I have learned that overcoming adversity is at the core of who I am. Born at 24 weeks, I died twice as a baby and spent three months in the NICU. I had open heart surgery at two weeks old, intestinal surgery at six months, and was later diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy (CP). I also manage asthma, ADHD, anxiety, depression, and allergies. I take daily medication to help with these conditions. I am a part of the LGBTQ+ Community and identify as a Non-Binary Asexual Panromantic. My home life is demanding. My mother has lupus, bipolar disorder, and depression. She often requires physical assistance. I help by cleaning, cooking, and massaging her when necessary. I am the primary caregiver for my older brother, who has nonverbal Autism, ADHD, CP, and Pica. My responsibilities include preparing him for school, bathing him, assisting with toileting, and preparing food. His behavioral challenges, such as aggression or running away, require immediate attention. Though my caregiving role can be overwhelming, I have learned not to dwell on bad days. When I am struggling, I remind myself that facing these challenges head-on is essential for personal growth and future goals. ADHD can be an invisible disorder, but the adversity I face is real. Having lived through both external and internal struggles, I understand the importance of resilience. I am proud of my disabilities; they are part of what makes me unique. Overcoming these challenges has given me the strength to help others, and I share my experiences through advocacy and community service. I have been actively involved in Autism Acceptance Projects and LGBTQ+ activities. As a virtual Autism Advocate for Luv Michael, I have worked to promote awareness and acceptance. In my role as a tutor/mentor for Student Support Services, I organized a Neurodiversity Celebration Event and collaborated with other departments on campus. I also served as co-president of my school’s Sexuality and Gender Acceptance (SAGA) club, where I helped organize events, moderate online communities, and promote inclusivity. Currently, I am the Director of Marketing and Neurodiversity Coordinator for PRIDE on campus, and I am part of a project that helps neurodivergent students in the local community. These experiences have reinforced my desire to help others who feel marginalized or “different” in society. My inspiration for pursuing a career in psychology comes from my family. Watching my brother face daily challenges has made me realize how easily his difficulties could have been my own. I am also deeply moved by my mother’s struggles with mental illness, which has fueled my passion to combat the stigma surrounding mental health and improve the quality of care available to those who need it. My interest in psychology began through my brother’s doctor visits, educational experiences, and therapy sessions. I remember sitting through his ABA appointments and thinking, "I want to do this when I grow up." As I progressed through high school, this interest solidified into a career goal. I have always wanted to be a part of the solution for those struggling with mental health issues, neurodivergence, and societal stigma. I want to help improve the support systems available to those in need. I envision a future where I can help queer, neurodivergent, and mentally unwell individuals find acceptance and the support they deserve. My personal journey has shaped my understanding of these issues. I want to use my knowledge and experiences to make a positive impact in society. My goal is to be an advocate for mental health and neurodiversity, helping others feel seen, heard, and understood, just as I strive to do every day.

I have learned that overcoming adversity is at the core of who I am. Born at 24 weeks, I died twice as a baby and spent three months in the NICU. I had open heart surgery at two weeks old, intestinal surgery at six months, and was later diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy (CP). I also manage asthma, ADHD, anxiety, depression, and allergies. I take daily medication to help with these conditions. I am a part of the LGBTQ+ Community and identify as a Non-Binary Asexual Panromantic. My home life is demanding. My mother has lupus, bipolar disorder, and depression. She often requires physical assistance. I help by cleaning, cooking, and massaging her when necessary. I am the primary caregiver for my older brother, who has nonverbal Autism, ADHD, CP, and Pica. My responsibilities include preparing him for school, bathing him, assisting with toileting, and preparing food. His behavioral challenges, such as aggression or running away, require immediate attention. Though my caregiving role can be overwhelming, I have learned not to dwell on bad days. When I am struggling, I remind myself that facing these challenges head-on is essential for personal growth and future goals. ADHD can be an invisible disorder, but the adversity I face is real. Having lived through both external and internal struggles, I understand the importance of resilience. I am proud of my disabilities; they are part of what makes me unique. Overcoming these challenges has given me the strength to help others, and I share my experiences through advocacy and community service. I have been actively involved in Autism Acceptance Projects and LGBTQ+ activities. As a virtual Autism Advocate for Luv Michael, I have worked to promote awareness and acceptance. In my role as a tutor/mentor for Student Support Services, I organized a Neurodiversity Celebration Event and collaborated with other departments on campus. I also served as co-president of my school’s Sexuality and Gender Acceptance (SAGA) club, where I helped organize events, moderate online communities, and promote inclusivity. Currently, I am the Director of Marketing and Neurodiversity Coordinator for PRIDE on campus, and I am part of a project that helps neurodivergent students in the local community. These experiences have reinforced my desire to help others who feel marginalized or “different” in society. My inspiration for pursuing a career in psychology comes from my family. Watching my brother face daily challenges has made me realize how easily his difficulties could have been my own. I am also deeply moved by my mother’s struggles with mental illness, which has fueled my passion to combat the stigma surrounding mental health and improve the quality of care available to those who need it. My interest in psychology began through my brother’s doctor visits, educational experiences, and therapy sessions. I remember sitting through his ABA appointments and thinking, "I want to do this when I grow up." As I progressed through high school, this interest solidified into a career goal. I have always wanted to be a part of the solution for those struggling with mental health issues, neurodivergence, and societal stigma. I want to help improve the support systems available to those in need. I envision a future where I can help queer, neurodivergent, and mentally unwell individuals find acceptance and the support they deserve. My personal journey has shaped my understanding of these issues. I want to use my knowledge and experiences to make a positive impact in society. My goal is to be an advocate for mental health and neurodiversity, helping others feel seen, heard, and understood, just as I strive to do every day.

