I enjoy working with computers. I hope that through my studies and personal explorations into the computer sciences I will be able to find a job where I can continue to grow, learn and be part of this exciting part of our world. I am on the spectrum and sometimes working with people can be a challenge, but working through computer projects, I find that I am able to not only work on something that is a strength but allows me to freely communicate in a way with others and even help others. One day, I hope to give back and help others like me perhaps through technology I'm part of or even game or app development. Technology can open up worlds and for me, it has also served as a gateway and a path to a career that I am looking forward to being part of. This scholarship could help me financially as that is a concern as the semesters begin to add up. Thank you for your consideration.

Uplifting. I have always been different. Lots of people were not nice. Many thought me an oddball, but thankfully along the way, people and certain things like books and computer games were something I found up uplifing. I hope that through my education, I can find a way to do the same for others. I hope one day to help through technology improve another person's life. I would like to design games or programs that people can enjoy or perhaps it will be a program that actually helps someone. I enjoy helping people. I am not great with people. My social skills are a big part of being on the spectrum, but I feel like through both my education and technology I'm finding my way. I plan to do that for others one day.

Scared money don't make money. I know it has the words money, but it really speaks to lots of things in life. I am on the autism spectrum and one of my biggest challenges is dealing with anxiety and fear. I let it overwhelm and stop my progress or even send me backwards. But deep down I know that if I don't put in the effort, the time, the investment, then I'll never get the payoff. We have to invest in ourselves. We may bust, but at least we tried. If we succeed, then the sky is the limit.

At the age of 16, I was officially diagnosed as autistic. My entire life, I struggled to connect to others and even to communicate the way I want to. I know I am pretty smart and when I stand in front of a group, I can share what I know. One on one or putting pen to paper is a different world and one where things can be blurry and confusing. I have overcome it by failing and trying and even if I fail again, I try again. In my Freshman year, I bombed. I didn't know how to handle all of the changes and I didn't know how to ask for help. It hit me hard and I wanted to give up. I didn't. The next two years have been better. I still get overwhelmed and I have to overcome that first year of my bad GPA but I am doing it and I will get my degree and I hope that will lead to me helping others in my own way. We are all different and people don't always care to understand, but thankfully teachers and professors have been difference makerrs in my life. My parents and my councelors are also very supportive, even if I don't always feel like they really understand. No matter our challenges, we all get lost, and by asking for help or just trying your best, you can overcome in time and become a better and more successful version of you.

Mentoring. I wish that as people came into new educational systems they were paired with a mentor or mentor group. Many, like me, don't join groups or ask for help. If I was auto paired with someone or into a group, I think it would have helped me with many educational hurdles. I wouldn't feel as lost not knowing where to start or who to ask. I would have a point person or group as an option to bounce ideas off of. I understand there are teachers and counselors and clubs. However, for many -- especially at big transition points -- who have social issues, are shy, overwhelmed or even depressed -- you won't seek because you don't or can't seek. We should learn from businesses in our educational models. Many businesses have learned that success comes with having stop-gap measures in place to not only ensure there are not failures but make sure of the company's overall success. Hospital systems, aviation, big and small companies put in layers to train, mentor and they are the ones paying their workers. In education, we, the students are paying -- often with interest, blood, sweat, and tears -- and there are some basic things that are not in play. We are in college. We are not 4. OK -- but as a 30-year-old, look back at what a mentor during your educational transitions could have meant for you at 18 and a freshman in college. I think it could go beyond that and be utilized at all large educational transitional times. When we as a country put layers into play to ensure success, it isn't making it too easy or hand-holding, it is providing an environment and support system -- especially those with differences that have a lot to bring to the table -- with a real chance to survive, thrive, learn and bring something forward down the world that could truly benefit our future.

I give me hope for the future. That may sound strange, but I think that everything getting better in our lives and in this world has to start with ourselves. There is a lot of really bad stuff and scary stuff to be honest. I am on the autism spectrum and one of my biggest issues is anxiety and fear. I walk around scared all of the time, but I really work to not be that way. My fear is down to the minute -- from having to talk to someone to if something bad is going to happen to me or someone or if I am good enough on a paper or a test all the way to what if life is pointless. Fear can paralyze you. In my freshman year, I basically gave up. I was overwhelmed and I wasted money. I almost gave up. I understand the work, but sometimes writing or even asking the professors or others around me questions or for help was too terrifying. I buckled under the pressure but I found a way to then buckle down. I know have to overcome the grade hurdles left behind from that, but all I can do is try not to give into fear or sadness and press on in hope. Life is harder for some people in certain ways. I am autistic, but I am very able and I have to take all my good and use it for good in this world. I hope that in time, I can then help others. I don't know what that looks like exactly, so I am learning all I can. I hope one day to help develop games or programs that can make a person's life either better through something I help create or maybe make it more fun. From there, maybe my positive impact can help another, perhaps spread the hope and make their future better. Action is what I think really gives me hope. When we take action, even if we don't know if we can do it, we are doing something for the future.

