This guest post is by Charles Clifford Samson, III a young man on the autism spectrum who will be attending Southeastern Louisiana University in the Fall. Charles is applying for our Spring 2018 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 here (the majority of our scholarship program is ran through donors from our community such as yourself).
Charles Clifford Samson, III was born into this world on a warm summer day in August of 2000. He hit every developmental milestone at just the right time, so you can imagine how surprised his parents were when he ended his second grade school year and his teacher told them that she thought Charles may have autism.
Fast forward to present day 2018 and I have surprised even myself on my journey of growing up with autism. My journey hasn’t always been easy, but honestly for me it hasn’t been that bad. I think it has been harder for my parent’s as they saw the differences or struggles between me and my neuro-typical siblings. When my Mom talked to me about having high functioning autism (Asperger’s Syndrome) it didn’t seem to faze me. I didn’t really feel different and honestly, I still don’t.
I did go through different types of therapies growing up for my fine motor skills for my handwriting that was not spaced properly, social skills to learn how to have empathy and speak without being so monotone, and gross motor skills to also help me with my muscle tone all of which helped me when I was younger. When I got to high school though, I asked if I could quit being pulled out of class for therapy because I felt like that made me more “different” than I actually felt I was. It was embarrassing to be pulled out of class and I didn’t like missing the class time and having to make up the work I missed. I didn’t feel like I needed the therapy at that point because I honestly felt like I was just fine the way I was. My mom agreed to not having me pulled out even though she wasn’t sure it was best for me, but she did and still does have teachers and therapists watching out for me to be sure I am socializing and interacting with others appropriately as social skills have been my biggest hurdle to get over. I am pleased to say that over the last few years I have made great improvement in socializing with friends even though outside of school I still prefer to be by myself more.
I interact with teachers and other adults in my life much better than I did previously although I know I still have work to do in this area. I plan to become a teacher when I finish college so I know I will definitely have to continue to work on my public speaking and talking with my peers. But for now, I am improving from where I was as this school year I have even come out of my comfort zone by volunteering to present projects first in class, as well as getting in front of the camera conducting interviews in my digital media class (which I never thought I would want to do).
I really don’t talk about being autistic as I don’t let it define me and I don’t want people to look at me differently, but I definitely am proud of the accomplishments I’ve made with the skills I needed to improve and I know that if I set my mind to it I will continue to make progress and that I can achieve anything I set my mind to.
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 contacting him here.
Great essay! Best of luck to you, Charles!
Great job!
Inspiring story! You can do it!
Thank you for sharing about yourself and your journey growing up, Charles. Your determination will help you get through college successfully. I have no doubt you will be an excellent teacher. Wishing you all the best!
I’ve never met you, Charles, but can tell from your essay that you are a special young man who knows what he wants. It’s pretty amazing that you told your mom that you didn’t want to feel different and that she trusted you to know that It was best for you to be with your class. You have set a goal for yourself and I know you will reach It. I hope you are awarded the scholarship because you sound very worthy of It. Best of luck!
Awesome Charles. U are such a inspiration !! What a great young man you are. Good luck I know you will be very successful!! Great job also mom and dad!! ❤️
Inspiring young man. Best of luck, Charles!
Very well written! Good luck! Never let anyone or anything stand in the way of your dreams! Reach for the stars!!!
Charles thank you for sharing your story. As a former S.W.E. teacher, I am happy to hear of your success. Best wishes to you!
A very moving essay. Keep up the good work Charles
Thank you for sharing, Charles. You’re an inspiration!!
Having a child with Autism the number one thing I have noticed in the school system is there isn’t anyone with Autism. Sure there are therapists and social workers, but with the amount of children struggling with Autism there needs to be someone who understands. I am in full support of this young man’s dream to becoming a teacher!
Thank you for sharing this!
What an inspiration. Charles you are amazing. I know your hard work and dedication will help you reach your goals. You are and always have been an amazing young man. Good luck and blessings to you.
Good luck and God bless! You’re amazing, Charles!
Great accomplishments! Wishing you all the best in your endeavors.
Great job Charles! So very inspiring. There are great things in store for you.
I am currently fighting the teachers my 2nd grader has now bc of his ASD AND SPD behavior. I feel like they truly don’t understand bc they are not in his shoes Charles I pray God leads you to make a change as a teacher and make school a little more comfortable for students on the spectrum.
