My "awkward thing" is probably that I take things very literally. I have autism, and one of the ways it affects me is how I process conversations. Growing up, if someone used sarcasm, an expression, or a joke that wasn't meant to be taken literally, there was a good chance I would take it at face value. Sometimes I would answer a question very seriously when everyone else knew it was a joke. Looking back, some of those moments are actually pretty funny. Unfortunately, kids are not always kind about differences. In school, I was often teased and called "slow" because it sometimes took me longer to process information or understand what people meant. What many people didn't realize was that while I might need extra time to process information, my mind was working in a different way, not a lesser way. One thing I've learned about myself is that the same brain that made me stand out socially is also the reason I am so creative. While I may not always think like everyone else, I often see connections, ideas, and possibilities that others miss. I love coming up with creative concepts, unique designs, and original ideas. My mind naturally thinks outside the box. Art became the place where those differences turned into strengths. I enjoy drawing, digital art, animation, and design. In fact, one of my favorite accomplishments was designing and creating my class hoodies. Seeing my artwork chosen and worn by my classmates gave me confidence and showed me that my creativity had value. I felt like that was God's loving way of telling me that He created me this way on purpose for a purpose. Over time, I stopped seeing my differences as something I needed to hide. They are part of who I am. Being autistic has taught me to look at the world from a unique perspective, and that perspective helps me create things that are original and meaningful. Today, I am preparing to continue my education in digital arts, animation, and software development. My goal is to build a career where I can combine creativity and technology to create art, animations, and digital experiences that inspire others. So yes, I may be the person who occasionally misses a joke, takes an expression literally, or needs a little extra time to process information. But I am also the person who sees things differently, thinks creatively, and isn't afraid to imagine possibilities that others might overlook. And honestly, I wouldn't trade that for anything.

Growing up with a single mother has had a huge impact on the person I am today. My mother has been my greatest teacher, supporter, and example of strength. She has raised me with love, faith, and determination, even while facing challenges of her own. Watching her persevere through difficult circumstances has shaped my character and taught me lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I have autism, along with anxiety and memory challenges. As a child, I struggled with communication and social interactions. Even though I could speak, I did not fully understand the concept of conversation until I was about eight years old. My mother never gave up on me. She spent countless hours helping me learn how to communicate by creating flashcards and role-playing different situations. She found creative ways to teach me skills that many people take for granted. Most importantly, she believed in my abilities, even when I doubted myself. My mother also lives with a rare neurological disorder that requires ongoing and expensive treatment. Despite her health challenges, she has always put my needs before her own. Looking back, I realize how much she sacrificed to make sure I had opportunities to learn, grow, and succeed. Her example taught me what true love, resilience, and selflessness look like. School was often difficult for me. As an African American girl on the autism spectrum, I faced bullying, exclusion, and unfair stereotypes. I experienced these challenges in public schools, private schools, and even religious schools. There were times when I felt misunderstood by both students and adults. Eventually, my mother made the difficult decision to homeschool me in order to provide a safer and more supportive learning environment. That decision changed my life. Homeschooling allowed me to focus on my education without the constant fear and stress I had experienced before. It gave me the opportunity to rebuild my confidence and discover my strengths. Today, I am preparing to graduate from high school, something that once felt out of reach. Growing up with a single mother has also strengthened my faith. Through every challenge, my mother taught me to trust God and never lose hope. During some of the hardest seasons of my life, including struggles with anxiety and depression, my faith became an anchor. It reminded me that my circumstances do not define me and that God has a purpose for my life. Because of my mother's example, I have learned to be resilient, compassionate, and determined. I have learned that obstacles can be overcome through faith, hard work, and perseverance. Her sacrifices inspire me to pursue higher education and work toward becoming independent so that I can honor everything she has done for me. As I prepare to continue my education in digital arts, animation, and software development, I carry with me the lessons my mother has taught me. She showed me that strength is not giving up when life gets hard. It is continuing to move forward with faith and courage. Growing up with a single mother has shaped me into someone who values hard work, believes in the power of perseverance, and is committed to making a positive impact on others.