I desire to help others who are unfortunately seen as “different” in society. Therefore, my inspiration for my career path is my brother, myself, and my mother. I see, understand, and help with my older brother's challenges. His many difficulties could have very easily been mine. My mom shares her unfortunate experiences with the mental hospital, which fuels my passion to assist with the stigma surrounding not only those who suffer from mental disabilities but the quality of mental health resources available. For my ADHD, I have a 504 plan and receive accommodations, but since it’s not that “noticeable,” I’m seen as neurotypical. I became interested in psychology due to a string of events; I initially learned of my passion through my brother’s doctors' appointments, testing, and educational experiences, but it solidified through my high school years. I remember sitting through my brother's ABA home appointments and thinking, “I would like to do this when I grow up.” I would like to continue to help others who are queer, neurodivergent, mentally unwell and individuals who don’t fit into society’s “normal” in my career goals as well. I’m double majoring with a BA in Psychology (with plans to achieve a MS in the 4+1 Applied Behavior Analysis Accelerated Program), a BA in Integrated Studies (Astronomy, Entrepreneurship, and Leadership and Communication in Organizations), and an LGBTQ+ Certificate. My top career goal is to be a clinical psychologist with my own practice and have an adult ABA therapy facility. My backup plan is to be a Space Psychologist at NASA. With these credentials, I plan to continuously grow my career goals. I was fighting for my life before I was a day old, but God wanted me to live for a reason. Although I faced several adversities, growing up was the biggest one I had to face. I did not have much of a childhood. I have had to grow up and mature much faster than my peers. It was a difficult pill to swallow and admit to myself. Ever since my parents divorced, my mentally disabled mom relied on me to help out with my brother even more than before. Fast forward to my senior year. I dreaded my final year of high school and the fact that I was graduating; I cried during my last week of school because I felt as if I was not ready. It went by too fast, and I could not enjoy it fully. While on graduation day, I should have been happy because it was an accomplishment. It did not feel like that for me. I have always loved school and having connections with the teachers. Unfortunately, change is inevitable. Through this experience, I realized that although change is good, I am also scared of it. After my graduation ceremony, I realized in the Senate parking lot that I had cheated death twice at the ripe age of 18! By the grace of God, I was still living, breathing, and ready for what was next. My motto to get me through the most challenging situations, “Not even death could hold me back!” This quote motivates me when I let my mind, depression, ADHD, school, parents, work, etc, get the best of me to persevere. Realizing that made me feel like I could tackle any difficult obstacle life had for me. I can not let anything, not even myself, stand in the way of whatever astronomical outcome is ahead of me. This scholarship is important to me because I understand and have studied Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. My psychology background makes me knowledgeable regarding the fact that students are only successful if they have their basic needs met. These funds would allow me to focus solely on my academic progress without needing to worry if I have a roof over my head, where my next meal is coming from, ensuring that my emotional support dog is taken care of, or other living-related expenses that I have to cover.