Hi Charles! What an inspiring essay! Good luck to you. You’ll make a great teacher!
It is very brave and motivating for you to be so honest. As a mom of a son with high functioning autism, you inspire me to know you will have a successful future. And as a fellow teacher, I wish you all the best in your career choice. We need more passionate educators who understand unique differences in our children. It sounds like you will do a great job. Good luck!
What an amazing testimony of how you have and are continuing to overcome obstacles. I know of a few friends with young children who have autism and YOUR story and determination is inspiring. Keep pressing Charles! Best wishes and sending prayers for many blessings!
What an inspiration!!! Great article!
What an inspiration! Great article!!
Very proud of you Charles! Best of luck to you.
I am so proud of you Charles! This is very well written.
LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS!
You are blessed to have heard the call early in life and I wish much joy and success on your journey!
Great Job!!! Great inspirational story!,, good luck Charles
Charles,
It has been such a pleasure and honor watching you grow into the amazing young man you have become. Scott and I are so proud of the accomplishments you have made and think you will be the best teacher ever!
Keep up the great work and we cannot wait to see what the future holds for you.
Love,
Scott and Michelle Schroll
Charles, I am a retired teacher after 35 years in the public elementary schools. What you are preparing for is admirable. I wish you well in your efforts to succeed in a field that requires much social interaction. May God help you in your endeavor!
Very well written. You have accomplished so much. You will be an awesome teacher;; one filled with compassion, love and respect for your students.
What an inspiration! Best of luck to you!
Your story is beautiful it’s amazing to see how far you have come! Don’t ever sell yourself short you can do anything you put your mind to!
Charles, I am extremely proud of you. I am a teacher and have several autistic children in my classes. You will make a huge difference in the lives of those kids who have autism. Your live experience and understanding will be invaluable to those you teach that also are on the spectrum, and others as well. There will be no better role model than you. What many do not know is those with autism are extremely smart and can do exceedingly well through out school and college. I know you are one of those. I know you will do exceedingly well in college and in you life beyond. You are a great example. You deserve this scholarship.
Amazin Charles!! Well done !!
Keep up the great work Charles. Show them what you got!
Keep up the good work Charles! Show them what you’ve got
Charles, you are an amazing young man!! You will succeed in life no doubt!! You have an amazing support system with your parents and with your attitude and goals, thecskybis the limit!!
Charles, I’m so happy for you. Happy you persevered and you’re chasing your dream. Happy that you plan to dedicate your life to the enrichment of others. Happy for the future students you’ll guide and influence to choose their path. You’ll be great, I know it!
Good Luck Charles!
Charles, as an educator I commend you for your drive, passion and desire to want to be a teacher. In the education world we all know it takes a special person with a special heart to hear the call, heed it and see it to the end. I hope you win this prestigious honor so you can fulfill your dream. I’d love to meet you one day and hug your sweet neck.
Your perseverance will surely pay off.
God speed to you, my education brother.
Good Luck Charles! Wonderful story!
Soooo awesome!!!! Way to go!!!!
Good Luck Charles! You inspire many!
Good luck!
Keep up the good work! What an inspiration!
Proud of you, Charles! Good luck with your future plans.
You’re an inspiration and a testament of why we shouldn’t limit those with disabilities.
Hope you win!!! Congrats
Amazing. You have such a bright future ahead of you. Good luck.
Charles, I believe there are three areas where you will have an impact on the world. Becoming a teacher is an excellent choice because you will have insights into your students that others might not have. You can also be an excellent role model to inspire others in overcoming their own individual struggles.
And lastly, you can help people understand autism better which you have very well in this essay. Thank you for writing it and good luck in college!
I AM EXTREMELY PROUD OF YOU CHARLES; KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK. REMEMBER THAT YOU CAN BE ANYTHING YOU WANT TO BE IN LIFE. KEEP GOD FIRST AND WATCH EVERYTHING ELSE FALL IN LINE. THE SKY IS THE LIMIT AN YOU ARE YOUR ONLY COMPETITION❤️
#ISALUTEYOU
Charles, you are an inspiration to all of us and have a bright future ahead of you.
Thank you for sharing your story Charles. It is wonderful to see that a young man won’t let Autism define his life, but will work with himself and the world to be the best person he can.
Great essay Charles! Love you
What an inspirational story! Best of luck in all of your endeavors! You will make a wonderful teacher!