My name is Shyanne, and I am a creative person with a passion for digital art, animation, gaming design, and technology. I have autism, which has given me a unique way of seeing the world and expressing myself. Throughout my life, art has been more than a hobby. It has been a way for me to communicate, process emotions, and build confidence. I enjoy drawing, creating digital artwork, exploring animation, and learning how games are designed. I am fascinated by how art and technology come together to tell stories, create immersive experiences, and inspire people. My goal is to continue developing my skills in digital arts, animation, and software development so I can build a career in the creative technology field. My faith, perseverance, and creativity are some of my strongest values. I have overcome challenges such as anxiety, bullying, and being misunderstood because of my autism. These experiences have made me resilient and determined to succeed. In the future, I hope to work in animation, game design, or digital media, creating projects that inspire others and promote understanding and inclusion. I want to use my creativity to make a positive impact and show others that our differences can become our greatest strengths.

My name is Shyanne, and I have autism. Growing up, I often found it easier to connect with creativity and technology than with people. While social situations could be confusing and stressful, technology felt like a place where I could explore, learn, and create without fear of being judged. Over time, that interest grew into a passion for digital art, animation, and software development. One experience that sparked my interest in technology was discovering how digital tools could bring my ideas to life. I have always enjoyed drawing and creating art, but when I began learning about digital art, animation, and game design, I realized that technology could turn creativity into something interactive and powerful. I became fascinated by the way artists and developers work together to create animations, games, and digital experiences that inspire people and tell stories. My interest in technology grew even stronger because it gave me a way to express myself. Throughout my life, I have faced many challenges. I struggle with anxiety and memory retention, and I have experienced bullying, exclusion, and even physical assaults because I was different. As an African American girl on the autism spectrum, I also faced stereotypes and unfair assumptions from both students and adults. Those experiences sometimes made me feel invisible, but technology and art gave me a voice. Because of these experiences, my goals are not only about building a career. I want to use technology to create things that encourage, educate, and inspire others. After graduation, I will attend the Nonpareil Institute, where I will study digital arts, animation, and software development. My goal is to develop the skills needed to work in digital design, animation, game development, or other creative technology fields. I hope to use my future career to create projects that help people feel seen and understood. I would love to create digital art, animations, or games that promote kindness, inclusion, and awareness about autism and mental health. I know what it feels like to struggle and feel misunderstood, and I want my work to help others feel less alone. One of the biggest challenges I have faced is learning to believe in myself despite the obstacles in my path. There were times when anxiety, depression, and bullying made me question my future. However, my faith in God, the support of my mother, and my determination helped me keep moving forward. My mother, a single parent who lives with a rare neurological disorder, has always encouraged me to pursue my goals and never let my diagnosis define me. What excites me most about the future of technology is its ability to create opportunities and connect people. Technology is constantly changing, and there are endless possibilities for creativity and innovation. I am excited to learn new skills, contribute new ideas, and use technology to make a positive impact. Technology has given me a way to turn challenges into opportunities and creativity into purpose. I am excited to continue learning, growing, and using my gifts to build a future where I can support myself while helping others through the power of technology.

