Living with autism has shaped my life in ways that are both challenging and transformative. As a totally blind, autistic woman with multiple chronic illnesses, I’ve had to navigate a world that often wasn’t built with people like me in mind. But through faith, therapy, and perseverance, I’ve grown in ways I never thought possible. I’ve also struggled with sensory sensitivities, especially in crowds and loud environments. These situations used to overwhelm me to the point of panic, and I often needed my mom to help calm me down. Over time, I’ve learned coping strategies that help me feel more in control. I use noise-canceling headphones, grounding techniques, and fidget toys to manage sensory overload. These tools don’t erase the challenges, but they give me a way to navigate the world more independently and with greater confidence. For much of my life, I struggled with intense frustration when I couldn’t find the words I needed. I would hit myself out of sheer overwhelm, feeling trapped inside my own mind. Social situations were exhausting, and sensory overloads were constant. I often felt like I was failing at things that came easily to others — not because I lacked intelligence or effort, but because my brain worked differently. But I’ve come a long way. With the help of a compassionate therapist, I’ve learned healthier ways to cope with frustration. I no longer hit myself when overwhelmed, and I’ve become more patient with myself when words don’t come easily. My anxiety has lessened, and I’ve started to feel more confident — not just in my abilities, but in who I am. My faith has played a huge role in this transformation. I believe God created me with purpose, and that my neurodivergence is part of that design. As my relationship with Him deepens, so does my sense of peace and self-worth. I’m currently pursuing a degree in computer science at Colorado Christian University Online. This is my fourth attempt at college, not because I gave up, but because my health and disabilities made it difficult to continue. Each time I paused, I came back stronger. I’ve taught myself to code using screen reader-friendly platforms, and I’m taking a Braille proofreading course to help make written materials more accessible. I also run and co-lead several online communities for people with multiple disabilities, including MultAbilities and Imago Dei Disability Fellowship. These spaces offer support, encouragement, and a sense of belonging — something I’ve longed for myself and now help provide to others. Independence, to me, means being able to live a life that reflects my values, make my own choices, and contribute meaningfully to the world. My education is a key part of that. It’s not just about getting a degree — it’s about gaining the skills I need to build accessible technology, advocate for others, and create spaces where people like me are seen and supported. I dream of founding a nonprofit run by and for people with multiple disabilities, where we can connect, grow, and thrive together. Receiving this scholarship would help me continue my education without the constant stress of financial strain. More importantly, it would affirm that my journey — with all its challenges and growth — matters. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and I’m excited for what’s ahead. Autism is part of who I am, and I’m learning to embrace it not as a limitation, but as a gift.

I chose to pursue a degree in computer science because I believe God has called me to use technology to serve others with disabilities. As a totally blind, autistic woman living with multiple chronic illnesses—including rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, hidradenitis suppurativa, idiopathic intracranial hypertension, and more—I’ve experienced firsthand how inaccessible the world can be. These challenges have shaped my educational journey, but they’ve also given me a deep sense of purpose. This is my fourth attempt at college. Each time I’ve had to pause my education, it wasn’t because I lacked motivation—it was because my health made it impossible to continue. But I kept coming back, because I know that my calling hasn’t changed. I’m now a freshman at Colorado Christian University Online, where the flexible, faith-based environment allows me to learn at my own pace while managing my health. My disabilities have impacted every part of my academic experience. I’ve had to navigate inaccessible websites, advocate for accommodations, and find creative ways to study when pain, fatigue, or cognitive overload make traditional methods difficult. I’ve learned to use screen reader-friendly coding platforms, voice journaling tools, and self-hosted services to support my learning. I’m also taking a Braille proofreading course through the National Federation of the Blind to help make written materials more accessible. Independence, to me, doesn’t mean doing everything alone—it means having the tools, support, and confidence to make my own choices and live a life that reflects my values. My education is a key part of that. It empowers me to build accessible technology, advocate for others, and create spaces where people with multiple disabilities are seen, heard, and supported. I co-lead several online communities, including MultAbilities and Imago Dei Disability Fellowship, where we offer peer support and share resources. I also founded a GroupMe community for students at CCU to connect and encourage one another. Living independently with my disabilities means adapting constantly. It means finding new ways to do things when my body or brain won’t cooperate. But it also means using those experiences to help others. I dream of founding a nonprofit run by and for people with multiple disabilities—focused on advocacy, connection, and practical support. My education will give me the skills to make that dream a reality. Receiving this scholarship would help me continue my education without the constant stress of financial strain. As a low-income student in rural Texas, every bit of support makes a difference. More importantly, it would affirm that my journey matters, that students like me, who face complex challenges, deserve the chance to thrive. I want to use my education to glorify God, serve others, and build a more inclusive world. This scholarship would be a step toward that vision.

Living with multiple chronic illnesses has shaped every part of my academic journey, not by stopping me, but by teaching me how to persevere. I don’t have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, but I live with rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, hidradenitis suppurativa, idiopathic intracranial hypertension, and several other disabling conditions. These illnesses affect my joints, skin, nerves, and energy levels, and they often make daily life painful and unpredictable. On top of that, I’m totally blind and autistic, which adds additional layers of complexity to everything I do. Despite these challenges, I’ve never stopped learning. I’m currently a freshman at Colorado Christian University Online, pursuing a degree in computer science. This is my fourth attempt at college, not because I lacked motivation, but because my health kept forcing me to drop out. Each time I had to stop, I felt like I was falling further behind. But I kept coming back, because I believe God has called me to use my unique experiences and skills to serve others with disabilities. To stay resilient, I’ve had to get creative. I taught myself to code using screen reader-friendly platforms like freeCodeCamp and Codecademy. I manage my own self-hosted services on a Raspberry Pi. I’m also taking a Braille proofreading course through the National Federation of the Blind to help make written materials more accessible. And I co-lead several online communities for people with multiple disabilities, including MultAbilities and Imago Dei Disability Fellowship. These groups provide support, encouragement, and a sense of belonging for people who are often isolated by their conditions. My illnesses have taught me to be resourceful, patient, and compassionate. They’ve also taught me that resilience isn’t about pretending everything is okay, but about showing up anyway, even when it’s hard. It’s about finding new ways to move forward when the old ones no longer work. I’ve learned to adapt my study schedule around flares, use voice journaling when typing is too painful, and lean on my faith when everything else feels uncertain. I believe that God has given me this path for a reason. My disabilities have opened my eyes to the gaps in accessibility that many people never notice. I want to use my education to build tools that make life easier for others with complex needs, not just in technology, but in community and connection. I dream of founding a nonprofit run by and for people with multiple disabilities, where we can advocate for ourselves and support one another in meaningful ways. Receiving this scholarship would help me continue my education without the constant fear of financial strain. As someone from a low-income background, every bit of support makes a difference. More importantly, it would affirm that my journey — with all its detours and delays — still matters. It would allow me to keep pursuing my calling: to build accessible technology, advocate for others with disabilities, and create spaces where people like me are seen, heard, and valued. I want my life and work to be a reflection of God’s love and justice, and I believe this scholarship would be a step toward fulfilling that purpose.