So inspirational and well written. Great job Charles!
I enjoyed reading your essay Charles. I am inspired by your honesty and courage! You are absolutely right, never let our situation define us. I believe with that type of attitude you will achieve anything you set your mind to!
Every human being has so much to learn from others that think a little different from the supposed norm. You will make the world a better place in teaching and showing others you can.
Great job . What an amazing young man . You have great things in your future .
BIG CONGRATULATIONS, Charles! You’re an inspiration! You will excel in being a teacher! I’m proud of you my GRAND NEPHEW!
Very deserved of an opportunity to make another dream come true. Best wishes!
God bless you, Charles! You will be an awesome teacher!!
Way to go Charles!! Awesome article!
I AM EXTREMELY PROUD OF YOU CHARLES; KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK. REMEMBER THAT YOU CAN BE ANYTHING YOU WANT TO BE IN LIFE. KEEP GOD FIRST AND WATCH EVERYTHING ELSE FALL IN LINE. THE SKY IS THE LIMIT AN YOU ARE YOUR ONLY COMPETITION
#ISALUTEYOU
Congratulations Charles and wishing you the best of luck.
Best wishes sir!!! Don’t let anyone ever tell you what you can and cannot do… Prayers in your journey
Great job Charles you have a bright future ahead of you!
Great job Charles!
Charles, you will make an excellent teacher. Your intelligence & compassion is very evident in your essay. I wish you the best on your journey.
Wonderful story and well written!! I hope all your dreams come true, congratulations!
What an inspiration! You have a wonderful future ahead of you. Keep it up! We need more people like you to show kids that hard work really does pay off. Good luck!
Great job Charles, love you
What a well written piece! Charles, you are an amazing young man and I know God has an incredible fur tire planned for you.
I stand behind you 100% Charles! You’re already amazing though you may not know it yet. You make all of your family so proud! The world needs your voice so desperately. Please never stop being yourself! Students will be honored to be taught by you one day.
This essay is such an inspiration to so many people. Great job Charles! So proud of you and the great young man you have become!
Your story is so inspiring, Charles. I am a fourth grade teacher and have taught several autistic students during my teaching years. I always had high hopes for them and hearing your story makes me realize that anything is possible if you believe in yourself! Good luck in your teaching career. We need great many great teachers!
What a great story! Good luck Charles
Awesome job Charles! Can’t wait to see what great things you accomplish in the future.
Great job Charles!!!
What an inspiration for everyone that has some kind of learning, social disability. Thank you for sharing your story
Wonderful essay Charles. You are an inspirational young man that will become an excellent teacher. I hope you receive the scholarship and am sure you will succeed in anything you choose to do.
Great article
Congratulations on such great progress and a great essay. It would be nice if everyone had the wisdom and courage to realize their weaknesses, and even more courage and determination to overcome them. You have the type of attitude that can accomplish great things. Keep going!
I am so excited my nephew Charles has chosen to become an educator. I worked in the diocesan school system for over twenty years, so this has touched my heart! We are all so proud of Charles accomplishments! I know he is going to be an outstanding teacher and with this scholarship it will help him reach his goals.
Congratulations! You will make a great teacher. Best of luck at SLU
You and your words are very inspirational. I hope the very best for your future and your time at SLU!
I am so proud of the personal accomplishments that you have achieved in the last couple of years. Your inner strength and determination will get you through every hurdle that you encounter.
So proud to have watched this sweet, young man grow up. I still remember when he and my son were inseparable in elementary school. Congratulations on all you have accomplished, Charles! Good luck in college and beyond!
Congrats Charles on being such a strong person and someone who all can look up to! We are so proud of you and wish you much success at SLU!!! Love you more!
What an inspiring essay written by an inspiring young man! I’m a mother of two wonderful children who the world would say have special needs. They are also pulled from class to receive their therapy. They are still young but it’s nice to hear a intelligent young mans point of view. I let my children have the chance to dream big and they should be able to dream. As long as they work hard they will be rewarded. Charles I hope and pray that you get this scholarship as you are a determined young man who has worked hard for his dream. I can’t wait to hear what your future holds for you.
Charles is my nephew that has grown to be such a great young man! So very proud of him and his accomplishments! This scholarship is something he deserves because of his accomplishments!
Wonderful article Charles!! Keep the mindset you have and you will go far!! Praises to you for the courage you have!!