My name is Shyanne, and I believe I am a child of the Most High God. That truth has helped me through some of the hardest times in my life and continues to guide me as I work toward my future. I am asking you to consider me for this scholarship not because my journey has been easy, but because I have stayed committed to growing, learning, and moving forward no matter what I have faced. I have autism, along with severe anxiety and memory challenges. Growing up, school was very difficult for me. Even though I could speak, I did not fully understand how to have conversations until I was about eight years old. My mother worked closely with me every day. She used role-playing and flashcards to help me learn how to communicate with others. She was patient and creative, and she never let me use my diagnosis as an excuse. She always pushed me to keep trying and to believe that I was capable of more. As an African American young lady on the autism spectrum, I also faced racism and unfair treatment in school. I experienced this in public schools, private schools, and even faith-based schools. I was bullied, left out, and physically hurt by other students. Some teachers and staff also made wrong assumptions about me because of my disability and my skin color. These experiences hurt my confidence and affected my mental health. I struggled with anxiety and depression, and at one point, I was admitted into a residential mental health facility to help me manage emotions and cope with the trauma I've experienced. That was one of the lowest moments in my life, but it also changed me. During that time, I leaned on my faith in God more than ever. I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, and I began to understand the peace of God in a real way. The Bible calls Jesus the Prince of Peace, and I experienced that peace in my life. It helped calm my mind and gave me hope when I felt lost. My faith reminded me that I have purpose, even when life feels hard, and that my story is still being written. Because of the challenges I faced in school, my mother decided to homeschool me. That decision made a big difference. In a safer and more supportive space, I was able to focus, grow, and rebuild my confidence. I learned at my own pace and was given the chance to truly understand what I was being taught. Now, I am preparing to graduate high school. That is something I am very proud of because there was a time when it did not feel possible. Outside of school, I am active in my church. I share messages about hope and faith, which is something I never thought I would be able to do. Speaking in front of others used to scare me, but God has helped me find my voice. I enjoy encouraging others, especially people who feel different or overlooked like I once did. I also have a strong passion for art. I enjoy drawing, painting, and creating digital art. I am especially interested in animation and design. Art helps me express my thoughts and feelings when words are hard. It brings me peace and focus, and I believe it is one of the gifts God has given me. After graduation, I plan to attend a two-year program for young adults on the autism spectrum, where I will study digital arts, animation, and software development. My goal is to build a career where I can support myself and use my creativity to inspire others. My mother is one of my biggest inspirations. She is a single parent who has raised me with love, strength, and faith while also dealing with a rare neurological disorder that requires expensive treatment. Even with her own struggles, she has always taken care of me and supported my growth. Seeing her strength has pushed me to work harder and to want a better future for both of us. I have faced many challenges, but I have not given up. My faith, my determination, and my support system have helped me keep going. This scholarship would help me continue my education without putting more pressure on my mother. It would give me the opportunity to grow, become independent, and use my gifts to make a positive difference. With God’s help, I know I can keep moving forward and build a future filled with purpose.

My name is Shyanne, and my faith is the foundation of my life. I believe I am a child of God, and that truth has carried me through many challenges. I have autism, along with anxiety and memory struggles, and I have faced bullying, exclusion, and even physical harm from others because I am different. There was a time when my mental health became so severe that I was admitted into a facility for depression and anxiety. In those moments, when I felt overwhelmed and alone, my faith became my strength. I believe in the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding. Jesus is called the Prince of Peace, and when I accepted Him as my Lord and Savior, I also accepted that peace. It helped calm my mind and gave me hope when everything felt uncertain. I have learned that in order to walk in the purpose God has for me, I need a regulated and healthy mind. Because of this, I take my mental health seriously. My faith reminds me that my life has value, even when I struggle, and that I am not defined by my challenges. Faith has also shaped my academic goals. I do not see education as just a way to get a job. I see it as a way to grow, to use the gifts God has given me, and to make a difference in the world. I have a passion for art, especially digital art, animation, and design. Creating helps me express what I cannot always say with words, and it gives me peace and focus. After graduation, I plan to attend a two-year program for young adults on the autism spectrum, where I will learn life skills and gain certifications in digital arts, animation, and software development. My goal is to build a career where I can support myself while also using my creativity to inspire others. I want my work to reflect hope, strength, and encouragement, especially for people who feel different or overlooked. My faith pushes me to use my gifts with purpose, not just for myself, but to uplift others and bring more understanding into the world. The biggest person who has pushed me to pursue higher education is my mother. She is a single parent who has raised me with strength, love, and determination, even while living with a rare neurological disorder that requires expensive treatment. Despite her own challenges, she has always put me first. When I was younger, I struggled to understand basic conversation skills. My mom worked with me every day, using role-playing and flashcards to teach me how to communicate and interact with others. She never allowed me to use my autism as a reason to give up. Instead, she taught me to keep trying and to believe in myself. My mom’s example has shown me what perseverance, faith, and integrity look like. She has sacrificed so much for me, and that motivates me to work hard, pursue my education, and become independent. I want to honor her by building a future where I can take care of myself and use my gifts to make a difference. I am also active in my church, where I share messages about hope and faith. This has helped me grow in confidence and purpose. It reminds me that my voice matters and that my story can help others. Faith is not just something I believe it is something I live. It guides my decisions, strengthens me in hard times, and pushes me toward my goals. With faith, education, and determination, I am committed to growing, achieving my goals, and making a positive impact in the world.

