A scientist I have always looked up to would be Vera Rubin. Space is fascinating, and her work proving the existence of dark matter has inspired my love of astronomy.

Growing up, I knew I was different. I had a lot of difficulties socially, was seen as rather blunt, and just generally had problems with certain sounds and textures. My inability to interact with those around me caused me to develop maladaptive daydreams and dissociative issues. I was never really sure what exactly all of this was until I got my Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis about a year ago. This caused me to get curious. I was curious about people, the world around me, and what exactly goes on in my head compared to others. So, I ended up developing a passion for psychology. This interest started in middle school for me. By the ripe young age of 13, I had decided that I was going to major in psychology once I made it to college. So, now I am! I am currently studying psychology with a focus in the forensic psychology side of things. In all of my time studying different disorders and mental illnesses, I became fascinated with the way that psychology is used to find criminals. I've always wanted to find a way to help people with my focus on details and ability to understand different patterns and unorthodox ways of thinking. Once I realized that I could use my interest in forensic psychology to help people in the FBI, I decided that I wanted to become an FBI profiler. Growing up different makes it easier for me to understand others who are also different. With this information, I have decided the best course of action would be to investigate crime scenes and put away criminals. My disability doesn't have to be a problem, not if I can use it to help me follow my dream.

As someone who has struggled significantly with self-love in the past, accepting oneself can make a huge difference in one's perception of the world and surroundings. Growing up, I've always had some forms of anxiety and depression. These made me resort to things like self-deprecation and suicidal ideation to cope. While this did make a difference in my life, it wasn't a positive one. I became increasingly closed off to those around me. It also didn't help that I was coming to terms with my sexuality while attending a strict Christian school who taught that I would go to hell for such things. In general, I wasn't able to accept who I was and that caused me, and those around me, much grief and frustration. It wasn't until I got to be surrounded by and meeting others like me that I realized it was okay to be different. It's okay to have problems and to not fit into the social norms. Once I finally came to this realization, it was like my world changed. Not only was I able to build stronger relationships with those around me, but I was also able to create new, long-lasting relationships with others too. Accepting and loving myself has lead me to also being accepting of others. I've tried my best to be educated and to better understand and help others who are different or who aren't as fortunate as me. I think my growth can definitely be seen. When I got my Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis in recent years, I wasn't upset or didn't freak out. I was able to accept that this was just a part of me and I'm wonderful just the way I am. It has taken some time, but I managed to let myself dream about the future and all the promises and opportunities it holds. I have allowed myself the chance to reach for the dreams I didn't think possible. Now, I am in college and striving for a great future in my dream field of psychology; accepting and showing myself some self-love was the best thing I ever did.