This guest post is by Marques Brockington, a young adult with autism who will be attending Eastern University in the Fall. Marques 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).
Well…how to begin? I mean, I know logically that’s where all stories began is the beginning. As stereotypical as that sounds, it’s not as easy as it seems. Because of my autism, remembering events earlier then when I was seven or eight years old is very difficult. But, where are my manners. My name is Marques Brockington. As for my memory, most of it comes in various bits and pieces, but I’ll do the best to tell my story in a cohesive fashion.
The earliest I can remember was going to a school close to my two-story apartment that I shared with my great grandmother. This was when I was around six or seven years old. I am told that I was diagnosed shortly before that. During that time, many people suggested that I be put on some form of medication for my behavior in school and in public. I don’t remember learning much while in my first school, especially not it’s name since I only remember it as “The Octopus school.” This is likely because I was watching a cartoon for children during that time and something about the school reminding me of that, so I kinda just joined the two.
Anyways, I only remember two major things from my time in the school. The first was when the group would come around for story time. I would hide behind the puppet show theater and play with a stuffed iguana. The second was that one time I got locked outside for not being able to count from one to ten in Spanish. When this first happened, I did not realize the magnitude of the situation until I told my mother a few years later, who naturally was very upset. My mom eventually deciding that the current school system where I went did not have the autism support that I would need, moved us from Philadelphia to Norristown P.A.
When I finally started going to elementary school, a lot time was spent getting valuable social skills. On the side, I went to various different counseling programs. During my time in elementary I also gained a interest for reading. Once I moved into middle school, I continued getting various help in developing social interaction skills. I did so well that people began to doubt whether or not I had autism anymore.
I would eventually start getting into writing from the different writing projects I was given in reading class. During seventh and eighth grade I wrote down a number of short stories and began developing ideas for novels. Before I moved to high school, my mom decided that she no longer wanted me to go to public schooling. So she found a new private school for me to attend. Before I could officially attend however, I had to go to the school for an interview. Previously, the school had seen a evaluation report of mine and believed that I would not be a good fit because of my autism. After the interview that all changed. They claimed that it would be a “blessing” for me to attend the school and eagerly awaited my first year.
That same year I also began volunteering at my local zoo. My responsibility was to show the guests various facts about the animals in the exhibits as well as provide various objects, known as the bio facts. Next year I joined my school’s track team and we won the district championship. I myself made varsity for the team and the next year was part of the winning relay team. That summer I would intern a summer wilderness camp for three weeks. This had been the longest period I had ever been away from home and had to spend a lot of it putting my “self advocacy training” to work. During the next school year, I was asked to join the school’s touring choir. This involves traveling around to different churches and performing miniature concerts. We also would eventually take a trip to Canada to perform in a mass choir.
Now to present day, I am a senior in high school. It’s been quite the journey, and I feel quite old. I learned a lot in the past four years about religion, politics, myself and how fit I into society. I’ve learned about writing and literature, and aspire to be a professor to teach creative writing in college. But, I am still learning, still growing, well not as much as before, but metaphorically speaking. To be honest, I don’t think we will ever stop learning. If we ever did, life would get pretty boring.
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.
I have had the pleasure of watching Marques grow and mature since he was four years old. I have to say that it has been quite a journey filled with laughter, joy and some tears due to his amazing progress. I can say that Marques is a goal oriented and driven young man that has a bright future. It has been great watching you through elementary, middle and high school and your next chapter. College! Congratulations Marques!
Great job Marques! You have always worked hard and it is wonderful to see God work in your life.
Marques, it is such a joy to see how God has worked in your life. You have worked so hard all these years and it really shows. It’s just amazing to read and get a glimpse of your journey. Well done!
Marques,
I could not be prouder!
Marques,
I could not be prouder!
I was a pleasure having you in my 5th grade class.
Marques, It is great getting to hear how things are going for you. I am excited for you as you finish up high school and head to college. I am sure you will continue to grow and thrive as you continue on your path. When you were in middle school you never failed to give assignments your absolute best effort, I’m sure as you have grown that work ethic has continued to distinguish you as a thoughtful and intelligent young man. Good Luck in all your future endeavors.
Marques, your beautiful words paint a picture of an amazing journey. I can’t wait to hear about what college holds for you and I will be praying along with others that all of this incredible talent finds God’s path for you.
I cannot express to you the amount of pride I felt as I read about all the success Marques has had since he left East Norriton Middle School. That said, and as one of his former teachers, I AM NOT surprised by it.
