Right now, one of my absolute favorite tropes in science fiction is neurodivergent people living comfortably alongside neurotypical folks in a world that accommodates all people. Instead of the current world where neurodivergent people have to “get over it” or suffer even more, in science fiction, they have special solutions just for them. It is a world people dream up in fantasy and fiction, but I want to use a degree in Nutrition to help bring that world to life. In the society we live in, everyday tasks are battles for neurodivergent people. For example, eating can be a challenge many folks dread, especially those with sensory issues. Like, for example, most people with autism spectrum disorder struggle with meals, whether because of the size of the meal, the texture, or unpredictable taste. Food is hard for people with sensory issues to deal with. Blueberries can be soft or hard, tart or sweet, and big or small. All of these unpredictable factors of vegetables, or fruits like the blueberry, cause those with sensory issues and a need for predictability to lean towards simpler foods like bread. While there is nothing wrong with some good bread, this repetitive decision causes many to miss out on essential nutrients. I envision a world where we all actively do our best to create an accommodating environment for everyone. I hope to ease the struggles of those I can help. My plan to do this is to design food that will accommodate anyone with sensory needs, low income, and lack of time. I am working towards designing food that has all the needed nutrients of fruits and vegetables in a calorie-dense, quick, and easy-to-prepare meal. That way, it is predictable, easy to eat, and not time-consuming. I hope it will help lessen the burden of those with autism spectrum disorder, ARFID, ADHD, those with limited meal-prep time, and those wanting to eat healthier without the money to afford to do so. By majoring in Nutrition and/or Food Science, I will be able to learn the details of food and find a way to accommodate neurodivergent people, and anyone else who finds it helpful, when it comes to the basic need of food. I will use the knowledge I gain in college to innovate a way to preserve essential nutrients in a yummy, yet predictable flavor. I will have the access to information to begin bringing the science fiction trope of neurodivergent people being properly accommodated, to reality.

Last year on September 1st, 14-year-old me was pulled into the consultant room in a hospital, and my whole world was shaken. My father had been killed unexpectedly in a motorcycle accident. The world kept moving, despite my grief. I had to use my determination to set goals and work to achieve them. So I will do everything in my power to achieve my dreams. During my grief journey, I have had no time to stop and dwell on my pain. I had to keep fighting. My family has to work even harder now that one of our main sources of support is gone. I have to face my future without him. At least, without him physically. My Dad left behind his notorious discipline and determination in me. He will always be a source of inspiration for me. So, despite our financial struggles, I will fight for my education and future. My father’s death taught me the importance of family and dreams. It made me realize I can not just give up because of my struggles, whether mental or physical, but that I have to persevere for everyone’s sake. Including my own. Now, I focus more on the importance of family and my ambitions, because tomorrow is never guaranteed. I will fight my issues, because I want to help as many people as deeply as I can while I am on this earth. I have a dream of becoming a nutritionist/food scientist and designing food for autistic children and their needs. I want to change their world by helping them get their needed nutrients despite their sensory issues. My dream will be a hard thing to accomplish, and it will require expensive and extensive education, but if my dad ever taught me one thing it was how to work hard for what you want. I will fight tooth and nail for my dreams, just like how he fought for his family. My dad may be gone, but his strong willpower still fights inside of me.

My mother gave me everything she never had. She isn’t the best with words, but she has taught me so much by example. From working hard every day, to coming home and making our family three meals, and helping us clean up. She never stopped doing her best for us. When she drops everything to paint her father’s house, for free, to ease his mind, or when she pressure washes the church’s steeple, I’m reminded of how one should love and help those they love. When stuck in an unhealthy relationship, she did not give up. She prepared for six years to be able to divorce her husband. This taught me to see the bigger picture and to find hope in your potential. When my safety was threatened, I saw my mother’s fangs as she grew furious and threatened my abuser. I learned there is a time and place for anger and violence. My mother started her own business and worked her butt off in a man-dominated field and homeschooled me so that I could dance, so that I could play soccer, so that I could have every opportunity to make the most of. She gave me everything, and it taught me to be grateful and how to love and give it to others. When my father was killed in an accident last year, she was there for me. It didn’t matter that she lost her best friend, she held my hand and wiped my tears as she hushed me to sleep. Her love taught me how to comfort and be there for others. She didn’t have the best example of what a mother should be, but instead of following her mother’s steps, she became the mother she never had. I am so grateful she did, and she has given me a wonderful environment to grow up in. She taught me we don't have to become who we were made to be, we can create a new version of ourselves. As I grew up and took on more responsibility, my mother did not take the time to slack off. She instead filled all the gaps she could now reach, and did even more work for our family and those we love. Showing me how to make the most of every blessing you have. My mother taught me that hard work and patience can get you anywhere, that you can always improve and it’s never too late to try. She taught me what love is and how to give it to others. I hope one day I can mimic her virtues.