The Astronomical and Unknown Struggles of My Life I was born at just 24 wks. After birth, I was placed in the NICU for three months, and I had open heart surgery at 2 wks old, along with major intestinal surgery at just six months. I also have mild CP and underwent physical therapy for many years. I take pills to treat asthma, ADHD+an inhaler. My mom has lupus, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety. Sometimes needs my physical assistance, like cleaning our entire house, massaging her back with my feet, and cooking. This also includes being a caregiver for my older brother, who suffers from severe nonverbal Autism, pica, and CP. I prepare him for school, bathe him, put his clothes on, and prepare his food. He also has behavioral challenges, like running away or being aggressive, which I must help mitigate. He is not potty trained, so I regularly change him. Even considering all of those astronomical elements, I realize that I may seem fine on the outside, but on the inside, I am struggling. I was stressed out this year, especially when my 4 AP exams were coming up. I have trouble comprehending+managing my executive dysfunction(a vicious I go through where 1~Any task=Can not do it. 2~Trying the task=3~Mentally/emotionally draining 3=4~Mini mental breaks 4=5~Being mad at myself+time wasted. 6~Attempting the task again=7~Mad at myself again because all I had to do was start the task. 8~Result=upset, stressed, overwhelmed, can not focus) and constantly asking questions that irritate my classmates(I do not care about that, my mom taught me that “no question is a dumb question, the only dumb question is the one you don’t ask”). There have been times when I have wanted to give up and questioned if any of this is worth it, and sometimes I let my disability define me. I am genuinely proud of my disabilities. Not ashamed of them!! They are what make me, me. They have got me to the point I am at now, so I have come to terms with the challenges. Because, honestly, if you think about it, me/my disabilities are one in the same, astronomically unique in our way. But, I persevere through those challenges by changing my perspective and using my resources. I use a planner to manage my time better, and my outlook on everything now is that all the stress and hard work will pay off astronomically when it is over. How did I overcome it?? I did not. It is impossible. I am still dealing with it, but the fact that I am perseverant and that I did not give up when I had an opportunity a long time ago is what keeps me going. I like to tackle challenges, not run away from them. I have experienced both sides of the story, coping with something you can not control. If my knowledge/experience can help others somehow, I will continue to do that. I will give back to my community by bringing awareness/acceptance to Psychology, Special Education, and Business+volunteering where needed. I am pursuing a BA in Psychology & Integrated Studies(Astronomy, Entrepreneurship, and Lea./Comm. in Org.)& an LGBTQ+ Certificate. My Psychology major, I will also participate in the 4+1 ABA Accelerated Program, where in 1 year, I’ll have a BA in Psychology and a Master’s in ABA. Then, I plan to get a Ph.D. in Psychology. With my LGBTQ+Certificate, I will continue to be an LGBTQ+ Activist and branch off into more opportunities when they arise. My career goals are to be a Space Psychologist at NASA/run my own tutoring business for individuals with Autism/disabilities.

I died twice as a baby… BUT this isn’t about me!! It is about my astronomical passion for people with Autism/disabilities and individuals who are a part of the LGBTQ+ community. I was born at just 24 wks. After birth, I was placed in the NICU for three months, and I had open heart surgery at 2 wks old, along with major intestinal surgery at just six months. I also have mild CP and went to physical therapy for many years. I take four pills daily to treat asthma, ADHD, and other physical conditions and use an inhaler. I’m a part of the LGBTQ+ Community; I identify as a Non-Binary Asexual Panromantic with they/she pronouns. My home life is quite hectic. My mom has lupus, bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety, and she often needs physical assistance from me, like cleaning our entire house and cooking. This also includes helping and being a paid caregiver to my older 19-year-old brother, who suffers from severe nonverbal Autism, pica, ADHD, and CP. I have to prepare him for school, bathe him, put his clothes on, and prepare his food. He also has behavioral challenges, like running away or being aggressive, which I must help mitigate. He’s not potty trained, so I help regularly change him. Another thing is my mom tells me about her experiences with the mental hospital, and they aren’t good. I also notice how people automatically assume she’s crazy, which isn’t the case. For my ADHD, I have a 504 plan and receive accommodations, but since it’s not that “noticeable,” I’m seen as neurotypical. Something I make sure no one ever says is the “r-word” (retarded). I found it utterly offensive, and there’s no need to say it. One thing I don’t understand is if we as a society can accept the fact that a once wild animal and now domesticated animal (dogs) can interact with us and we love them as if they are humans, when in fact they are entirely different from us, why can’t we do the same thing with our species?? I said all that to say that I desire to help others who are unfortunately seen as “different” in society. Autism-related school activities ~ Autism Acceptance slideshows, I wore blue for the whole month of April; I’m a virtual Autism Advocate with Luv Michael; I helped my brother fundraise for his school’s foundation, the Lyman foundation, I got the park across from my street to put up Autism caution signs. I was also a PACK (Peers Assisting with Caring and Kindness) Mentor, where I assisted my special needs peers in their class. LGBTQ+ related activities-SAGA (Sexuality and Gender Acceptance)-member and co-president -helped moderate school discord server, helped organize and plan events, and promoted self-love, acceptance, and respect. I’m double majoring with a BA in Psychology (with an MS in the 4+1 Applied Behavior Analysis Accelerated Program), and BA in Integrated Studies (Astronomy, Entrepreneurship, and Leadership and Communication in Organizations) and an LGBTQ+ Certificate. My career goals are to be a Space Psychologist at NASA, be a psychologist with my practice, be an Autism Advocate, be an LGBTQ+ Activist, and run my own tutoring business for individuals with Autism/disabilities. With my Ph.D. in Psychology, MS in ABA, Concentration in Astronomy, Lea. & Comm. in Org., and my LGBTQ+ Certificate not only do I plan to pursue my career goals. But also to help others who are queer, neurodivergent, mentally unwell, and just individuals who don’t fit into society’s “normal.” And ensure that we have a voice and are heard by society.