My experience with mental health has deeply shaped my goals, relationships, and understanding of the world. As an African American young woman on the autism spectrum, I have faced bullying, stereotyping, and even assault in public, private, and religious school environments. Over time, these experiences took a serious toll on my mental health, leading to severe depression and a period in my life where I struggled with suicidal thoughts. At one point, I was admitted into a residential mental health facility to receive the care and support I needed. That season of my life was one of the most difficult, but it was also one of the most transformative. In the middle of pain, confusion, and emotional exhaustion, I began to lean on my faith in a deeper way. I did not always understand why I was going through what I was facing, but I held on to the belief that God had a purpose for my life, even when I could not see it clearly myself. My faith became an anchor, reminding me that my life had value, even when my circumstances made me feel otherwise. Through therapy, support, and spiritual growth, I began to rebuild. I had to learn how to manage my emotions, challenge negative thoughts, and give myself grace. I also had to rediscover who I was outside of the pain and the labels others placed on me. Homeschooling gave me the space to heal, grow, and focus on my future in a healthier environment. My experiences have significantly shaped my relationships. I value trust, honesty, and emotional safety in a deeper way because I know what it feels like to be misunderstood and hurt. I am more compassionate toward others who are struggling, especially those dealing with mental health challenges. Rather than judging, I try to listen and support, because I understand how important it is to feel seen and heard. These challenges have also shaped my goals. I am determined to build a life where I can live independently, pursue a meaningful career, and continue growing into the person God created me to be. I have developed an interest in areas like graphic design, digital art, and technology, and I plan to use these skills to create opportunities for myself. More importantly, I want my life to reflect resilience and purpose. I want to show others, especially young people who feel overlooked or broken, that their story does not end in their struggle. My understanding of the world has become more complex and compassionate. I recognize that not everyone will understand my experiences, and that bias and misunderstanding still exist. However, I also understand that challenges can produce strength, and that healing is possible with the right support, mindset, and faith. I no longer see my mental health journey as something to hide, but as part of my testimony. While I would never choose to relive the pain I experienced, I can say that it has strengthened my faith, deepened my character, and clarified my purpose. I am committed to continuing my healing journey, growing in my faith, and building a future that reflects hope, strength, and perseverance. I believe that God has carried me through my darkest moments, and I trust that He will continue to guide me toward a life filled with purpose and impact.

