked for the U.S. Air Force as a mechanic working on fighter jets and military vehicles. My mother and father both worked as auto shop mechanics maintaining diesel trucks. From the exposure of being around hard-working mechanics, I have a passion for maintaining vehicles. Pursuing mechanical or aerospace engineering would grant me the opportunity to help our transportation sector by fixing and modifying how vehicles are made to protect the environment from harmful Carbon emissions and increase the safety of drivers and passengers within vehicles. I see myself becoming a carbon emission tester or working with electric vehicles in a large manufacturing company like General Motors. I would like to obtain a graduate degree in physics. Fisk University has a great graduate degree transfer program with Vanderbilt University to increase minority involvement in science, and I plan on using that opportunity to obtain a doctoral degree in physics. Having a doctoral degree in physics as a minority means that I can bring a different experience to my field and be able to convince other minorities to obtain STEM degrees. I also will be able to enter the teaching field with a doctoral degree in physics and that would provide me with the opportunity to share my knowledge with underprivileged students. Before attending Fisk University, I had never had an African American physics professor. My current Fisk physics professor, Dr. Bryan Wallace, encouraged me to pursue teaching as a potential career path. I used his advice as motivation to pursue other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. The lessons learned from my educational experience will grant me the ability to conduct science fairs in underserved communities. Having a doctoral degree in physics and pursuing a career in mechanical or aerospace engineering is great for my individual success, but I would not feel any accomplishment unless I helped other people join the STEM field. I had minimal interest in joining the STEM field until I had a high school instructor that highlighted the benefits of science in our community, and I gained the confidence that STEM is a great career path. If I am selected for this scholarship, I would be very grateful to know that my dream of hosting science fairs in underserved communities would be one step closer to becoming a reality. Being a student with autism means that I had to break barriers and learning that I can accomplish many things in life with hard work gives me the motivation to continue my family’s legacy of fixing vehicles.

Hello, my name is Michel Warren, and my mother has positively impacted my life by encouraging me to never give up on my dreams because of a mental disability. I was diagnosed with autism at two years old in 2002, and multiple mental health doctors told my mother that I wouldn’t have a normal productive life and that I should be institutionalized in a group home. My mother may not have understood what autism was in 2002, but she knew that her son had the potential to beat this disease and overcome the odds. My mother would always tell me to view my autism as a blessing and to not be ashamed of who I am. Her words of wisdom motivated me to perform well in school and to pursue a college education. Autism spectrum disorder is a neurological condition that affects social interaction and communication and causes limited and repetitive behaviors. The spectrum of autism can range from mild symptoms to severe symptoms. The main challenge that my mother faced with raising a child with autism was the social interactions with other people due to my mild symptoms of autism. During the mid to late 2000’s having a child with a mental disability made a person look inferior to someone that has a normal child. My mother overcame this social guilt by informing people about my mental condition and she gained a sense of confidence that her son would be fine due to sharing the information about autism in children. My mother has been instrumental in helping me become the person I am today by allowing me to learn and grow from mistakes I have made in my life. In 2019, I graduated from high school and enrolled at Trevecca Nazarene University. At Trevecca, I had failed courses due to anxiety about being in an unfamiliar place and my father was dying from cancer. I became greatly depressed and unrolled from Trevecca in 2020 and decided to take a gap year to focus on my mental health. This was a difficult time for me because I felt like a failure to not only my mother but to my father as well. My mother encouraged me to seek mental health help with Centerstone and I learn proper coping skills with managing grief of a loved one. In 2021, I enrolled at the Tennessee College of Applied Technology. TCAT is a technical college that focuses on developing students for the workforce through different job training classes. TCAT not only provided me with job skills, but it also gave me back my motivation to succeed and earn a proper college degree. I graduated from TCAT with three diplomas in Administrative Assisting, Accounting Assisting, and Medical Assisting. On August 15th, 2021, I began my first day at Nashville State Community College. At NSCC, I pursued my associate degree in physics with plans to transfer after graduation. Fisk University was the school I pursued for two years until I obtained my associate degree in physics on August 3rd, 2023. On August 10th, 2023, I enrolled at Fisk University as a double major in Mathematics and Physics. During my two semesters at Fisk, I have met plenty of positive people that want to see minorities like me succeed and thrive. I currently have a 3.8 GPA and will be graduating during the 2025 spring semester. Gaining a second chance at my education will allow me to keep my father’s dying wish of obtaining a college degree and prove to myself that having autism does not prevent you from reaching your dreams.

Hello, my name is Michel Warren, and my mother has positively impacted my life by encouraging me to never give up on my dreams because of a mental disability. I was diagnosed with autism at two years old in 2002, and multiple mental health doctors told my mother that I wouldn’t have a normal productive life and that I should be institutionalized in a group home. My mother may not have understood what autism was in 2002, but she knew that her son had the potential to beat this disease and overcome the odds. My mother would always tell me to view my autism as a blessing and to not be ashamed of who I am. Her words of wisdom motivated me to perform well in school and to pursue a college education. Autism spectrum disorder is a neurological condition that affects social interaction and communication and causes limited and repetitive behaviors. The spectrum of autism can range from mild symptoms to severe symptoms. The main challenge that my mother faced with raising a child with autism was the social interactions with other people due to my mild symptoms of autism. During the mid to late 2000’s having a child with a mental disability made a person look inferior to someone that has a normal child. My mother overcame this social guilt by informing people about my mental condition and she gained a sense of confidence that her son would be fine due to sharing the information about autism in children. My mother has been instrumental in helping me become the person I am today by allowing me to learn and grow from mistakes I have made in my life. In 2019, I graduated from high school and enrolled at Trevecca Nazarene University. At Trevecca, I had failed courses due to anxiety about being in an unfamiliar place and my father was dying from cancer. I became greatly depressed and unrolled from Trevecca in 2020 and decided to take a gap year to focus on my mental health. This was a difficult time for me because I felt like a failure to not only my mother but to my father as well. My mother encouraged me to seek mental health help with Centerstone and I learn proper coping skills with managing grief of a loved one. In 2021, I enrolled at the Tennessee College of Applied Technology. TCAT is a technical college that focuses on developing students for the workforce through different job training classes. TCAT not only provided me with job skills, but it also gave me back my motivation to succeed and earn a proper college degree. I graduated from TCAT with three diplomas in Administrative Assisting, Accounting Assisting, and Medical Assisting. On August 15th, 2021, I began my first day at Nashville State Community College. At NSCC, I pursued my associate degree in physics with plans to transfer after graduation. Fisk University was the school I pursued for two years until I obtained my associate degree in physics on August 3rd, 2023. On August 10th, 2023, I enrolled at Fisk University as a double major in Mathematics and Physics. During my two semesters at Fisk, I have met plenty of positive people that want to see minorities like me succeed and thrive. I currently have a 3.8 GPA and will be graduating during the 2025 spring semester. Gaining a second chance at my education will allow me to keep my father’s dying wish of obtaining a college degree and prove to myself that having autism does not prevent you from reaching your dreams.