My Astronomical and Chaotic Mathematician Journey My favorite artist, Ariana Grande, astronomically stated, “Math class never was good.” Well, that was always the opposite for me, well, mostly. In 7th grade, I used to struggle with my math class. I asked many questions, and I used to feel embarrassed by the remarks people would make when I kept asking questions because I did not understand. My mom always told me, “No question is a dumb question. The dumb question is the one you do not ask”. Looking back, I am glad I was inquisitive and persistent in furthering my understanding and learning because it helped me with my mathematical success now. In 8th grade, I would work ahead on the assignments and complete them overnight. My math teacher noticed that and realized how well I was doing. He suggested that I take Algebra 1. I tried the course in the middle of the 1st semester, and I did not pass. I passed the 2nd semester, but since I did not pass the first, I had to retake the class. Retaking Algebra 1 had its' advantages. My teacher noticed my ambition and how I always finished my work early and aced everything that she offered me to test out of geometry (to take AP Calc my senior year). I took her lovely suggestion and studied the whole summer during the COVID shutdown and through my 10th-grade year (virtual), so that was a struggle, especially since I was taking Algebra 2 and studying for Geometry. Coincidentally, my Algebra 2 teacher also taught Geometry, so since I was acing her class and helping my classmates and her (doing the work early to catch any errors) when needed, she gave me her Geometry resources to continue studying over the summer into my junior year. In addition to what I said above, she introduced me to a Math summer paid internship called “Tri~County Culturally Responsive Mathematics Summer Institute.” Thanks to her, I have been a part of it for three years and have been helping to make Math tasks for the curriculum to be more culturally inclusive + relevant during the school year. My Math journey went astronomical ever since and taking AP Calculus this year, was not easy, but I loved it!! I want to be a Space Psychologist at NASA and run a tutoring business for individuals with Autism/disabilities. I already have a virtual tutoring business assisting students in Math, Science, and Spanish. I have always loved Math; the thought brings me joy. I often procrastinate on more critical tasks to do Math; that is my passion. Math is essential to our everyday lives, but essentially, it is important to me because it keeps me sane. With my ADHD, I experience Executive Dysfunction (a behavioral symptom that interferes with someone’s ability to deal with thoughts, emotions, and actions.), where I fall into a cycle of having a task to do and attempting the task. Still, I tend to overthink, get overwhelmed, and hate myself for wasting time on my mini-mental breakdowns or taking a break (activities produce dopamine for me like math), when I could have been doing the task. With Math, I do not experience that cycle because it takes me over the moon and is consistent. Yes, there are different ways to solve math problems. Still, ultimately it gets you to the same answer, and I would use my unique way to solve it, which I find to be astronomical because knowing that I can do things differently than everyone else + still get the same answer makes math more extraordinary!!

Have you ever wondered what it is like to have a sibling with Autism? I do not have to wonder that is my life. My brother has Autism, and there are many challenges and accomplishments with him every day. My brother is the very reason why I am interested in joining the Luv Michael Volunteer Program because he truly inspires me to want to help and raise awareness for others with Autism. My massive passion for anyone with Autism or disabilities and firsthand experience allows me to understand that there are unfortunately everyday challenges for them, and a simple task for us could be extremely difficult for them. I want to be a part of this program because this is an awesome opportunity for them. Everyone with Autism is on different parts of the spectrum, my brother is on the lower-functioning side of it. So, this is sadly an opportunity he would not be able to be involved in and enjoy (at this time), but others can. For those who can, it will bring me joy to see them enjoying themselves and experience something they may have thought they could not before. I want to help them experience and enjoy this opportunity, especially since not everyone with Autism may be able to do so. Also, so they can feel like they matter, and are making a difference. To show they are more than what they were diagnosed with and can make a huge impact in many lives despite their challenges.