My name is Shyanne, and I was raised by my mother in a single-parent household. My mom has always been my biggest support, even while facing her own challenges. She has a rare neurological disorder that requires expensive and ongoing treatment, but despite that, she has always put me first. She has sacrificed so much to make sure I had what I needed to grow and succeed. I have autism, along with anxiety and memory challenges, and growing up was not easy for me. Even though I was verbal, I did not fully understand how to have conversations until I was around eight years old. My mom worked closely with me to help me learn. She used role-playing and made flashcards to teach me how to interact with others. She was patient, creative, and consistent. She never allowed me to use my diagnosis as a reason to give up, but instead encouraged me to keep trying and growing. Outside of home, I faced many challenges. I was often bullied, left out, and misunderstood because I was different. There were even times when I was physically hurt by other students. These experiences affected my confidence and mental health, and I struggled with anxiety and depression. At one point, my mental health became so serious that I had to be admitted into a facility for help. One of the biggest turning points in my life was realizing that my struggles did not define me. Through my faith, I began to understand that I am a child of God and that my life has purpose. I learned that even though I am different, I still have value. This changed the way I see myself and others. It helped me grow stronger and gave me hope. Another important realization was understanding how much my mom has done for me. Watching her continue to support me while dealing with her own health challenges made me realize how strong she is. It also made me want to work harder so that I can become independent and one day support myself, instead of being a burden on her. Today, I am proud to say that I have come a long way. I am about to graduate high school, and I am an active member at my church, where I even share messages about hope and faith. That is something I never would have imagined when I was younger. I have learned how to express myself, connect with others, and keep moving forward even when things are hard. My upbringing has taught me resilience, faith, and determination. It has also taught me to have compassion for others, because I know what it feels like to struggle. My journey has not been easy, but it has shaped me into someone who is strong, hopeful, and ready to continue growing.

My name is Shyanne, and I have autism. I also struggle with severe anxiety, depression, and memory challenges. Because of my experiences, mental health is very important to me as a student and as a person. Growing up, I have faced many difficult situations that affected my mental health. I have been bullied, left out, and treated differently because of my disability. There were even times when I was physically hurt by other students. These experiences made me feel alone, overwhelmed, and unimportant. Over time, my anxiety and depression became so severe that I had to be admitted into a mental health facility. That was one of the hardest moments of my life, but it was also a turning point. That experience helped me understand how important mental health really is. When your mind is not at peace, it is hard to focus, learn, or even get through the day. As a student, mental health affects everything, your ability to retain information, your confidence, your relationships, and your motivation. I have learned that taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health. One thing I strongly believe is that we need a regulated nervous system in order to function in the purpose God has given us. When we are constantly anxious, overwhelmed, or hurting, it is hard to walk in that purpose. That is why my faith has become such an important part of my healing. I believe in the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding. Jesus is called the Prince of Peace, and when I accepted Him as my Lord and Savior, I also accepted His peace. That peace has helped calm my mind, give me hope, and remind me that I am not alone. I advocate for mental health in my community in simple but meaningful ways. First, I am open about my experiences. I do not pretend that everything is always okay. By being honest about my struggles with anxiety and depression, I help others feel less alone and more comfortable talking about their own challenges. Sometimes just knowing someone else understands can make a big difference. I also try to encourage others through my words and my actions. Whether it is at home, church, or in conversations with others, I remind people that their feelings matter and that it is okay to ask for help. I believe mental health should not be ignored or hidden. It is something we should talk about and support each other through. Another way I advocate for mental health is through my art. Creating art helps me express emotions that are hard to explain, and I hope that when others see my work, they feel understood. I want my art to reflect real emotions, both the struggles and the hope, so that people know they are not alone in what they are feeling. Mental health is important to me because I have lived through what it feels like to struggle deeply. But I have also experienced healing, growth, and peace through my faith. I want to continue growing, and I want to help others do the same by encouraging openness, understanding, and hope.

