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’m a senior triple major in mathematics, physics, and data science with a minor in Biophysics at Fisk University. I chose to attend an HBCU to inspire other minorities to not give up on your dreams of obtaining a college degree. I was diagnosed with autism at the age of two and my autism diagnosis presented barriers that I was able to overcome like being told that I would never have a normal life. Being neurodivergent to me means that I can inspire others to chase and achieve their aspirations in life. I plan on changing the world with my three degrees by starting a non-profit program that hosts science fairs in underserved communities. I had minimal interest in pursuing a STEM degree until my high school chemistry instructor took our class to a science fair and I was shown the benefits of science in my community and gained the confidence to obtain a STEM degree. My dream career is to work in motorsports as a mechanical engineer. Pursuing a mechanical engineering career will provide me with 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 in vehicles. 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 convince other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. After graduating from Fisk University, I will attend graduate school and receive a PHD in Physics. This scholarship opportunity will grant me the ability to attend grad school debt free. If I am selected for this scholarship, I will be able to show other autistic individuals that your dreams can come true if you work hard enough. My current graduate school plans are to attend Fisk University in Fall 2025 to pursue my PHD in Physics under the Fisk/Vanderbilt Bridge Program. My goal for attending graduate school is to prove to people that you can redeem yourself after failing. I lost my father in 2020, and I had a poor GPA. I had to reinvent myself to become better and now my passion is to pursue graduate education in honor of my dad Steve Warren.

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’m a senior triple major in mathematics, physics, and data science with a minor in Biophysics at Fisk University. I chose to attend an HBCU to inspire other minorities to not give up on your dreams of obtaining a college degree. I was diagnosed with autism at the age of two and my autism diagnosis presented barriers that I was able to overcome like being told that I would never have a normal life. Being neurodivergent to me means that I can inspire others to chase and achieve their aspirations in life. I plan on changing the world with my three degrees by starting a non-profit program that hosts science fairs in underserved communities. I had minimal interest in pursuing a STEM degree until my high school chemistry instructor took our class to a science fair and I was shown the benefits of science in my community and gained the confidence to obtain a STEM degree. My dream career is to work in motorsports as a mechanical engineer. Pursuing a mechanical engineering career will provide me with 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 in vehicles. 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 convince other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. After graduating from Fisk University, I will attend graduate school and receive a PHD in Physics. This scholarship opportunity will grant me the ability to attend grad school debt free. If I am selected for this scholarship, I will be able to show other autistic individuals that your dreams can come true if you work hard enough. My current graduate school plans are to attend Fisk University in Fall 2025 to pursue my PHD in Physics under the Fisk/Vanderbilt Bridge Program. My goal for attending graduate school is to prove to people that you can redeem yourself after failing. I lost my father in 2020, and I had a poor GPA. I had to reinvent myself to become better and now my passion is to pursue graduate education in honor of my dad Steve Warren.

Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I’m a senior triple major in mathematics, physics, and data science with a minor in Biophysics at Fisk University. I chose to attend an HBCU to inspire other minorities to not give up on your dreams of obtaining a college degree. I was diagnosed with autism at the age of two and my autism diagnosis presented barriers that I was able to overcome like being told that I would never have a normal life. Being neurodivergent to me means that I can inspire others to chase and achieve their aspirations in life. I plan on changing the world with my three degrees by starting a non-profit program that hosts science fairs in underserved communities. I had minimal interest in pursuing a STEM degree until my high school chemistry instructor took our class to a science fair and I was shown the benefits of science in my community and gained the confidence to obtain a STEM degree. My dream career is to work in motorsports as a mechanical engineer. Pursuing a mechanical engineering career will provide me with 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 in vehicles. 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 convince other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. After graduating from Fisk University, I will attend graduate school and receive a PHD in Physics. This scholarship opportunity will grant me the ability to attend grad school debt free. If I am selected for this scholarship, I will be able to show other autistic individuals that your dreams can come true if you work hard enough. My current graduate school plans are to attend Fisk University in Fall 2025 to pursue my PHD in Physics under the Fisk/Vanderbilt Bridge Program. My goal for attending graduate school is to prove to people that you can redeem yourself after failing. I lost my father in 2020, and I had a poor GPA. I had to reinvent myself to become better and now my passion is to pursue graduate education in honor of my dad Steve Warren.

Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I’m a senior triple major in mathematics, physics, and data science with a minor in Biophysics at Fisk University. I chose to attend an HBCU to inspire other minorities to not give up on your dreams of obtaining a college degree. I was diagnosed with autism at the age of two and my autism diagnosis presented barriers that I was able to overcome like being told that I would never have a normal life. Being neurodivergent to me means that I can inspire others to chase and achieve their aspirations in life. I plan on changing the world with my three degrees by starting a non-profit program that hosts science fairs in underserved communities. I had minimal interest in pursuing a STEM degree until my high school chemistry instructor took our class to a science fair and I was shown the benefits of science in my community and gained the confidence to obtain a STEM degree. My dream career is to work in motorsports as a mechanical engineer. Pursuing a mechanical engineering career will provide me with 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 in vehicles. 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 convince other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. After graduating from Fisk University, I will attend graduate school and receive a PHD in Physics. This scholarship opportunity will grant me the ability to attend grad school debt free. If I am selected for this scholarship, I will be able to show other autistic individuals that your dreams can come true if you work hard enough. My current graduate school plans are to attend Fisk University in Fall 2025 to pursue my PHD in Physics under the Fisk/Vanderbilt Bridge Program. My goal for attending graduate school is to prove to people that you can redeem yourself after failing. I lost my father in 2020, and I had a poor GPA. I had to reinvent myself to become better and now my passion is to pursue graduate education in honor of my dad Steve Warren.

Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I’m a senior triple major in mathematics, physics, and data science with a minor in Biophysics at Fisk University. I chose to attend an HBCU to inspire other minorities to not give up on your dreams of obtaining a college degree. I was diagnosed with autism at the age of two and my autism diagnosis presented barriers that I was able to overcome like being told that I would never have a normal life. Being neurodivergent to me means that I can inspire others to chase and achieve their aspirations in life. I plan on changing the world with my three degrees by starting a non-profit program that hosts science fairs in underserved communities. I had minimal interest in pursuing a STEM degree until my high school chemistry instructor took our class to a science fair and I was shown the benefits of science in my community and gained the confidence to obtain a STEM degree. My dream career is to work in motorsports as a mechanical engineer. Pursuing a mechanical engineering career will provide me with 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 in vehicles. 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 convince other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. After graduating from Fisk University, I will attend graduate school and receive a PHD in Physics. This scholarship opportunity will grant me the ability to attend grad school debt free. If I am selected for this scholarship, I will be able to show other autistic individuals that your dreams can come true if you work hard enough. My current graduate school plans are to attend Fisk University in Fall 2025 to pursue my PHD in Physics under the Fisk/Vanderbilt Bridge Program. My goal for attending graduate school is to prove to people that you can redeem yourself after failing. I lost my father in 2020, and I had a poor GPA. I had to reinvent myself to become better and now my passion is to pursue graduate education in honor of my dad Steve Warren.

Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I’m a senior triple major in mathematics, physics, and data science with a minor in Biophysics at Fisk University. I chose to attend an HBCU to inspire other minorities to not give up on your dreams of obtaining a college degree. I was diagnosed with autism at the age of two and my autism diagnosis presented barriers that I was able to overcome like being told that I would never have a normal life. Being neurodivergent to me means that I can inspire others to chase and achieve their aspirations in life. I plan on changing the world with my three degrees by starting a non-profit program that hosts science fairs in underserved communities. I had minimal interest in pursuing a STEM degree until my high school chemistry instructor took our class to a science fair and I was shown the benefits of science in my community and gained the confidence to obtain a STEM degree. My dream career is to work in motorsports as a mechanical engineer. Pursuing a mechanical engineering career will provide me with 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 in vehicles. 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 convince other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. After graduating from Fisk University, I will attend graduate school and receive a PHD in Physics. This scholarship opportunity will grant me the ability to attend grad school debt free. If I am selected for this scholarship, I will be able to show other autistic individuals that your dreams can come true if you work hard enough. My current graduate school plans are to attend Fisk University in Fall 2025 to pursue my PHD in Physics under the Fisk/Vanderbilt Bridge Program. My goal for attending graduate school is to prove to people that you can redeem yourself after failing. I lost my father in 2020, and I had a poor GPA. I had to reinvent myself to become better and now my passion is to pursue graduate education in honor of my dad Steve Warren.

Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I’m a senior triple major in mathematics, physics, and data science with a minor in Biophysics at Fisk University. I chose to attend an HBCU to inspire other minorities to not give up on your dreams of obtaining a college degree. I was diagnosed with autism at the age of two and my autism diagnosis presented barriers that I was able to overcome like being told that I would never have a normal life. Being neurodivergent to me means that I can inspire others to chase and achieve their aspirations in life. I plan on changing the world with my three degrees by starting a non-profit program that hosts science fairs in underserved communities. I had minimal interest in pursuing a STEM degree until my high school chemistry instructor took our class to a science fair and I was shown the benefits of science in my community and gained the confidence to obtain a STEM degree. My dream career is to work in motorsports as a mechanical engineer. Pursuing a mechanical engineering career will provide me with 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 in vehicles. 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 convince other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. After graduating from Fisk University, I will attend graduate school and receive a PHD in Physics. This scholarship opportunity will grant me the ability to attend grad school debt free. If I am selected for this scholarship, I will be able to show other autistic individuals that your dreams can come true if you work hard enough. My current graduate school plans are to attend Fisk University in Fall 2025 to pursue my PHD in Physics under the Fisk/Vanderbilt Bridge Program. My goal for attending graduate school is to prove to people that you can redeem yourself after failing. I lost my father in 2020, and I had a poor GPA. I had to reinvent myself to become better and now my passion is to pursue graduate education in honor of my dad Steve Warren.

Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I’m a senior triple major in mathematics, physics, and data science with a minor in Biophysics at Fisk University. I chose to attend an HBCU to inspire other minorities to not give up on your dreams of obtaining a college degree. My father passed away in 2020 due to Cancer and it negatively affected my mental health and ability to study in college. I had to drop out of college and seek therapy to cope with my father's death, and I also had to look after my mother who is disabled herself. It took me nearly two years to mentally recover and re-enter college. My father's last wish for me was to get a college education so that I can have a better life for myself. I was diagnosed with autism at the age of two and my autism diagnosis presented barriers that I was able to overcome like being told that I would never have a normal life. Being neurodivergent to me means that I can inspire others to chase and achieve their aspirations in life. I plan on changing the world with my three degrees by starting a non-profit program that hosts science fairs in underserved communities. I had minimal interest in pursuing a STEM degree until my high school chemistry instructor took our class to a science fair and I was shown the benefits of science in my community and gained the confidence to obtain a STEM degree. My dream career is to work in motorsports as a mechanical engineer. Pursuing a mechanical engineering career will provide me with 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 in vehicles. 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 convince other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. After graduating from Fisk University, I will attend graduate school and receive a PHD in Physics. This scholarship opportunity will grant me the ability to attend grad school debt free. If I am selected for this scholarship, I will be able to show other autistic individuals that your dreams can come true if you work hard enough. My current graduate school plans are to attend Fisk University in Fall 2025 to pursue my PHD in Physics under the Fisk/Vanderbilt Bridge Program. My goal for attending graduate school is to prove to people that you can redeem yourself after failing. I lost my father in 2020, and I had a poor GPA. I had to reinvent myself to become better and now my passion is to pursue graduate education in honor of my dad Steve Warren.

Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I’m a senior triple major in mathematics, physics, and data science with a minor in Biophysics at Fisk University. I chose to attend an HBCU to inspire other minorities to not give up on your dreams of obtaining a college degree. I was diagnosed with autism at the age of two and my autism diagnosis presented barriers that I was able to overcome like being told that I would never have a normal life. Being neurodivergent to me means that I can inspire others to chase and achieve their aspirations in life. I plan on changing the world with my three degrees by starting a non-profit program that hosts science fairs in underserved communities. I had minimal interest in pursuing a STEM degree until my high school chemistry instructor took our class to a science fair and I was shown the benefits of science in my community and gained the confidence to obtain a STEM degree. My dream career is to work in motorsports as a mechanical engineer. Pursuing a mechanical engineering career will provide me with 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 in vehicles. 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 convince other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. After graduating from Fisk University, I will attend graduate school and receive a PHD in Physics. This scholarship opportunity will grant me the ability to attend grad school debt free. If I am selected for this scholarship, I will be able to show other autistic individuals that your dreams can come true if you work hard enough. My current graduate school plans are to attend Fisk University in Fall 2025 to pursue my PHD in Physics under the Fisk/Vanderbilt Bridge Program. My goal for attending graduate school is to prove to people that you can redeem yourself after failing. I lost my father in 2020, and I had a poor GPA. I had to reinvent myself to become better and now my passion is to pursue graduate education in honor of my dad Steve Warren.

Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I’m a senior triple major in mathematics, physics, and data science with a minor in Biophysics at Fisk University. I chose to attend an HBCU to inspire other minorities to not give up on your dreams of obtaining a college degree. I was diagnosed with autism at the age of two and my autism diagnosis presented barriers that I was able to overcome like being told that I would never have a normal life. Being neurodivergent to me means that I can inspire others to chase and achieve their aspirations in life. I plan on changing the world with my three degrees by starting a non-profit program that hosts science fairs in underserved communities. I had minimal interest in pursuing a STEM degree until my high school chemistry instructor took our class to a science fair and I was shown the benefits of science in my community and gained the confidence to obtain a STEM degree. My dream career is to work in motorsports as a mechanical engineer. Pursuing a mechanical engineering career will provide me with 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 in vehicles. 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 convince other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. After graduating from Fisk University, I will attend graduate school and receive a PHD in Physics. This scholarship opportunity will grant me the ability to attend grad school debt free. If I am selected for this scholarship, I will be able to show other autistic individuals that your dreams can come true if you work hard enough. My current graduate school plans are to attend Fisk University in Fall 2025 to pursue my PHD in Physics under the Fisk/Vanderbilt Bridge Program. My goal for attending graduate school is to prove to people that you can redeem yourself after failing. I lost my father in 2020, and I had a poor GPA. I had to reinvent myself to become better and now my passion is to pursue graduate education in honor of my dad Steve Warren.

Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I’m a senior triple major in mathematics, physics, and data science with a minor in Biophysics at Fisk University. I chose to attend an HBCU to inspire other minorities to not give up on your dreams of obtaining a college degree. I was diagnosed with autism and ADHD at the age of two and my autism diagnosis presented barriers that I was able to overcome like being told that I would never have a normal life. Being neurodivergent to me means that I can inspire others to chase and achieve their aspirations in life. I plan on changing the world with my three degrees by starting a non-profit program that hosts science fairs in underserved communities. I had minimal interest in pursuing a STEM degree until my high school chemistry instructor took our class to a science fair and I was shown the benefits of science in my community and gained the confidence to obtain a STEM degree. My dream career is to work in motorsports as a mechanical engineer. Pursuing a mechanical engineering career will provide me with 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 in vehicles. 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 convince other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. After graduating from Fisk University, I will attend graduate school and receive a PHD in Physics. This scholarship opportunity will grant me the ability to attend grad school debt free. If I am selected for this scholarship, I will be able to show other autistic individuals that your dreams can come true if you work hard enough. My current graduate school plans are to attend Fisk University in Fall 2025 to pursue my PHD in Physics under the Fisk/Vanderbilt Bridge Program. My goal for attending graduate school is to prove to people that you can redeem yourself after failing. I lost my father in 2020, and I had a poor GPA. I had to reinvent myself to become better and now my passion is to pursue graduate education in honor of my dad Steve Warren.

Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I’m a senior triple major in mathematics, physics, and data science with a minor in Biophysics at Fisk University. I chose to attend an HBCU to inspire other minorities to not give up on your dreams of obtaining a college degree. I was diagnosed with autism at the age of two and my autism diagnosis presented barriers that I was able to overcome like being told that I would never have a normal life. Being neurodivergent to me means that I can inspire others to chase and achieve their aspirations in life. I plan on changing the world with my three degrees by starting a non-profit program that hosts science fairs in underserved communities. I had minimal interest in pursuing a STEM degree until my high school chemistry instructor took our class to a science fair and I was shown the benefits of science in my community and gained the confidence to obtain a STEM degree. My dream career is to work in motorsports as a mechanical engineer. Pursuing a mechanical engineering career will provide me with 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 in vehicles. 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 convince other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. After graduating from Fisk University, I will attend graduate school and receive a PHD in Physics. This scholarship opportunity will grant me the ability to attend grad school debt free. If I am selected for this scholarship, I will be able to show other autistic individuals that your dreams can come true if you work hard enough. My current graduate school plans are to attend Fisk University in Fall 2025 to pursue my PHD in Physics under the Fisk/Vanderbilt Bridge Program. My goal for attending graduate school is to prove to people that you can redeem yourself after failing. I lost my father in 2020, and I had a poor GPA. I had to reinvent myself to become better and now my passion is to pursue graduate education in honor of my dad Steve Warren.

Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I’m a senior triple major in mathematics, physics, and data science with a minor in Biophysics at Fisk University. I chose to attend an HBCU to inspire other minorities to not give up on your dreams of obtaining a college degree. I was diagnosed with autism at the age of two and my autism diagnosis presented barriers that I was able to overcome like being told that I would never have a normal life. Being neurodivergent to me means that I can inspire others to chase and achieve their aspirations in life. My mother is a huge inspiration on my life because she always taught me to respect and honor my father. My mom and dad co-parented me in separate households. I'm very thankful for this unique dynamic of having both parents in my life even thought I spent the most time with my mom. Without there guidance, I wouldn't be a successful student. Both parents stressed to me that pursuing an education is important for future career opportunities. My father passed away in 2020 and I will honor his legacy by becoming a college graduate and pursue a career in mechanical engineering. I plan on changing the world with my three degrees by starting a non-profit program that hosts science fairs in underserved communities. I had minimal interest in pursuing a STEM degree until my high school chemistry instructor took our class to a science fair and I was shown the benefits of science in my community and gained the confidence to obtain a STEM degree. My dream career is to work in motorsports as a mechanical engineer. Pursuing a mechanical engineering career will provide me with 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 in vehicles. 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 convince other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. After graduating from Fisk University, I will attend graduate school and receive a PHD in Physics. This scholarship opportunity will grant me the ability to attend grad school debt free. If I am selected for this scholarship, I will be able to show other autistic individuals that your dreams can come true if you work hard enough. My current graduate school plans are to attend Fisk University in Fall 2025 to pursue my PHD in Physics under the Fisk/Vanderbilt Bridge Program. My goal for attending graduate school is to prove to people that you can redeem yourself after failing. I lost my father in 2020, and I had a poor GPA. I had to reinvent myself to become better and now my passion is to pursue graduate education in honor of my dad Steve Warren.

Hello, my name is Michel Warren, and I believe that giving back to your community by charity is important when creating the change that you want to see. I’m a senior triple major in mathematics, physics, and data science with a minor in Biophysics at Fisk University. I chose to attend an HBCU to inspire other minorities to not give up on your dreams of obtaining a college degree. I was diagnosed with autism at the age of two and my autism diagnosis presented barriers that I was able to overcome like being told that I would never have a normal life. Being neurodivergent to me means that I can inspire others to chase and achieve their aspirations in life. I plan on changing the world with my three degrees by starting a non-profit program that hosts science fairs in underserved communities. I had minimal interest in pursuing a STEM degree until my high school chemistry instructor took our class to a science fair and I was shown the benefits of science in my community and gained the confidence to obtain a STEM degree. My dream career is to work in motorsports as a mechanical engineer. Pursuing a mechanical engineering career will provide me with 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 in vehicles.

Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I’m a senior triple major in mathematics, physics, and data science with a minor in Biophysics at Fisk University. I chose to attend an HBCU to inspire other minorities to not give up on your dreams of obtaining a college degree. I was diagnosed with autism at the age of two and my autism diagnosis presented barriers that I was able to overcome like being told that I would never have a normal life. Being neurodivergent to me means that I can inspire others to chase and achieve their aspirations in life. I plan on changing the world with my three degrees by starting a non-profit program that hosts science fairs in underserved communities. I had minimal interest in pursuing a STEM degree until my high school chemistry instructor took our class to a science fair and I was shown the benefits of science in my community and gained the confidence to obtain a STEM degree. After graduating from Fisk University, I will attend graduate school and receive a PHD in Physics. This scholarship opportunity will grant me the ability to attend grad school debt free. If I am selected for this scholarship, I will be able to show other autistic individuals that your dreams can come true if you work hard enough. My current graduate school plans are to attend Fisk University in Fall 2025 to pursue my PHD in Physics under the Fisk/Vanderbilt Bridge Program. My goal for attending graduate school is to prove to people that you can redeem yourself after failing. I lost my father in 2020, and I had a poor GPA. I had to reinvent myself to become better and now my passion is to pursue graduate education in honor of my dad Steve Warren.

Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I’m a senior triple major in mathematics, physics, and data science with a minor in Biophysics at Fisk University. I chose to attend an HBCU to inspire other minorities to not give up on your dreams of obtaining a college degree. I was diagnosed with autism at the age of two and my autism diagnosis presented barriers that I was able to overcome like being told that I would never have a normal life. Being neurodivergent to me means that I can inspire others to chase and achieve their aspirations in life. I plan on changing the world with my three degrees by starting a non-profit program that hosts science fairs in underserved communities. I had minimal interest in pursuing a STEM degree until my high school chemistry instructor took our class to a science fair and I was shown the benefits of science in my community and gained the confidence to obtain a STEM degree. My dream career is to work in motorsports as a mechanical engineer. Pursuing a mechanical engineering career will provide me with 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 in vehicles. 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 convince other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. After graduating from Fisk University, I will attend graduate school and receive a PHD in Physics. This scholarship opportunity will grant me the ability to attend grad school debt free. If I am selected for this scholarship, I will be able to show other autistic individuals that your dreams can come true if you work hard enough. My current graduate school plans are to attend Fisk University in Fall 2025 to pursue my PHD in Physics under the Fisk/Vanderbilt Bridge Program. My goal for attending graduate school is to prove to people that you can redeem yourself after failing. I lost my father in 2020, and I had a poor GPA. I had to reinvent myself to become better and now my passion is to pursue graduate education in honor of my dad Steve Warren.

Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I’m a senior triple major in mathematics, physics, and data science with a minor in Biophysics at Fisk University. I chose to attend an HBCU to inspire other minorities to not give up on your dreams of obtaining a college degree. I was diagnosed with autism at the age of two and my autism diagnosis presented barriers that I was able to overcome like being told that I would never have a normal life. Being neurodivergent to me means that I can inspire others to chase and achieve their aspirations in life. I plan on changing the world with my three degrees by starting a non-profit program that hosts science fairs in underserved communities. I had minimal interest in pursuing a STEM degree until my high school chemistry instructor took our class to a science fair and I was shown the benefits of science in my community and gained the confidence to obtain a STEM degree. My dream career is to work in motorsports as a mechanical engineer. Pursuing a mechanical engineering career will provide me with 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 in vehicles. 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 convince other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. After graduating from Fisk University, I will attend graduate school and receive a PHD in Physics. This scholarship opportunity will grant me the ability to attend grad school debt free. If I am selected for this scholarship, I will be able to show other autistic individuals that your dreams can come true if you work hard enough. My current graduate school plans are to attend Fisk University in Fall 2025 to pursue my PHD in Physics under the Fisk/Vanderbilt Bridge Program. My goal for attending graduate school is to prove to people that you can redeem yourself after failing. I lost my father in 2020, and I had a poor GPA. I had to reinvent myself to become better and now my passion is to pursue graduate education in honor of my dad Steve Warren.

1. Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I’m a senior triple major in mathematics, physics, and data science with a minor in Biophysics at Fisk University. I chose to attend an HBCU to inspire other minorities to not give up on your dreams of obtaining a college degree. I was diagnosed with autism at the age of two and my autism diagnosis presented barriers that I was able to overcome like being told that I would never have a normal life. Being neurodivergent to me means that I can inspire others to chase and achieve their aspirations in life. I plan on changing the world with my three degrees by starting a non-profit program that hosts science fairs in underserved communities. I had minimal interest in pursuing a STEM degree until my high school chemistry instructor took our class to a science fair and I was shown the benefits of science in my community and gained the confidence to obtain a STEM degree. My dream career is to work in motorsports as a mechanical engineer. Pursuing a mechanical engineering career will provide me with 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 in vehicles. 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 convince other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. After graduating from Fisk University, I will attend graduate school and receive a PHD in Physics. This scholarship opportunity will grant me the ability to attend grad school debt free. If I am selected for this scholarship, I will be able to show other autistic individuals that your dreams can come true if you work hard enough. My current graduate school plans are to attend Fisk University in Fall 2025 to pursue my PHD in Physics under the Fisk/Vanderbilt Bridge Program. My goal for attending graduate school is to prove to people that you can redeem yourself after failing. I lost my father in 2020, and I had a poor GPA. I had to reinvent myself to become better and now my passion is to pursue graduate education in honor of my dad Steve Warren.

1. Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I’m a senior triple major in mathematics, physics, and data science with a minor in Biophysics at Fisk University. I chose to attend an HBCU to inspire other minorities to not give up on your dreams of obtaining a college degree. I was diagnosed with autism at the age of two and my autism diagnosis presented barriers that I was able to overcome like being told that I would never have a normal life. Being neurodivergent to me means that I can inspire others to chase and achieve their aspirations in life. I plan on changing the world with my three degrees by starting a non-profit program that hosts science fairs in underserved communities. I had minimal interest in pursuing a STEM degree until my high school chemistry instructor took our class to a science fair and I was shown the benefits of science in my community and gained the confidence to obtain a STEM degree. My dream career is to work in motorsports as a mechanical engineer. Pursuing a mechanical engineering career will provide me with 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 in vehicles. 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 convince other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. After graduating from Fisk University, I will attend graduate school and receive a PHD in Physics. This scholarship opportunity will grant me the ability to attend grad school debt free. If I am selected for this scholarship, I will be able to show other autistic individuals that your dreams can come true if you work hard enough. My current graduate school plans are to attend Fisk University in Fall 2025 to pursue my PHD in Physics under the Fisk/Vanderbilt Bridge Program. My goal for attending graduate school is to prove to people that you can redeem yourself after failing. I lost my father in 2020, and I had a poor GPA. I had to reinvent myself to become better and now my passion is to pursue graduate education in honor of my dad Steve Warren.

1. Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I’m a senior triple major in mathematics, physics, and data science with a minor in Biophysics at Fisk University. I chose to attend an HBCU to inspire other minorities to not give up on your dreams of obtaining a college degree. I was diagnosed with autism at the age of two and my autism diagnosis presented barriers that I was able to overcome like being told that I would never have a normal life. Being neurodivergent to me means that I can inspire others to chase and achieve their aspirations in life. I plan on changing the world with my three degrees by starting a non-profit program that hosts science fairs in underserved communities. I had minimal interest in pursuing a STEM degree until my high school chemistry instructor took our class to a science fair and I was shown the benefits of science in my community and gained the confidence to obtain a STEM degree. My dream career is to work in motorsports as a mechanical engineer. Pursuing a mechanical engineering career will provide me with 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 in vehicles. 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 convince other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. After graduating from Fisk University, I will attend graduate school and receive a PHD in Physics. This scholarship opportunity will grant me the ability to attend grad school debt free. If I am selected for this scholarship, I will be able to show other autistic individuals that your dreams can come true if you work hard enough. My current graduate school plans are to attend Fisk University in Fall 2025 to pursue my PHD in Physics under the Fisk/Vanderbilt Bridge Program. My goal for attending graduate school is to prove to people that you can redeem yourself after failing. I lost my father in 2020, and I had a poor GPA. I had to reinvent myself to become better and now my passion is to pursue graduate education in honor of my dad Steve Warren.

1. Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I’m a senior triple major in mathematics, physics, and data science with a minor in Biophysics at Fisk University. I chose to attend an HBCU to inspire other minorities to not give up on your dreams of obtaining a college degree. I was diagnosed with autism at the age of two and my autism diagnosis presented barriers that I was able to overcome like being told that I would never have a normal life. Being neurodivergent to me means that I can inspire others to chase and achieve their aspirations in life. I plan on changing the world with my three degrees by starting a non-profit program that hosts science fairs in underserved communities. I had minimal interest in pursuing a STEM degree until my high school chemistry instructor took our class to a science fair and I was shown the benefits of science in my community and gained the confidence to obtain a STEM degree. My dream career is to work in motorsports as a mechanical engineer. Pursuing a mechanical engineering career will provide me with 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 in vehicles. 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 convince other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. After graduating from Fisk University, I will attend graduate school and receive a PHD in Physics. This scholarship opportunity will grant me the ability to attend grad school debt free. If I am selected for this scholarship, I will be able to show other autistic individuals that your dreams can come true if you work hard enough. My current graduate school plans are to attend Fisk University in Fall 2025 to pursue my PHD in Physics under the Fisk/Vanderbilt Bridge Program. My goal for attending graduate school is to prove to people that you can redeem yourself after failing. I lost my father in 2020, and I had a poor GPA. I had to reinvent myself to become better and now my passion is to pursue graduate education in honor of my dad Steve Warren.

1. Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I’m a senior triple major in mathematics, physics, and data science with a minor in Biophysics at Fisk University. I chose to attend an HBCU to inspire other minorities to not give up on your dreams of obtaining a college degree. I was diagnosed with autism at the age of two and my autism diagnosis presented barriers that I was able to overcome like being told that I would never have a normal life. Being neurodivergent to me means that I can inspire others to chase and achieve their aspirations in life. I plan on changing the world with my three degrees by starting a non-profit that hosts science fairs in underserved communities. I had minimal interest in pursuing a STEM degree until my high school chemistry instructor took our class to a science fair and I was shown the benefits of science in my community and gained the confidence to obtain a STEM degree. My dream career is to work in motorsports as a mechanical engineer. Pursuing a mechanical engineering career will provide me with 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 in vehicles. 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 convince other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. After graduating from Fisk University, I will attend graduate school and receive a PHD in Physics. This scholarship opportunity will grant me the ability to attend grad school debt free. If I am selected for this scholarship, I will be able to show other autistic individuals that your dreams can come true if you work hard enough. My current graduate school plans are to attend Fisk University in Fall 2025 to pursue my PHD in Physics under the Fisk/Vanderbilt Bridge Program. My goal for attending graduate school is to prove to people that you can redeem yourself after failing. I lost my father in 2020, and I had a poor GPA. I had to reinvent myself to become better and now my passion is to pursue graduate education in honor of my dad Steve Warren.

1. Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I’m a senior triple major in mathematics, physics, and data science with a minor in Biophysics at Fisk University. I chose to attend an HBCU to inspire other minorities to not give up on your dreams of obtaining a college degree. I was diagnosed with autism at the age of two and my autism diagnosis presented barriers that I was able to overcome like being told that I would never have a normal life. Being neurodivergent to me means that I can inspire others to chase and achieve their aspirations in life. I plan on changing the world with my three degrees by starting a non-profit that hosts science fairs in underserved communities. I had minimal interest in pursuing a STEM degree until my high school chemistry instructor took our class to a science fair and I was shown the benefits of science in my community and gained the confidence to obtain a STEM degree. My dream career is to work in motorsports as a mechanical engineer. Pursuing a mechanical engineering career will provide me with 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 in vehicles. 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 convince other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. After graduating from Fisk University, I will attend graduate school and receive a PHD in Physics. This scholarship opportunity will grant me the ability to attend grad school debt free. If I am selected for this scholarship, I will be able to show other autistic individuals that your dreams can come true if you work hard enough. My hands-on engineering experience from working with Fisk University's Aerospace Technology Team. I was a data analyst where I helped to build rockets and track the launching data. The ultimate goal of the aerospace team is to launch a rocket into outer space. The experience wasn't part of a co-op engineering program. My current graduate school plans are to attend Fisk University in Fall 2025 to pursue my PHD in Physics under the Fisk/Vanderbilt Bridge Program. My goal for attending graduate school is to prove to people that you can redeem yourself after failing. I lost my father in 2020, and I had a poor GPA. I had to reinvent myself to become better and now my passion is to pursue graduate education in honor of my dad Steve Warren.

1. Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I’m a senior triple major in mathematics, physics, and data science with a minor in Biophysics at Fisk University. I chose to attend an HBCU to inspire other minorities to not give up on your dreams of obtaining a college degree. I was diagnosed with autism at the age of two and my autism diagnosis presented barriers that I was able to overcome like being told that I would never have a normal life. Being neurodivergent to me means that I can inspire others to chase and achieve their aspirations in life. I plan on changing the world with my three degrees by starting a non-profit that hosts science fairs in underserved communities. I had minimal interest in pursuing a STEM degree until my high school chemistry instructor took our class to a science fair and I was shown the benefits of science in my community and gained the confidence to obtain a STEM degree. My dream career is to work in motorsports as a mechanical engineer. Pursuing a mechanical engineering career will provide me with 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 in vehicles. 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 convince other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. After graduating from Fisk University, I will attend graduate school and receive a PHD in Physics. This scholarship opportunity will grant me the ability to attend grad school debt free. If I am selected for this scholarship, I will be able to show other autistic individuals that your dreams can come true if you work hard enough. My current graduate school plans are to attend Fisk University in Fall 2025 to pursue my PHD in Physics under the Fisk/Vanderbilt Bridge Program. My goal for attending graduate school is to prove to people that you can redeem yourself after failing. I lost my father in 2020, and I had a poor GPA. I had to reinvent myself to become better and now my passion is to pursue graduate education in honor of my dad Steve Warren.

1. Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I’m a senior triple major in mathematics, physics, and data science with a minor in Biophysics at Fisk University. I chose to attend an HBCU to inspire other minorities to not give up on your dreams of obtaining a college degree. I was diagnosed with autism at the age of two and my autism diagnosis presented barriers that I was able to overcome like being told that I would never have a normal life. Being neurodivergent to me means that I can inspire others to chase and achieve their aspirations in life. I plan on changing the world with my three degrees by starting a non-profit that hosts science fairs in underserved communities. I had minimal interest in pursuing a STEM degree until my high school chemistry instructor took our class to a science fair and I was shown the benefits of science in my community and gained the confidence to obtain a STEM degree. My dream career is to work in motorsports as a mechanical engineer. Pursuing a mechanical engineering career will provide me with 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 in vehicles. 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 convince other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. After graduating from Fisk University, I will attend graduate school and receive a PHD in Physics. This scholarship opportunity will grant me the ability to attend grad school debt free. If I am selected for this scholarship, I will be able to show other autistic individuals that your dreams can come true if you work hard enough. My current graduate school plans are to attend Fisk University in Fall 2025 to pursue my PHD in Physics under the Fisk/Vanderbilt Bridge Program. My goal for attending graduate school is to prove to people that you can redeem yourself after failing. I lost my father in 2020, and I had a poor GPA. I had to reinvent myself to become better and now my passion is to pursue graduate education in honor of my dad Steve Warren.

1. Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I’m a senior triple major in mathematics, physics, and data science with a minor in Biophysics at Fisk University. I chose to attend an HBCU to inspire other minorities to not give up on your dreams of obtaining a college degree. I was diagnosed with autism at the age of two and my autism diagnosis presented barriers that I was able to overcome like being told that I would never have a normal life. Being neurodivergent to me means that I can inspire others to chase and achieve their aspirations in life. I plan on changing the world with my three degrees by starting a non-profit that hosts science fairs in underserved communities. I had minimal interest in pursuing a STEM degree until my high school chemistry instructor took our class to a science fair and I was shown the benefits of science in my community and gained the confidence to obtain a STEM degree. My dream career is to work in motorsports as a mechanical engineer. Pursuing a mechanical engineering career will provide me with 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 in vehicles. 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 convince other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. After graduating from Fisk University, I will attend graduate school and receive a PHD in Physics. This scholarship opportunity will grant me the ability to attend grad school debt free. If I am selected for this scholarship, I will be able to show other autistic individuals that your dreams can come true if you work hard enough. My current graduate school plans are to attend Fisk University in Fall 2025 to pursue my PHD in Physics under the Fisk/Vanderbilt Bridge Program. My goal for attending graduate school is to prove to people that you can redeem yourself after failing. I lost my father in 2020, and I had a poor GPA. I had to reinvent myself to become better and now my passion is to pursue graduate education in honor of my dad Steve Warren.

Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I’m a senior triple major in mathematics, physics, and data science with a minor in Biophysics at Fisk University. I chose to attend an HBCU to inspire other minorities to not give up on your dreams of obtaining a college degree. I was diagnosed with autism at the age of two and my autism diagnosis presented barriers that I was able to overcome like being told that I would never have a normal life. Being neurodivergent to me means that I can inspire others to chase and achieve their aspirations in life. I plan on changing the world with my three degrees by starting a non-profit that hosts science fairs in underserved communities. I had minimal interest in pursuing a STEM degree until my high school chemistry instructor took our class to a science fair and I was shown the benefits of science in my community and gained the confidence to obtain a STEM degree. My dream career is to work in motorsports as a mechanical engineer. Pursuing a mechanical engineering career will provide me with 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 in vehicles. 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 convince other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. After graduating from Fisk University, I will attend graduate school and receive a PHD in Physics. This scholarship opportunity will grant me the ability to attend grad school debt free. If I am selected for this scholarship, I will be able to show other autistic individuals that your dreams can come true if you work hard enough. My current graduate school plans are to attend Fisk University in Fall 2025 to pursue my PHD in Physics under the Fisk/Vanderbilt Bridge Program. My goal for attending graduate school is to prove to people that you can redeem yourself after failing. I lost my father in 2020, and I had a poor GPA. I had to reinvent myself to become better and now my passion is to pursue graduate education in honor of my dad Steve Warren.

1. Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I’m a senior triple major in mathematics, physics, and data science with a minor in Biophysics at Fisk University. I chose to attend an HBCU to inspire other minorities to not give up on your dreams of obtaining a college degree. I was diagnosed with autism at the age of two and my autism diagnosis presented barriers that I was able to overcome like being told that I would never have a normal life. Being neurodivergent to me means that I can inspire others to chase and achieve their aspirations in life. I plan on changing the world with my three degrees by starting a non-profit that hosts science fairs in underserved communities. I had minimal interest in pursuing a STEM degree until my high school chemistry instructor took our class to a science fair and I was shown the benefits of science in my community and gained the confidence to obtain a STEM degree. My dream career is to work in motorsports as a mechanical engineer. Pursuing a mechanical engineering career will provide me with 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 in vehicles. 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 convince other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. After graduating from Fisk University, I will attend graduate school and receive a PHD in Physics. This scholarship opportunity will grant me the ability to attend grad school debt free. If I am selected for this scholarship, I will be able to show other autistic individuals that your dreams can come true if you work hard enough. My current graduate school plans are to attend Fisk University in Fall 2025 to pursue my PHD in Physics under the Fisk/Vanderbilt Bridge Program. My goal for attending graduate school is to prove to people that you can redeem yourself after failing. I lost my father in 2020, and I had a poor GPA. I had to reinvent myself to become better and now my passion is to pursue graduate education in honor of my dad Steve Warren.

1. Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I’m a senior triple major in mathematics, physics, and data science with a minor in Biophysics at Fisk University. I chose to attend an HBCU to inspire other minorities to not give up on your dreams of obtaining a college degree. I was diagnosed with autism at the age of two and my autism diagnosis presented barriers that I was able to overcome like being told that I would never have a normal life. Being neurodivergent to me means that I can inspire others to chase and achieve their aspirations in life. I plan on changing the world with my three degrees by starting a non-profit that hosts science fairs in underserved communities. I had minimal interest in pursuing a STEM degree until my high school chemistry instructor took our class to a science fair and I was shown the benefits of science in my community and gained the confidence to obtain a STEM degree. My dream career is to work in motorsports as a mechanical engineer. Pursuing a mechanical engineering career will provide me with 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 in vehicles. 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 convince other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. After graduating from Fisk University, I will attend graduate school and receive a PHD in Physics. This scholarship opportunity will grant me the ability to attend grad school debt free. If I am selected for this scholarship, I will be able to show other autistic individuals that your dreams can come true if you work hard enough. My current graduate school plans are to attend Fisk University in Fall 2025 to pursue my PHD in Physics under the Fisk/Vanderbilt Bridge Program. My goal for attending graduate school is to prove to people that you can redeem yourself after failing. I lost my father in 2020, and I had a poor GPA. I had to reinvent myself to become better and now my passion is to pursue graduate education in honor of my dad Steve Warren.

1. Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I’m a senior triple major in mathematics, physics, and data science with a minor in Biophysics at Fisk University. I chose to attend an HBCU to inspire other minorities to not give up on your dreams of obtaining a college degree. I was diagnosed with autism at the age of two and my autism diagnosis presented barriers that I was able to overcome like being told that I would never have a normal life. Being neurodivergent to me means that I can inspire others to chase and achieve their aspirations in life. I plan on changing the world with my three degrees by starting a non-profit that hosts science fairs in underserved communities. I had minimal interest in pursuing a STEM degree until my high school chemistry instructor took our class to a science fair and I was shown the benefits of science in my community and gained the confidence to obtain a STEM degree. My dream career is to work in motorsports as a mechanical engineer. Pursuing a mechanical engineering career will provide me with 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 in vehicles. 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 convince other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. After graduating from Fisk University, I will attend graduate school and receive a PHD in Physics. This scholarship opportunity will grant me the ability to attend grad school debt free. If I am selected for this scholarship, I will be able to show other autistic individuals that your dreams can come true if you work hard enough. My current graduate school plans are to attend Fisk University in Fall 2025 to pursue my PHD in Physics under the Fisk/Vanderbilt Bridge Program. My goal for attending graduate school is to prove to people that you can redeem yourself after failing. I lost my father in 2020, and I had a poor GPA. I had to reinvent myself to become better and now my passion is to pursue graduate education in honor of my dad Steve Warren.

1. Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I’m a senior triple major in mathematics, physics, and data science with a minor in Biophysics at Fisk University. I chose to attend an HBCU to inspire other minorities to not give up on your dreams of obtaining a college degree. I was diagnosed with autism at the age of two and my autism diagnosis presented barriers that I was able to overcome like being told that I would never have a normal life. Being neurodivergent to me means that I can inspire others to chase and achieve their aspirations in life. I plan on changing the world with my three degrees by starting a non-profit that hosts science fairs in underserved communities. I had minimal interest in pursuing a STEM degree until my high school chemistry instructor took our class to a science fair and I was shown the benefits of science in my community and gained the confidence to obtain a STEM degree. My dream career is to work in motorsports as a mechanical engineer. Pursuing a mechanical engineering career will provide me with 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 in vehicles. 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 convince other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. After graduating from Fisk University, I will attend graduate school and receive a PHD in Physics. This scholarship opportunity will grant me the ability to attend grad school debt free. If I am selected for this scholarship, I will be able to show other autistic individuals that your dreams can come true if you work hard enough. My current graduate school plans are to attend Fisk University in Fall 2025 to pursue my PHD in Physics under the Fisk/Vanderbilt Bridge Program. My goal for attending graduate school is to prove to people that you can redeem yourself after failing. I lost my father in 2020, and I had a poor GPA. I had to reinvent myself to become better and now my passion is to pursue graduate education in honor of my dad Steve Warren.

1. Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I’m a senior triple major in mathematics, physics, and data science with a minor in Biophysics at Fisk University. I chose to attend an HBCU to inspire other minorities to not give up on your dreams of obtaining a college degree. I was diagnosed with autism at the age of two and my autism diagnosis presented barriers that I was able to overcome like being told that I would never have a normal life. Being neurodivergent to me means that I can inspire others to chase and achieve their aspirations in life. I plan on changing the world with my three degrees by starting a non-profit that hosts science fairs in underserved communities. I had minimal interest in pursuing a STEM degree until my high school chemistry instructor took our class to a science fair and I was shown the benefits of science in my community and gained the confidence to obtain a STEM degree. My dream career is to work in motorsports as a mechanical engineer. Pursuing a mechanical engineering career will provide me with 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 in vehicles. 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 convince other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. After graduating from Fisk University, I will attend graduate school and receive a PHD in Physics. This scholarship opportunity will grant me the ability to attend grad school debt free. If I am selected for this scholarship, I will be able to show other autistic individuals that your dreams can come true if you work hard enough. My current graduate school plans are to attend Fisk University in Fall 2025 to pursue my PHD in Physics under the Fisk/Vanderbilt Bridge Program. My goal for attending graduate school is to prove to people that you can redeem yourself after failing. I lost my father in 2020, and I had a poor GPA. I had to reinvent myself to become better and now my passion is to pursue graduate education in honor of my dad Steve Warren.

1. Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I’m a senior triple major in mathematics, physics, and data science with a minor in Biophysics at Fisk University. I chose to attend an HBCU to inspire other minorities to not give up on your dreams of obtaining a college degree. I was diagnosed with autism at the age of two and my autism diagnosis presented barriers that I was able to overcome like being told that I would never have a normal life. Being neurodivergent to me means that I can inspire others to chase and achieve their aspirations in life. I plan on changing the world with my three degrees by starting a non-profit that hosts science fairs in underserved communities. I had minimal interest in pursuing a STEM degree until my high school chemistry instructor took our class to a science fair and I was shown the benefits of science in my community and gained the confidence to obtain a STEM degree. My dream career is to work in motorsports as a mechanical engineer. Pursuing a mechanical engineering career will provide me with 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 in vehicles. 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 convince other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. After graduating from Fisk University, I will attend graduate school and receive a PHD in Physics. This scholarship opportunity will grant me the ability to attend grad school debt free. If I am selected for this scholarship, I will be able to show other autistic individuals that your dreams can come true if you work hard enough. My current graduate school plans are to attend Fisk University in Fall 2025 to pursue my PHD in Physics under the Fisk/Vanderbilt Bridge Program. My goal for attending graduate school is to prove to people that you can redeem yourself after failing. I lost my father in 2020, and I had a poor GPA. I had to reinvent myself to become better and now my passion is to pursue graduate education in honor of my dad Steve Warren.

1. Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I’m a senior triple major in mathematics, physics, and data science with a minor in Biophysics at Fisk University. I chose to attend an HBCU to inspire other minorities to not give up on your dreams of obtaining a college degree. I was diagnosed with autism at the age of two and my autism diagnosis presented barriers that I was able to overcome like being told that I would never have a normal life. Being neurodivergent to me means that I can inspire others to chase and achieve their aspirations in life. I plan on changing the world with my three degrees by starting a non-profit that hosts science fairs in underserved communities. I had minimal interest in pursuing a STEM degree until my high school chemistry instructor took our class to a science fair and I was shown the benefits of science in my community and gained the confidence to obtain a STEM degree. My dream career is to work in motorsports as a mechanical engineer. Pursuing a mechanical engineering career will provide me with 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 in vehicles. 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 convince other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. After graduating from Fisk University, I will attend graduate school and receive a PHD in Physics. This scholarship opportunity will grant me the ability to attend grad school debt free. If I am selected for this scholarship, I will be able to show other autistic individuals that your dreams can come true if you work hard enough. My current graduate school plans are to attend Fisk University in Fall 2025 to pursue my PHD in Physics under the Fisk/Vanderbilt Bridge Program. My goal for attending graduate school is to prove to people that you can redeem yourself after failing. I lost my father in 2020, and I had a poor GPA. I had to reinvent myself to become better and now my passion is to pursue graduate education in honor of my dad Steve Warren.

1. Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I’m a senior triple major in mathematics, physics, and data science with a minor in Biophysics at Fisk University. I chose to attend an HBCU to inspire other minorities to not give up on your dreams of obtaining a college degree. I was diagnosed with autism at the age of two and my autism diagnosis presented barriers that I was able to overcome like being told that I would never have a normal life. Being neurodivergent to me means that I can inspire others to chase and achieve their aspirations in life. I plan on changing the world with my three degrees by starting a non-profit that hosts science fairs in underserved communities. I had minimal interest in pursuing a STEM degree until my high school chemistry instructor took our class to a science fair and I was shown the benefits of science in my community and gained the confidence to obtain a STEM degree. My dream career is to work in motorsports as a mechanical engineer. Pursuing a mechanical engineering career will provide me with 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 in vehicles. 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 convince other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. After graduating from Fisk University, I will attend graduate school and receive a PHD in Physics. This scholarship opportunity will grant me the ability to attend grad school debt free. If I am selected for this scholarship, I will be able to show other autistic individuals that your dreams can come true if you work hard enough. My current graduate school plans are to attend Fisk University in Fall 2025 to pursue my PHD in Physics under the Fisk/Vanderbilt Bridge Program. My goal for attending graduate school is to prove to people that you can redeem yourself after failing. I lost my father in 2020, and I had a poor GPA. I had to reinvent myself to become better and now my passion is to pursue graduate education in honor of my dad Steve Warren.

Hello, my name is Michel Warren and I’m a senior triple major in mathematics, physics, and data science with a minor in Biophysics at Fisk University. I chose to attend an HBCU to inspire other minorities to not give up on your dreams of obtaining a college degree. I was diagnosed with autism at the age of two and my autism diagnosis presented barriers that I was able to overcome like being told that I would never have a normal life. Being neurodivergent to me means that I can inspire others to chase and achieve their aspirations in life. I plan on changing the world with my three degrees by starting a non-profit that hosts science fairs in underserved communities. I had minimal interest in pursuing a STEM degree until my high school chemistry instructor took our class to a science fair and I was shown the benefits of science in my community and gained the confidence to obtain a STEM degree. My dream career is to work in motorsports as a mechanical engineer. Pursuing a mechanical engineering career will provide me with 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 in vehicles. 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 convince other African Americans like me to obtain a college degree. After graduating from Fisk University, I will attend graduate school and receive a PHD in Physics. This scholarship opportunity will grant me the ability to attend grad school debt free. If I am selected for this scholarship, I will be able to show other autistic individuals that your dreams can come true if you work hard enough. 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 triple major in Mathematics, Physics, and Data Science During my three semesters at Fisk, I have met plenty of positive people that want to see minorities like me succeed and thrive. I currently have a 3.477 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. My current graduate school plans are to attend Fisk University in Fall 2025 to pursue my PHD in Physics under the Fisk/Vanderbilt Bridge Program. My goal for attending graduate school is to prove to people that you can redeem yourself after failing. I lost my father in 2020, and I had a poor GPA. I had to reinvent myself to become better and now my passion is to pursue graduate education in honor of my dad Steve Warren.

Hello, my name is Michel Warren, I’m from Nashville, TN and I am currently attending Fisk University as a senior triple major in Mathematics, Physics, and Data Science. 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 an interest in 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. 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 triple major in Mathematics, Physics, and Data Science During my three semesters at Fisk, I have met plenty of positive people that want to see minorities like me succeed and thrive. I currently have a 3.477 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. The lessons learned from my educational experience will grant me the ability to conduct science fairs in underserved communities. 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 currently attend Fisk University as a triple major in Mathematics, Physics, and Data Science. 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. 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 triple major in Mathematics, Physics, and Data Science During my three semesters at Fisk, I have met plenty of positive people that want to see minorities like me succeed and thrive. I currently have a 3.477 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. 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 currently attend Fisk University as a triple major in Mathematics, Physics, and Data Science. 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. 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. My dream career is to be a mechanical engineer for a motorsports company. I grew up watching NASCAR since the age of two and I had a dream to work in motorsports. My dream is personal because watching motorsports allowed for me to handle my autism diagnosis. I was diagnosed with Autism at two years old and watching cars race around held my attention and I had more focus. As an adult, I've been searching and preparing myself for a motorsports career and I will graduate from Fisk University with a triple major in math, physics, and data science in May 2025. If I'm selected for this scholarship, it will help me pursue my dream of completing college debt free.

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. 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’m currently a senior math and physics major at Fisk University. I will pursue my doctoral degree in physics after undergraduate through the Masters to PhD bridge program between Fisk University and Vanderbilt University. My desired career field is aerospace engineering or mechanical engineering. Fisk University has given me confidence to be outside of my comfort zone and interact with the less fortunate in the Nashville, Tennessee community. I have lived in Nashville, Tennessee for most of my life in poor and dangerous areas. My mother lived in South Nashville and my father lived in North Nashville down the road from Fisk University. My parents kept me away from the negatives of my community and told me to focus on my education. I thank my parents every day for being the positive influence that guided me down the good path in life. Having the ability to volunteer in the same community that I grew up in with the support of Fisk University is personal to me because I want to start a new narrative you can be successful growing up in a poor environment with limited opportunities if you just put in the work. At Fisk University, I dedicate my time to volunteer with the Fisk Jazz Radio station, Jazzy 88 WFSK. Jazzy 88 WFSK radio station plays contemporary jazz music, gospel, and hosts interviews with different groups of people from jazz artists to local politicians. The Jazzy 88 WFSK Radio Station also hosts voting drives, music festivals, and so much more for the Nashville, Tennessee community. I began volunteering at Jazzy 88 WFSK during my Fall 2023 semester at Fisk University. The main reason why I decided to help the radio station was to obtain community service hours to keep my academic scholarship but working with them has given me more pride in my community and the importance of radio stations in our lives. The Jazzy 88 WFSK Radio Station is managed by two people and they’re Sharon Kaye and Xuam Lawson. Their hard work goes mostly unnoticed due to the lack of funding from Fisk University. Providing my time to the radio station has not only aided them but also benefited me because I’ve been able to meet celebrities and have a strong support system when it comes to promoting real change in my community. On June 29th, 2024, the Fisk Jazz Radio station held a free jazz music festival on Fisk University’s campus. The main goal of the festival was to have the community enjoy a day of jazz music and visibly see and speak with local politicians before elections. I volunteered at this event by providing support by cleaning, selling shirts, handing out fans, and setting up the stage. This event was impactful for me because I was able to network with the Nashville mayor, Freddie O’Connell, who attended this jazz event to show support for the WFSK radio station. I was honored to have made a positive impact through my hard work with the radio station. Growing up my father would religiously listen to the Fisk Jazz Radio station in his car to help calm my nerves due to my increased anxiety with autism and my father loved listening to jazz music in his spare time. My father passed away due to cancer in 2020, so being able to volunteer with Jazzy 88 WFSK brings back positive memories of my father and my childhood. This scholarship will assist in furthering my education by granting me the ability to conduct science fairs in underserved communities once I graduate.

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.