Opportunity. There is a world of opportunity thanks to technology. From how we can develop it to how we can use it to improve life--from the way work to entertainment. There is even more opportunity for those with differences, because of technology. Being on the autism spectrum, I can have issues making friends or getting nervous when I first meet and talk to people, but technology opens up a whole new world for me in both job opportunities where more companies -- including Google, Microsoft, etc -- see there is tremendous value in tech for those on the spectrum. Not to mention, that while I don't always socialize in traditional face-to-face situations as well as other, online I am able to interact with others and even practice my social skills. Via my university, I am part of a study that usings custom-created/virtual programs/technology in the UT-D Brain Institute. It allows those like me to practice, role play, learn, and grow. Technology can be powerful -- in both good and bad ways. However, I am tapping into all of the positive aspects at the University of Texas at Dallas to learn all I can as a computer science major. I want to understand programming, networking, app development... the list goes on and on -- just as the opportunities for technology do. I hope that I am able to take all my knowledge and advance some area of the tech field in a positive way. Perhaps, I will create an app for that thing someone needs for a better daily life. Maybe, I'll get my dream job as a gaming software engineer and help others connect in an entertaining way that can help them enjoy their day and maybe even make new friends. Opportunity is defined as a set of circumstances that makes it possible to do something. Technology makes it possible to do almost anything when powered with creative, caring, and innovative minds. I hope that the tech world continues to allow people like me that are unique to continue to contribute and grow technology in ways we have yet to fathom today.

As a person with autism, I worry about what that will mean for my job future. Many don't understand autism and may have preconceived ideas. I don't many understand the spectrum and that each person is truly different. Many people on the spectrum are not only what I keep hearing labeled as "high functioning," but they offer a unique perspective and bring a lot to the table. In my head, I have a lot going on and hope one day I can utilize it in my work place and to help others in my own way. My biggest hurdle to overcome is communicating with others. I get nervous, anxiety and I'm not sure what to say or how to say things all of the time. It's funny how I can get up in front of a group and talk about a topic but when one on one it is much harder. Through my education, I not only hope to learn more about computer science but working with and communicating with others. I hope that more can be learned, understood, and accepted for those with autism. It is a large portion of our population, and recognizing and finding ways to diversify programs in education and the workplace could not only mean a lot for those on the spectrum but for organizations that realize the talent and benefit of having people like me on their team.

The best financial advice comes down to saving more than you spend BUT keeping that money active and working for you. Meaning, while you don't spend frivolously, you do keep your money active, invested, and keep making money. Inflation is going to be affecting your money, even if it is in the bank. Don't just let your money just sit, you have to use it to utilize it to buidl your wealth. If it just sits under a matress or in a bank -- it will lose value. more money so it doesn't lose value. Then, much of that hard work you put in years ago -- just to hold onto it and keep it -- will end making it leading to it being devalued.

My favorite book is The Hobbit for a variety of reasons. First, I greatly enjoy reading as a whole. It is not only a way to get information and expand your education, it, at least for me, is something of great enjoyment and even an escape. The Hobbit takes the reader on a journey about a common man who is pressured to go on an harrowing adventure that he doesn't want to do and in a role doesn't think he is capable of fulfilling. It is a well-paced story that is is a tale of a slow and dangerous journey. Along his path, he was met with many obsticles that could spell his end. Thought some skill, a helping hand from another and at times sheer luck, he made it through. That can really tie into our daily life. We have our own sets of fears and challenges to overcome to make something of our lives. While this is an adventure into a fictional past, it really does relate to how many of us feel about our own journey. In the end, if we keep on the path, keep trying, ask for help at times, and preserver, like that hobbit, we can find our way.