My name is Shyanne, and I have autism. I sometimes describe myself as “neurospicy” because my brain works a little differently. Along with that, I deal with anxiety and memory challenges, which can make everyday life harder. I have also gone through painful experiences like being bullied, left out, and even physically hurt by other students. There were times when I felt invisible, misunderstood, and alone. During those difficult moments, my faith in God became my source of strength. I believe that I am a child of the Most High God, and that truth has helped me keep going even when life felt overwhelming. There were times when I questioned if God was listening, especially when I was hurting or afraid. But looking back, I can see that He was always there, helping me through every situation. When I feel anxious, confused, or discouraged, I turn to God for peace and guidance. Prayer helps calm my mind, and my faith reminds me that I have a purpose. Even when I don’t understand everything that is happening, I trust that God has a plan for my life. He has brought me through dark times, including moments of depression and fear, and helped me grow stronger. Because of Him, I have not given up. My faith also helps me see myself differently. Instead of only focusing on my challenges, I am learning to see my strengths. I believe that God created me the way I am for a reason, including my creativity. Art has become one of the ways I express myself and find peace. When I create, I feel calm and focused, and I believe that is one of the gifts God has given me. As I look toward my future, I plan to pursue a career in digital art, animation, and design. After graduation, I will attend a two-year program for young adults on the autism spectrum, where I will gain life skills and certifications in digital arts and software development. I know this path will not always be easy, but my faith will continue to guide me. In my career, my faith will help me stay strong when I face challenges or setbacks. It will remind me to keep going, even when things feel difficult or slow. It will also help me stay focused on my purpose, not just making money, but using my gifts in a meaningful way. I also want my work to reflect my faith. I want to create art that shows hope, strength, and encouragement. I want people who see my work to feel inspired and reminded that they are not alone. My experiences have taught me that life can be hard, but there is always hope, and I want my art to share that message. My faith has helped me survive some of the hardest moments in my life. It has given me strength, peace, and direction. As I move forward, I believe it will continue to guide me, help me grow, and allow me to use my creativity to make a positive impact in the world.

My name is Shyanne, and I have autism. I sometimes describe myself as “neurospicy” because my brain works a little differently. Along with that, I deal with anxiety and memory challenges, which can make learning and social situations harder for me. Even so, I believe my differences are not weaknesses, they are part of what makes me unique. Growing up, I have faced many difficult experiences. I have been bullied, left out, and treated unfairly because I am different. There were times when I was physically hurt by other students, and those moments made me feel alone and unseen. I struggled with anxiety and sadness, and at times I wondered if anyone really cared. But through all of this, I found strength in my faith. I believe I am a child of God, and He has helped me through my darkest moments. One of the biggest ways I have coped with these challenges is through art. Art has become a safe place for me. When I draw, paint, or create digital designs, I can express feelings that are hard to say out loud. Art helps me feel calm, focused, and understood. It has given me a voice when I felt like I did not have one. Because of this, I want to build a future in digital art, animation, and design. After graduation, I plan to attend a two-year program for young adults on the autism spectrum. There, I will learn life skills and gain certifications in digital arts, animation, and software development. I want to grow both creatively and personally so that I can build a stable and independent life. I plan to make a positive impact in the world by using my art to encourage and connect with others. I know what it feels like to be different, to be overlooked, and to struggle with confidence. Through my work, I want others to feel seen and understood. I want to create art that shows real emotions, both the hard moments and the hopeful ones, so people can relate and feel less alone. I also want to raise awareness about autism and anxiety in a creative way. Not everyone understands what it is like to live with these challenges, but art can help tell that story. Through digital illustrations, animation, and design, I can share my perspective and help others learn to be more understanding and kind. In addition, I want to build a career where I can support myself through my creative skills. I hope to do freelance work, create digital content, and possibly work in areas like animation, graphic design, or even game design. By combining creativity with technology, I can open doors to many opportunities. My goal is not just to succeed for myself, but to use what I create to make a difference. Even if my art helps one person feel encouraged, accepted, or inspired, that means something to me. My journey has not been easy, but it has given me strength, faith, and purpose. I am ready to use my art to grow, to connect, and to help create a more understanding and compassionate world.