What a wonderful story of strength and support !! You will make such a huge difference in the lives of the students you teach especially if you show them that labels do not define you or what you can accomplish!!!
Charles,
Your maturity is impressive and your determination is inspirational. Continue to follow your heart! Best wishes.
Proud of you Charles Sampson! YOU are an inspiration to so many with your dedication to being YOURSELF and not letting anything get your way. Your positive perspective will be so nurturing in the classroom for your future students, to face any adversity with confidence & persistence! I look back on the last time I saw you (about 4 years ago) & spent some time with you, you were quiet and a little withdrawn before working on yourself— now reading your essay I am very impressed with the young man that speaks from his heart with zest, passion & assertiveness. Keep it up & we wish you the very best in your college career & starting with this amazing scholarship. Xos
Charles I cannot express to you enough in words how proud I am. And that you are pursuing a career in teaching makes me even more proud. To teach is telling the world that you care about our future. A teacher affects eternity. He can never tell where his influence stops. I love you and I know you will do well in whatever the future brings.
Wow! Charles sounds like an amazing young man. I think he should be awarded the “Making a Difference” scholarship so that he can go on to inspire others through his teaching.
I am so proud of your accomplishments! I look forward to watching you meet your goals!!
Congratulations and great job on all your hard work. Good luck at SLU!
Charles- love your perseverance! I see you as a great inspiration and role model to our youth. What better position to be in than a teacher!!
What an inspirational story Charles! Being familiar wilth Aspergers, I think it’s amazing that you can recognize and overcome the obstacles. I know it means putting yourself in social situations that aren’t always natural for you. I commend you for turning your autism into something positive! You will be a great teacher!
Charles is a remarkable young man. It is rare for young people to have the courage and self confidence to willingly place themselves outside their comfort zone. To do so for the purpose of better enabling himself to accomplish his goals conveys a sense of determination and resilience vital to success. I have no doubt Charles will be a success in whatever he chooses; and I am pleased Charles plans to be a teacher because he will teach more than the subject matter – he will also teach his students to be courageous, resilient and determined in what they want to do and who they want to become.
Charles is an EXCEPTIONAL young man and does not and will not allow a diagnosis to stop him from being the man he’s called to be. He will do great and be an awesome teacher! Show them how it’s done Charles!!
Charles, I believe your life is a great example of the power of a strong family and support system around a child. I know your entire extended family has been, and will continue to be surrounding you with Love and courage as you take the next step toward fulfilling your goals and dreams. I know God has great things in store for you!
Very nice job. If you keep working hard I’m sure you’ll do very well in college, and make an excellent teacher!
Charles, you are one amazing young man. I’m very proud of you! I know it wasn’t easy for you to open up and write about yourself but you did a wonderful job. Keep up the good work! The world is your oyster! 😀
What a wonderful job you’ve done, Charles! I can’t believe what an intelligent, handsome young man you’ve grown up to be. I wish you the best of luck at SLU. You’ve accomplished so much already. I know you’ll do great at college too!
Charles, that’s how you conquer life. You can do any thing you set your mind to. You deserve the best, and everyone will be there to support you.
Charles you are truly an inspiration to what can be accomplished regardless of the circumstances! So proud of you and look forward to seeing the next step in your journey!! Congratulations and wishing you the best in all your future endeavors! Praying you get this well deserved scholarship!!
Charles- I love your perseverance and think you will go far to motivate & teach others. Keep up the great work!
Great work, Charles!
What an interesting read! Good work on the essay Charles and best of luck at SLU.
I am so proud of Charles for all he has accomplished! Great job Charles!
What an amazing young man who has an even more amazing outlook on life.
Great essay, Charles! You are an inspiration to many. I wish you the best for your future and congratulate you for this achievement.
Wonderful article. Lion Up!! SLU is so fortunate to have you!
You have a great story and will be an inspiration to those who also struggle with social interactions. I will share your story with my son who has the same struggles. God bless you- you have a promising future!
Great job Charles. I worked with autistic children in college and your story warms my heart. You have already accomplished so much and I wish you many blessings on your future.
Keep up the good work and thank you for the insight into your journey.
Great post, Charles. You are capable of incredible things. Your hard work and perseverance is inspiring. You have so much to be proud of already, and I know you will continue to succeed. Keep it up!
