Navigating life as an autistic individual has deeply shaped the way I understand the world, interact with others, and advocate for myself. Autism influences how I process information, communicate, and experience my surroundings, often requiring me to navigate environments that are not designed with neurodiversity in mind. From an early age, I learned that success would require adaptability, self-awareness, and perseverance. While challenges such as sensory overload, rigid social expectations, and being misunderstood have been difficult, they have also fostered resilience and a strong sense of empathy for others who feel overlooked or marginalized. Growing up autistic meant frequently feeling out of place, especially in settings that prioritized conformity over individuality. I experienced moments of being underestimated or misinterpreted, as well as the pressure to mask my differences in order to meet expectations. Over time, these experiences taught me patience, emotional regulation, and the importance of self-advocacy. Autism has also strengthened my ability to think deeply, focus intensely, and approach problems with honesty and careful analysis. Rather than viewing autism as a limitation, I see it as a core part of my identity that shapes my perspective and values. These lived experiences have made me acutely aware of how society often fails neurodiverse individuals, particularly those within underserved communities. Neurodivergent people are frequently misunderstood in educational systems, mental health services, and especially within the criminal justice system. Behaviors rooted in sensory processing differences or communication challenges are often misread as defiance or noncompliance. Witnessing and learning about these systemic failures has motivated me to pursue higher education as a means of advocacy and change. I plan to major in psychology and criminology to better understand both individual behavior and the institutions that govern society. Psychology allows me to explore mental health, cognitive differences, and emotional development, while criminology helps me examine how policies, enforcement practices, and legal systems impact vulnerable populations. Through this interdisciplinary approach, I hope to advocate for trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming practices that prioritize understanding over punishment. My goal is to help bridge the gap between mental health awareness and justice reform. In the future, I want to support underserved communities by promoting accessibility, education, and ethical treatment across systems that often marginalize neurodiverse individuals. Whether through advocacy, policy reform, rehabilitation programs, or community-based initiatives, I aim to contribute to environments where differences are respected and supported. My personal experiences with autism have instilled in me a strong commitment to compassion, equity, and meaningful change. By using my education to amplify underrepresented voices, I hope to help create systems that recognize humanity first and ensure that everyone—regardless of neurotype—is given the opportunity to thrive.

The impact of drugs, particularly fentanyl, is something I have seen affect people and families beyond the headlines and statistics. While not every experience is the same, the presence of fentanyl in communities has created fear, loss, and instability for countless families. I have seen how substance abuse can quietly unravel lives—straining relationships, disrupting education and employment, and placing immense emotional and financial burdens on families. Even when the effects are indirect, the reality of addiction and overdose is impossible to ignore, especially as fentanyl continues to contribute to rising overdose deaths across the country and within local communities. People, especially young teens are being exposed everyday without even knowing what is going in to their bodies. What has stood out to me most is how often substance abuse is treated solely as a criminal issue rather than a complex human problem involving mental health, trauma, access to resources, and systemic failure. Seeing the consequences of this approach has shaped the way I think about justice and public safety. Punishment alone does not address the root causes of addiction, nor does it prevent the cycle from repeating. This realization played a significant role in my decision to pursue a degree in criminal justice alongside psychology. Through my criminal justice studies, I am working toward becoming part of a solution rather than a bystander. I am learning how drug policy, law enforcement practices, and the court system intersect with public health and social services. Understanding these systems has helped me see how evidence-based approaches—such as prevention programs, treatment-focused interventions, and rehabilitation—can be more effective than incarceration alone. My background interest in psychology strengthens this goal by allowing me to better understand addiction as a behavioral and mental health issue, not just a legal one. My long-term goal is to work in a field where I can help bridge the gap between justice and compassion, whether through rehabilitation programs, policy reform, victim advocacy, or community-based initiatives. I want to contribute to efforts that reduce overdose deaths, support recovery, and help individuals reenter society with dignity and opportunity. Addressing the fentanyl crisis requires collaboration, education, and empathy, and I believe a well-rounded criminal justice education is essential to making lasting change. Drugs like fentanyl have shown me the devastating consequences of inaction and misunderstanding. By pursuing a criminal justice degree, I am committing myself to learning, advocating, and working toward solutions that protect communities while honoring the humanity of those affected and ensuring safer futures for generations to come.

The Jim Maxwell Memorial Scholarship is deeply meaningful to me because it reflects values that have shaped both who I am and who I hope to become. Jim Maxwell’s commitment to nurturing the whole person—spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically—mirrors the way my own faith has guided me through my academic journey and personal growth. Knowing this scholarship exists to uplift students of faith who face financial challenges makes it especially powerful, as it represents not just financial help, but belief in the potential of students like me. My faith has been a steady source of strength, grounding, and motivation throughout my life. During moments of uncertainty, stress, and self-doubt, it has given me clarity and purpose. It has taught me perseverance when things felt overwhelming and gratitude during moments of success. Through prayer, reflection, and commitment to my church community, I have learned to trust the process, even when the path forward was not always clear. My faith reminds me that growth often comes through challenge and that perseverance is meaningful when it is guided by purpose. While sometimes it may be hard to keep with my faith, every time I stray, God is right by my side to help me when I fall. Academically, I have worked hard to pursue my education with intention and responsibility. Balancing financial concerns with the demands of school has not always been easy, but my faith has helped me remain focused and resilient. It has encouraged me to see education not only as a personal goal, but as a tool to better understand others and serve my community. My goal is to not only be a member of society but to contribute my expertise in to it. I strive to approach my studies with integrity, discipline, and a desire to use what I learn for something greater than myself. One of the most important lessons my faith has taught me is the value of service. I believe education is a privilege that carries responsibility—to uplift others, to act ethically, and to contribute positively to the world. Jim Maxwell’s legacy of empowering youth through encouragement and care inspires me to do the same in my own way. Whether through my future career or my involvement in my community, I hope to support others who may feel unseen or uncertain, just as I have been supported in my life. Receiving the Jim Maxwell Memorial Scholarship would be more than an honor—it would be a reminder that faith, service, and perseverance matter. I hope to carry forward Jim’s legacy by using my education to make a meaningful and compassionate impact on the lives of others.