My goal is to find a way to make better life -- for myself and for others in my own way. Not everyone is meant to be a doctor, teacher or police officer. Those are all life-changing roles and goals, but we all have something to give to help others in our own way. I live life on the autism spectrum. I am high-functioning but I don't always get people, the world and I have a lot of anxiety. I get scared, confused, overwhelmed and at a loss for words when I try, and I do try a lot, to get to know others. It can be lonely. I also get lost in my own thoughts. Sometimes that is not a happy place. What I have learned is that there is a gift in gaming. Some think it's a waste of time but for people like me who try to be part of the regular world, gaming offers a place to get away, a distraction, a new way to connect with others that can't be found for some. I also have a different way of looking at things I think. So, I have already started creating game concepts and I plan to create games that are new and unique, interactive and can be a happy place for others. I also hope to create games that help people learn in unique ways and maybe apps that help with geology--a game or learning. I love geology, rocks and think that others could really enjoy learning and connecting to our planet if there was a fun or even challenging way to do that. Not giving anything away, but if people like to "catch them all" imagine a rocking game that kids and parents would love and could even do outdoors together. I have a lot of fear about life, but I also have a lot of ideas that I think can make it better and more enjoyable and make the most of their time. Thank you for your time and consideration of my scholarship application.

So many people don't believe in themselves or are scared that they can't do something or aren't good enough. I live with constant anxiety and fear. Part of that is because I am on the autism spectrum. I am really good at certain things, but things like this, writing are super challending and I can't always figure out how to put what is easy to say on paper. I wasn't diagnosed officially until I was 16 so that made it harder in some ways. I actually had a teacher when I was 14 that told me I couldn't write and I wasn't good at it. I really hated writing even more after that. I don't think she realized what she said or how she said it or that how I would carry that with me even six years later. But I can write. I may not be the best, and I may take three times longer, but I can do it. I know that because lots of other teachers told me I can do anything. They worked with me, gave me tips, and even took me under their wing to help me feel more confident and enjoy school more. It says to tell about one teacher, but I have learn so much and realized I can go to college because of so many. Mr. Mulvey was my senior/college prep teacher. I don't think he knows the word can't. He was in the military and always had facts and ideas to share. He pushed me to find a way and pushed me that I have to push myself even when I just don't know how or think I can do something. Then, there is Mr. Barton. He was my art/digital art teacher and photo club leader. He was also in the military and he doesn't really look or act like you might think. He is super quiet and really insightful. When in photo club, he helped me find and appreciate that I always brought a unique perspective to a project and photos. I think that has carried over as I finished high school and started college. I am not like everyone else. I am different. And there are lots of people like me. Lots of people who have axiety and fear and doubt. They don't know how to talk to people but I hope to keep trying and one day help others with something that I create. Maybe it will be a game that helps them meet or play with others and escape their anxiety for a little while. Or it could be an app that can help with that. I don't have it all figured out, but I am going to keep going to college and learning and not giving up on figuring it out one day.

Honor, tradition, and carrying forward what has come before us. It is the legacy of others that helps us be what we are today and what we can become. While it can of course be monetary, but the real value is found in what a person, like Dr. Attoh, has learned and in turn shared with others in kind. Being able to do that from beyond, leaving something for another person or lots of people, is what we all can hope we are able to do. My name is William Murphy Stegall. I go by Murphy. I worry a lot and have a lot of anxiety, it is part of being on the autism spectrum. I am not always good with people, but school, reading, and learning from others really makes a big difference for me in my daily life and overcoming my fears that life means nothing. I always worry about what will happen as I get older or what I can do to live longer or at least have a life with meaning. I attended a STEM junior high and high school, now called Harmony School of Innovation. I have always had a great love of computers, programming, engineering--what makes things tick, and science--especially geology. I've loved, saved and studied rocks since I was old enough to walk. At least that is what my mom says. My mom and dad never let me being different from the others be a crutch. For a long time, I didn't know why I felt so different from everyone. They didn't diagnose me until I was a teen as being high functioning in the autism spectrum. No matter what the label is, I am not a label. They always pushed me to learn and grow even if I got down or was not sure how to express all that I really did know. I think many have a hard time with communicating or some area in their life. I am really great at learning and remembering lots of stuff I learn. I can get up and talk about it to a group. Teachers used to call me a little professor. But talking to one person or even putting that on paper in the same way I can think about it, that is a big process. I have to really work hard on things like papers. I have to plan it, write it, read it, have others read it and then I am able to finally get it on paper in a way that makes sense. I know many who have a hard time might give up, but I won't do that. Maybe one day I will help discover how to help people like me. Or maybe I will achieve my ultimate goal to help people live longer or maybe even forever. I hope that I can find a way to program software that helps people or perhaps I will help build a game that makes millions of people happy or connect them even if they aren't good at talking to someone in person. From the knowledge and legacy passed down from others, I hope that my path helps create a legacy that others can carry on, and even if I can't live forever, I hope that like Dr. Attoh, I can forever be remembered and help someone else.