I hope Charles gets this scholarship because we definitely need more teachers like him who can understand the differences that each student has. I have faith that he can work hard and accomplish anything that he puts his mind to.
So excited for his future!
What a fine young man! So proud of Charles
Go Charles!!!
Wow, Charles, just WOW!! I would love to have you as my teacher. Keep up the GREAT work.
I’m so proud of all you have accomplished Charles. You will be an AWESOME teacher because you are wise beyond your years, have the passion to touch lives, and demonstrate all the character traits students need to inspire them. Your family is also very supportive. Best of luck in your future endeavors to touch lives!!
That’s awesome! So proud of Charles!
So very proud of you, Charles. You and your parents have worked incredibly hard throughout your journey. You are a smart young man and will do and be anything you set your mind to.
What a well written and inspiring post. Such an inspiring young man.
What a great story, Best of luck!!
Tears are flowing now this is great. Good luck Charles you got this.
Charles, you are awesome
What a wonderful story Charles. I look forward to the day you become a teacher.
congratulations Charles! I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for you! Reach for the stars!
Great story! Charles is so smart, and he will make a great teacher.
What a powerful essay! The Education field would benefit greatly to have Charles as a teacher. His determination, strength in character and ability to overcome struggles cannot be taught through a textbook. It’s his wisdom from life experiences and ability to persevere that should be celebrated and shared! Congrats Charles on being an example for so many to follow. I admire you.
Charles is an amazing young man and has made my life better for him being in it. He is a blessing and his journey has taught me so much. He is determined to do the things he sets his mind to and I know he will be a success and I will always be his biggest cheerleader and fan! I am thankful that God chose me to be his mom!
So inspirational!
Great account of determination and accomplishment. I hope Charles gets the scholarship. It sounds like we could use many teachers like him.
Love that you want to inspire and impact future generations by becoming a teacher. Keep being a world changer, Charles.
Kenneth is my nephew. He’s always been a sweet kid. As he’s grown up, I’ve seen a difference in him. He’s become a smart & very focused young man. I know he will succeed in whatever he chooses to do.
I know the struggles of parenting a child with differences & social insecurities. Charles has met those challenges. He will make an amazing teacher, & his “different” students will see him as a mentor. I’m so proud of him, and my brother, sister -in—law, niece & nephews who have been an amazing support to him.
I’m sorry. In my first line, I used Charles’ brother’s name, Kenneth, and I couldn’t find a way to edit my post. Thanks
Great article Charles!! You are such a smart young man! Can’t wait to see what adulthood brings you especially after college. Your going to soar!’
Wonderful Charles! You will make an awesome teacher!
Charles, You have such a bright future! You will be a great teacher, I already see you as a role model for many, after reading your story. We will be cheering you on!
What a great program to help these young people. I have read Charles C Samson, Iii’s post and admire his inner courage and determination to pursue his education and social skills
Great Job Young Man!
Great essay. Charles is an awesome young man who has great potential to do wonderful things with his life. As one of Charles’ elementary teachers, I always knew he was very smart and had all opportunities to be successful.
Charles, you’re an inspiration to so many of us. Your perseverance is amazing.
Keep growing and helping those on the spectrum.
You are a gifted writer, communicator – a strong, humble and sincere person – and you will make a wonderful teacher!
This is an amazing young man and has overcome many obstacles along his journey! He has definitely come “out of his shell” per say despite “clinical” Autism diagnosis…..I find it really brave and conquering of him to strive to achieve such goals in which he will be amazing at! If the will is there we all can live our dreams……
Congratulations Charles and best of luck in all of your endeavors.
Congratulations Charles on having a goal for your future and working very hard to achieve it. You will be a great example for your students one day soon.
Charles, I think you are incredible. It has been a blessing to see you blossom throughout the years. You bring your parents so much joy. I wish you all the best!
Great job being introspective Charles! You are on the right track and definitely have what it takes to be a teacher and a role model.
Great job Charles!! You are so fortunate to have a mom and dad who were always so concerned about you and your progress!!! Best of luck at SLU!!
My daughter and Charles were in kindergarten thru second grade together at my school where I teach. He also grew up just down the street from me. Charles is s very sweet young man.
I am so proud of you, Charles. I remember well how important academics we’re to you even when you were in my fifth grade class. You would always ask questions until you clearly understood the skill. I am sure you will succeed at college, and I wish you all the best!
Great job Charles on this story.