This guest post is by Kamauri Cowsen, a young man on the autism spectrum who is currently attending Elmhurst College. Kamauri is applying for the Spring 2019 Making a Difference Autism Scholarship via the nonprofit KFM Making a Difference. You can read more about the organization and how to apply for our scholarship here. You can help our scholarship program continue to help these students by making a donation to our scholarship fund here (the majority of our scholarship program is ran through donors from our community such as yourself so no matter if you could donate anything, whether it be $5 anywhere up to $5,000 it would be making a difference!).
My name is Kamauri Cowsen.
I live in Calumet City the South Suburb of Chicago. I have (ASD) Asperger Syndrome Disorder. A disability umbrella under Autism Spectrum. I have faced many struggles, socially and academically. In junior high, I struggle with making friends. I struggled with unsatisfactory grades, I struggled with communication with my teachers and family members. I felt I was different but I didn’t know why. At the age of 10 I was diagnosed with ASD. With the support of family members Special Ed Teachers at my junior high school, I began to slowly improve upon entering high school.
The past years I have improved tremendously in both areas. I have developed good study habits, I’m no longer afraid to ask questions and I help others who struggles socially and academically.
During my Freshman year in high school, I began to make great strides, I joined the football team where I was chosen to be captain; I was name student of the month, and I made the Honor Roll in my first semester.
Throughout high school, my academic and social journey continued to improve so much that many of my peers looked at me as a mentor! During my Senior year in high school, I earned a starting position on the Varsity Football Team. I have come a long way from not being sociable at all to being a mentor, a team player, and a hard worker, who is disciplined, dedicated and always giving 110% to getting all work and assignments completed. I graduated on May 17, 2018 with an ending Grade point Average of 2.59.
On December 19, 2017, I received my acceptance letter into the ELSA program at Elmhurst College.
My first semester in college, I continue to beat the odds of my disability. I’ve improved with my social and academic skills. I’ve learned how to live independently and I completed this first semester with a 3.625 GPA out of a possible 4.0.
I also made the Football team where I was quickly recognized for my ability to work hard and play hard for a position. I started off on the Offensive line but was quickly recognized for my strength and speed and given the opportunity to play Defensive Lineman.
My goal is to graduate in the next 3 years and work in the capacity of being a Motivational Speaker and mentoring individuals with disabilities. I’ve developed a motto that I live by and that motto is “Stay Focused and be Determined”. I am determined to be successful and be a positive example for others who struggle with the ASD or other disabilities.
Kerry Magro, a professional speaker and best-selling author who is also on the autism spectrum started the nonprofit KFM Making a Difference in 2011 to help students with autism receive scholarship aid to pursue a post-secondary education. Help us continue to help students with autism go to college by making a tax-deductible donation to our nonprofit here.
Also, consider having Kerry, one of the only professionally accredited speakers on the spectrum in the country, speak at your next event by sending him an inquiry here. If you have a referral for someone who many want him to speak please reach out as well! Kerry speaks with schools, businesses, government agencies, colleges, nonprofit organizations, parent groups and other special events on topics ranging from employment, how to succeed in college with a learning disability, internal communication, living with autism, bullying prevention, social media best practices, innovation, presentation best practices and much more!
We’d also appreciate if you could take a minute to create a Facebook Fundraiser to support our nonprofit’s scholarship fund! You can learn more about how you can do just that here.
Kamauri is such and awesome young man and I am so proud of him. I have always known that he would excel despite the challenges. Keep pushing to accomplish all of your goals, Kamauri!
Kamauri you neve ceases to amaze me, as your mother, when I recognized you had a special quality to always find the positive sides to situations. I am so blessed to take this journey with you as you continue to grow and make great strides. I sittl remember you comforting me when I felt kids were teasing you because of your disability and you came to me and said “Ma that do not bother me because I’m going to be successful”! I was so proud that you did not let the comments and teasing deter you form reaching your goal! I am one proud momma.. Keep doing what you are doing!
Kamauri, I am so proud of the young man you are. You have set your goals on high & have succeeded above all odds I Love your determination. As you continue with your education stand tall, proud and know that you can do anything you put your mind to.
You have done outstanding job by working & stidying hard & not be ashamed to ask questions to better yourself. Congratulations on staying focus.
#YouRockKamauri
Way to go Kamauri! Congratulations on your accomplishments. Keep up the good work. You are AMAZING.
Kamauri you are the ultimate example of what hard work and dedication looks like, I am so proud and honored to have known you since birth. I want to encourage you to keep GOD first and everything else will follow.
Kamauri life is short so contine to enjoy life to the fullest. Godmom/Auntie Kandee loves you to pieces.
I am so very proud of your accomplishments and that you let nothing stop you from moving forward staying focused and being determined that’s what life’s about it is so important that you spoke your truth and that you’re comfortable in the skin that you’re in now moving forward to Greatness I thought that your story was phenomenal I really enjoyed reading it so keep up the greatness I see success in your future
CONGRATULATIONS on all of your accomplishments. I wish you much success throughout your life. Continue to be great at what you are doing!!
I have watched you throughout your early school years and you have accomplished some great things. From the classroom to the football field!! May you continue to reach your goals and dreams!!! You’re proving it that you can do whatever you set out to do!! Congratulations!!
Congratulations Kamari,
Continue to strive for success and stay in pray and God will lead the way.
I will praying for you. And I know success will follow.
Love you
Auntie Erline
CONGRATS KERRY
Kamauri is an awesome young man and I look forward to watching him grow into an even more amazing young man and sharing his testimony with so many people in the world.
Kamauri has worked so hard and come so far. I am so proud of him and his accomplishments and I’m looking forward to more great things for him.
I’m so incredibly proud of you cousin! Keep going
What an inspiration to us all and we so appreciate you Kamauri for being a positive role model, mentor and awesome young man. Continued blessings on this and every future goal.
So proud of this young man’s accomplishments and the courage to tell his story.
OUTSTANDING JOB Kumari. I am so very proud of you and impressed by your drive and determination! You are an inspiration to many and I know you’ll continue to not only beat but defy the odds. You’re amazing and I appreciate your move to action attitude. Continue to Soar…there are no limitations!
Great Job!
So very proud of my baby brother I wish u continued success on your journey.
Great Job!! Keep overcoming your obstacles!!!