I am 20 years old and on the autism spectrum. My whole life I have been a little unique. I think and learn and process in different ways. I have loved math, computers, science--especially geology, cooking and baking. I think the way I process information and ideas is helpful in how I approach various tasks, including gaming, programming, and coding. I feel that my ideal job would be to work for a computer game development company. There is so much going on in the world, especially for those who can be easily overwhelmed, not just in life but with our very senses, to have a place to retreat and roam on another level. My hobbies and other passions, such as cooking, are also a way I can cope, focus on other thing. Being able to help create gaming worlds where people could go to, meet new people, and find joy would be amazing. I already have game ideas that I am working on and I hope to be able to intern next year and learn even more. I also enjoy volunteering and helping others. It's a way I can push myself out of my comfort zone and work with others and feel great about helping others, too.

My family and my education are at the heart of everything I do and that is my everything. My name is William Murphy Stegall. I'm 20. I am a college student, and I am on the autism spectrum. I usually tell people I don't really think that is true, but some things about it do make sense. I have a hard time making friends and certain things can be challenging. I actually didn't get officially diagnosed until I was 16. I knew some things were different for me, but no matter the label I will do EVERYTHING I can to achieve my dreams. My family supports me and encourages me. I get overwhelmed sometimes, but I find my path back and get on track. Really, we are all more than just a label, right?. We seem to want to put everything in a category, in its own box. We put ourselves in boxes too. Thing is, we can be anything we want to be if we do everything we need to achieve. I don't always feel that way, but I know it is true. Everything is in reach. Look at your music and what you have done by such a young age. It gives others, like me, hope that we can get there one day. Thank you for your awesome music that already inspires and for sponsoring this scholarship. I know it would mean everything for me or someone else to win and continue to have that support in reaching for the dream. I am including an art piece that I painted and represents what I enjoy -- trying new things and seeing if I can accomplish them.

The world can be overwhelming. I think that is true for some more than others. I know it is for me. From sounds and even thoughts, I get overwhelmed, anxiety and sometimes it's all a bit too much. My name is William Murphy Stegall. I am a 20-year-old college student that is on the autism spectrum. I get really sad about so much going on. My family is really good about reminding me not to focus on the bad but instead to look at the good. So when I'm not studying I do try to do my part in my daily life and in volunteering life. We can all do little things... recycle, carpool, be energy-wise and not waste. I also volunteer each month with Don't Mess With Texas clean-ups at my old school. It is on a major highway and gets tons of trash. So my brothers, myself, and school friends gather each month to gather trash and recycling -- not just at the school but around the community. I also help volunteer with my mother and grandmother for Frisco Humane Society. My family has always helped with dog and cat fosters. We try to help at every level, from helping strays get fixed and get home, to helping sick animals get well and placed and bottle feeding little babies and helping them survive. We have helped more than 100 animals. I help feed them and care for them and clean up after them. I have also volunteered for Light Up To Live, a non-profit that supports Veterans who have returned home and are recovering and living with PTSD, depression, and pain. It's hard to see people who give so much struggle. I'm happy to help during events that help raise funds. I have always helped at my old school during fundraisers and more. It really is about doing things day in and day out to make change over time. When we all help a little, it can add up to a lot.

I have high-functioning autism. I have a lot of anxiety. I deal with depression. I try not to think about it too much. I think I am a happy person usually, but the world is really overwhelming. I think that is especially true for people with differences. We all have differences but some of us have more challenges, from our brain chemistry and how we are wired to physical things that lead to how we think and feel differently than lots of others. I think some of us have to work harder to not let sadness or fear or distraction take us off the path that we are supposed to take. People who are sad, we don't want to be. Just like people who are taking drugs or drinking or have other compulsions, don't want to do that. I think it's all they can do to cope. They are paths that feel better at least when life is overwhelming you. Funny how the things we do to cope are the very things that can bring us down. I put things off to cope and then becuase I didn't do it, it makes it worse.... trouble, trouble. It's the same story a thousand times for thousands of different people. When I get mad at myself or don't want to panic or yell, it seems that is when I do. I don't want to do that and realize I shouldn't do that. When I have so much to do for school as I am a sophomore in college studying computer science, I can't always cope as I should. I shut down. I retreat. I get sad. And sometimes I don't know how to get past it. I go to therapy. I go to groups with others who have aspergers. When I'm feeling overwhelmed or said, I have learned to try to keep busy. Try to find distractions and do things I enjoy like reading, games and drawing. Sometimes that helps. Sometimes it doesn't, I just stop doing what needs to get done. I won't stop trying though. I will keep learning and I hope that when I graduate, I will be able to help create games and enjoyable distractions, and mayve ways for people to connect. Through online games, worlds, and even apps, design and code could be a distraction, a place or thing that makes people happy. Perhaps I will find a way to build something more that can make a difference in a life. Through my education on ongoing learning, I hope I can not only get better myself but do something to make others happier and better in some way, too.