My name is Shyanne, and I have autism. I sometimes describe myself as “neurospicy” because my brain works differently. I also deal with anxiety and memory challenges, which can make learning and social situations harder for me. Even with these challenges, I have goals for my future, and I am determined to reach them. My computer science goals are focused on learning skills like software development, animation, and 3D modeling. After graduation, I plan to attend a two-year program for young adults on the autism spectrum. In this program, I will learn life skills along with technical skills in digital arts, animation, and coding. I want to understand how technology works so I can create things like digital designs, animations, and even video game content. I am especially interested in platforms like Roblox, where creativity and coding come together. My goal is to build strong skills that can lead to freelance work, creative projects, or even a job in the tech or gaming industry. At the same time, I also have important non-computer science goals. One of my biggest goals is to grow personally and become more independent. Because of my anxiety and past experiences with bullying and being treated unfairly, I have had to work hard to build confidence. I want to continue learning how to manage my emotions, speak up for myself, and step outside of my comfort zone. I also want to grow in my faith. I believe that I am a child of God, and my relationship with Him has helped me through some of the hardest times in my life. Staying connected to my faith gives me strength, peace, and direction. Another non-computer science goal I have is to use my story to encourage others. I have been bullied, left out, and even physically hurt because of my differences. I know what it feels like to be overlooked or misunderstood. I want to use my experiences to help others feel seen and understood, especially those who are also on the autism spectrum or who struggle with anxiety. In the future, I plan to combine my computer science goals and my personal goals in a meaningful way. I want to use technology and art together to create things that inspire people. For example, I could design digital art, animations, or games that tell stories about overcoming challenges, embracing differences, and finding hope. I could also create online content that spreads awareness about autism and mental health in a creative and easy-to-understand way. By combining creativity, technology, and my personal experiences, I believe I can build a career that not only supports me financially but also makes a difference in the lives of others. My journey has not been easy, but it has given me a unique perspective. I want to use that perspective to create, inspire, and show others that even when life is hard, you can still grow and succeed.

My name is Shyanne, and I have autism. I sometimes call myself “neurospicy” because my brain works a little differently. That difference has shaped my passion for art and how I see the world. Art is not just something I enjoy, it is a big part of who I am. I have faced many challenges growing up. I struggle with anxiety and memory retention, and I have been bullied, left out, and even physically hurt by other students because I am different. Those experiences made me feel alone and unseen at times. But art became a safe place for me. When I draw, paint, or create digital art, I can express my thoughts and emotions in a way that words sometimes cannot. Art gives me peace, focus, and a sense of purpose. My passion for art comes from that deep connection. It helps me turn hard experiences into something meaningful. Instead of holding in pain or confusion, I can create something that reflects what I feel inside. That is why I want to build a career in digital art, animation, and design. After graduation, I plan to attend a two-year program for young adults on the autism spectrum, where I will learn both life skills and creative skills to help me succeed. In my career, I want to use my art to inspire others, especially people who feel different, overlooked, or misunderstood. I know what it feels like to struggle and to question your worth. Through my art, I want people to feel seen, understood, and encouraged. I want my work to remind others that being different is not something to be ashamed of. It is something that can be powerful. I also want my art to spark emotion and start conversations. Whether it is through digital illustrations, animation, or design, I want to create pieces that make people stop and think. I want my art to show real feelings of joy, pain, hope, and strength so others can connect with it. I believe art has the power to bring awareness to things people may not always understand, like living with autism, anxiety, or feeling like you do not belong. By sharing my perspective, I hope to help others become more understanding and compassionate. My faith is also an important part of my vision. I believe that God has carried me through my hardest moments and given me my creativity for a reason. I want my art to reflect hope and remind people that they are not alone, even in dark times. My vision is to use my art to help create a better world by spreading understanding, kindness, and encouragement. I want to build a career where I can support myself, but also make a difference in people’s lives. Even if my art only helps one person feel seen or inspired, that means something. Art has helped me through some of the hardest moments in my life. Now, I want to use it to help others, tell meaningful stories, and create something that truly matters.

