Breaking Barriers Throughout my life, I have had to overcome obstacles, but it has gotten me to where I am today. Even though there are more obstacles that remain, I am determined to get to where I want to go. Currently at Metropolitan State University of Denver, I am majoring in Broadcast Journalism. During the summer before my junior year of high school, I was diagnosed on the autism spectrum with Asperger's. Even though that was a huge speed bump and a life-changing experience, I was not determined to let my disability define me. Having this diagnosis pushed me to work harder, to persevere, and it all influenced who I am today. I chose to major in Journalism because of its connection to photography. Ever since my grandmother gave me a handheld Kodak camera in elementary school, I have fallen in love with photography because it lets people see the world through my point of view and angle. In high school, I was on the yearbook staff from sophomore to senior year, and there I learned key journalism skills, including interviewing people, covering events, taking pictures, and digital storytelling. I chose journalism because I fell in love with storytelling, and getting to tell stories from this time, from another's perspective who may not have a voice to tell it, and to make sure they are heard. I want to make a positive social impact in my career in journalism, not only as a journalist on the autism spectrum, but showing others who have a disability, not necessarily on the autism spectrum, but other disabilities, they too have a voice, and they too can have a career in whatever they choose, if they put the hard work, perseverance, and dedication to it. Currently, Leland Vittert of NewsNation is one of the few journalists on the Autism Spectrum, and that inspires me, seeing that he has overcome obstacles and barriers. I hope to show the next generation that they, too, can break any barriers in their lives. Another area I have considered working in journalism to have a positive social impact is politics. There aren't many people on the spectrum in politics, and I would love to be a role model and positive influence in the field, helping those looking for an outlet to stand up for their beliefs and values, working in political communication. As they say, "Be the change you want to see." Lastly, another idea I had for a career in journalism is fulfilling a lifelong dream: working for the Colorado Rockies in broadcasting as a baseball broadcaster. Ever since I was a little boy, I had a dream of working for the hometown team. During my junior year of high school, in my English class, we had an assignment to write a resume for a future job we wanted, and I chose to write it for a sportswriter, particularly in baseball. Regardless of where I land in the field of journalism, using my Broadcast Journalism degree, I hope to use my skills as a communicator, photographer, interviewer, and multimedia to make a positive impact not only on my community but on those around the country. I want the people I tell stories to feel like they have a voice and that they matter as human beings and members of our society. As a born-again Christian, I want my positive social impact to touch those I meet and those in my community for years to come.