I am 20 years old and on the autism spectrum. My whole life I have been a little different. I think and learn and process in different ways. The pandemic was hard for a lot of people. For me, it was good to be able to be home with family, look at life and even learn to work remotely. It taught me a new skill set. I didn't know if I could learn that way. I did struggle, but I grew from that and I have learned to be more self-motivating and push myself when I was stuck. I think that applies to so much in life. I have always loved math, science, and computers. I think the way I process information and ideas is helpful in how I approach various tasks, including gaming, programming, and coding. My ideal job would be to work for a computer game development company. There is so much going on in the world, especially for those who can be easily overwhelmed, not just by life but with our very senses, to have a place to retreat and roam on another level. Being able to help create such places would be amazing. I have game concepts I am working on and I hope to be able to intern next year and learn even more. Thank you for offering this opportunity and for considering me.

I am 20 years old and on the autism spectrum. My whole life I have been a little different. I think and learn and process in different ways. I have always loved math, science, and computers. I think the way I process information and ideas is helpful in how I approach various tasks, including gaming, programming and coding. My ideal job would be to work for a computer game development company. There is so much going on in the world, especially for those who can be easily overwhelmed, not just by life but with our very senses, to have a place to retreat and roam on another level. Being able to help create such places would be amazing. I have game concepts I am working on and I hope to be able to intern next year and learn even more. I feel I am the best candidate is that like Chris Jackson, I bring new insight. I don't have the wit perhaps as social matters are confusing, but I am smart, hard-working and hope you will consider me as I find ways around how I am different to provide something different in the future. Thank you for offering this opportunity in Mr. Jackson's name and memory and for considering me.

My name is William Muphy Stegall. Everyone calls me Murphy. I am a sophomore in college. I am on the autism spectrum and want to be a computer game engineer. I have always been unique. I didn't know exactly why. When I was 16 I was officially diagnosed. Because I don't always know how to talk to people very well, I think people don't always know how much I dream and how much I want to do and can do. Kids would pick on me. I don't know how to make friends. I get sad and depressed. I try not to think about it. I try to find ways to be happy and I like to make others happy. I love computers, I love rocks and geology. I also enjoy baking and sharing to make family happy. I have volunteered for many years. I help with an animal rescue group called Frisco Humane Society. My grandmother and mother rescue animals and I help with everything from taking them to the vet and to adoption to feeding, cleaning and caring for them. I love animals. I have a wonderful cat named Cinnamon who was a rescue pet. I also help with local clean up. We do a Don't Mess With Texas clean up a local high school (my old school) that is on the highway and gets a ton of trash. I've also helped make food for the homeless and volunteered at events to raise money for Veterans. My mother is a team member for a non-profit so I help there when she needs me. Thank you for considering me. College is expensive and while I have very high SAT scores, being virtual was hard for me and my grades weren't as good this semester, but next semester we are back in person and I know it will get better and I will be able to learn more about computers, programming and continue to pursue my dreams that I hope help others be happy because of the work I will do one day. It made me sad to read about your mother. I am sorry she was sad. Thank you for giving people a chance to follow what can help them be happy in life.

My name is William Muphy Stegall. Everyone calls me Murphy. I am a sophomore in college. I am on the autism spectrum and want to be a computer game engineer. I have always been unique, and because I don't always know how to talk to people very well, I think people don't always know how much I dream and how much I want to do and can do. I not only love computers, I love rocks and geology. I also enjoy baking and sharing to make family happy. I have volunteered for many years. I help with an animal rescue group called Frisco Humane Society. My grandmother and mother rescue animals and I help with everything from taking them to the vet and to adoption to feeding, cleaning and caring for them. I love animals. I have a wonderful cat named Cinnamon who was a rescue pet. I also help with local clean up. We do a Don't Mess With Texas clean up a local high school (my old school) that is on the highway and gets a ton of trash. I've also helped make food for the homeless and volunteered at events to raise money for Veterans. My mother is a team member for a non-profit so I help there when she needs me. Thank you for considering me. College is expensive and while I have very high SAT scores, being virtual was hard for me and my grades we'ren't as good this semester, but next semester we are back in person and I know it will get better and I will be able to learn more about computers, programming and continue to pursue my dreams that I hope help others be happy because of the work I will do one day.