My name is Shyanne, and I have autism. While my journey has not been easy, it has shaped my goals, strengthened my faith, and given me a clear vision for my future. After graduation, I plan to attend a two-year program designed for young adults on the autism spectrum. This program will focus on building independent life skills while also providing certifications in digital arts, animation, and software development. I am especially passionate about digital art and creative design. I enjoy drawing, painting, and creating through digital platforms, and I want to turn those passions into a meaningful career. My long-term goal is to work in a creative field where I can use my skills in animation, digital design, or game development to express ideas, tell stories, and connect with others. I also hope to build a stable and independent life where I can support myself and continue growing both personally and professionally. This path is important to me because creativity is where I feel most confident and capable. While autism, anxiety, and retention challenges can make some environments difficult, art gives me a voice. It allows me to communicate in ways that go beyond words. I believe that my unique perspective as someone who is neurodivergent is not a limitation, but a strength that can bring originality and depth to my work. However, pursuing this opportunity comes with a significant financial challenge. The annual cost of the program is approximately $17,000, which creates a major burden for my family. My mother is a single parent who has always worked hard and sacrificed to support me. She has stood by me through every challenge, including the difficulties I have faced due to bullying, anxiety, and feeling different. In addition to supporting me, my mother has been diagnosed with a rare and incurable neurological disorder called cervical dystonia. Her condition requires ongoing and expensive medical treatment. Despite her health challenges, my mother is willing to sacrifice her own care in order to help me attend this program. While I am deeply grateful for her love and dedication, I do not want her to have to choose between her health and my education. She has already given so much for me, and it is important to me that I do everything I can to ease that burden. Receiving financial assistance would not only help me pursue my educational and career goals, but it would also allow my mother to continue receiving the treatment she needs. This support would make a life-changing difference for both of us. I am determined to succeed, not only for myself, but also to honor the sacrifices my mother has made. With the right support, I am confident that I can build a future filled with purpose, creativity, and independence.

My name is Shyanne, and I have autism, or what I sometimes like to call being “neurospicy,” because it means my brain works a little differently. Along with autism, I face retention challenges and severe anxiety, which have made learning, social situations, and everyday interactions more difficult for me than for many others. However, this disability does not define me. What defines me most is that I am a child of the Most High God. Growing up, I have faced many painful challenges. I have been bullied, excluded, and ridiculed because of my differences. There were times when I was physically assaulted by other students, spit on, and made to feel like I did not belong. Those experiences deeply affected me. They contributed to my anxiety and led to seasons of depression where I felt invisible and unimportant. At times, I even questioned whether anyone truly cared or if God was listening to my prayers. Despite these difficulties, I have found strength and perseverance through my faith. When life feels overwhelming or confusing, I turn to God for comfort and guidance. I really believe that He has carried me through my darkest moments and helped me grow into a stronger person. My relationship with Him has given me hope, confidence, and the courage to keep going even when things are difficult. Instead of allowing my struggles to defeat me, I have learned to face them one step at a time, trusting that God has a purpose for my life. I have also learned practical ways to manage my challenges. I work hard to stay focused, even when retention is difficult, by taking my time and asking for help when needed. I continue to push through my anxiety by putting myself in situations that help me grow, even when they feel uncomfortable. Each small victory builds my confidence and reminds me that I am capable. As I look toward my future, I am interested in pursuing a vocation in digital art and design. I have always been drawn to creativity, including drawing, painting, digital art, 3D modeling, and even exploring design through games and platforms like Roblox. Art allows me to express myself in ways that words sometimes cannot. It gives me a sense of peace, focus, and purpose. Through this career path, I hope to not only build a skillset that can support me financially, but also create meaningful work that connects with others. I am studying this field because it aligns with both my strengths and my passions. While social situations can sometimes be challenging, creativity is a space where I feel confident and free. I believe that my unique perspective, shaped by my experiences and my neurodivergence, allows me to see the world differently, and that difference is something valuable. In conclusion, although I have faced major challenges due to what most would call a disability, I have not let those challenges stop me. With faith in God, determination, and a passion for creativity, I am continuing to grow, overcome obstacles, and move toward a future filled with purpose.