In Marques, I recall one of the most reflective, creative, and considerate students to ever grace my classroom. His work rate always set the pace for the rest of his class, as did his participation in class discussions. In short, he was the sort of student you appreciate while you have him, and even more so the following school year.
However, in Marques, what I remember most fondly was the sense of humor that emerged over the course of our time together. I remember times where the timing and insights of his jokes (even and especially when the punchline was at MY expense) were so clever, all one could do was concede with a prideful smile and a tip of the hat.
I look forward to reading his novel someday soon, which I know will be just as insightful and creative as its author.
Outstanding! So, proud of your achievements and your continued success. I have been thinking about our conversations throughout your middle school years and the insight you provided. I thought I was helping you in some way but I gained so much from you and your perspective. I look forward to hearing about your next steps at Eastern University.
Marques, we here at ENMS are very proud of you, the work that you have done and of your goals for the future. Best wishes and blessings in all that you pursue!
Marques, I am so proud to learn of your perseverance despite challenges. I am confident you will be a great asset to any university. Wishing you all the best in your studies and future career. Thank you for showing others who battle with autism that there are no limits to what one can achieve. So proud of you and your hard work! Congratulations in advance!
Marques,
It was so wonderful to hear from you and your mom! It has been quite awhile since our paths have crossed and I had the opportunity to teach you in first grade! Time sure flies! We often do not get to see or here how our young students in elementary school grow and flourish! Congratulations on all your successes thus far and best wishes in your future endeavors!
Marques, it’s so nice to hear about you and how much you have grown. I had no doubt back in middle school that you would become the wonderful young man that you clearly are. Thank you for sharing your story, and good luck with your goals.
Marques,
I cannot believe it’s been four years since you were a student at ENMS and that you are already a senior in high school and about to go to college! I am so very proud of all of your successes and happy to be a part of your amazing journey! You were a pleasure to teach and I’m so happy to hear you want to take your education further in order to teach someday! Keep up your hard work and you deserve all the good that comes your way!
Hats off to you Marques! Great job. More importantly, thanks for sharing your inner thoughts and struggles. Keep pushing forward and the world will be yours.
Marques….Hats off to you. A very insightful essay about your journey. Thanks for sharing and well done!
Great job, Marques!! Keep working hard, you have a bright future ahead of you!!
Marques, your journey has been a long one but you are handling like a champ. Keep pressing and I look forward to hearing that are a college professor in the future. God Bless you
This guy has a bright future
Ahead. Wow.
Well done Marques! So proud to see how far you’ve come. I wish you all the best as you pursue the scholarship at Eastern…you deserve it! God bless!
Marques, this a wonderfully insightful essay. I look forward to hearing more and certainly want to hear about your college experiences.
Marques, what a beautiful essay! Thank you for sharing your story with us. I believe you will be a wonderful professor of creative writing some day!
beautiful story!
This is wonderful and Marques has had an amazing journey so far! Wishing him the brightest future. He is definitely a shining star, a result of a solid momma who encourages and loves her babies.
Marques, you have faced many challenges in life with great courage. I have followed your journey from afar through your mother and grandfather, and it’s so special to hear it in your own voice. May God continue to bless you, give you courage, and make you a blessing to many.
Awesome journey! And an amazing inspiration! I wish you all the best that life has to offer you!
Thank you for sharing your unique story. Thank you for sharing a very special part of you. Thank you for being uniquely you. I look forward to hearing all about your experience at Eastern University.
Best wishes
Marques, I am so impressed with how far you have come! When you were four years old and in my Pre-K class, before the octopus school, you were full of spunk and enthusiasm for learning! I have watched you grow and mature and have seen your Mom relentlessly support you and challenge you to be the man she knew you could be. I’m excited to see what your future holds!
Wonderful essay, Marcus! Thank you for sharing your story.
Loved reading your story Marques! Can’t wait to for you to continue on with you journey!
Marques, you are such an amazing young men. Thank you for sharing your life with us. You are brave and you are an inspiration for others how not to give up. Keep going and inspiring others!
Awesome Marques!! I wish you the very best in your journey to pursue a career in academia. I have no doubt you’ll do well. Keep writing!!
So happy for you and all your accomplishments! God has great plans for you!!!
Kerry, your essay is well written and insightful. I pray you succeed in meeting your goals.
Marques I am so proud of your tenacity and strength! Beautiful essay! ❤️
Marques is a such a sweet and respectful young man! I couldn’t think of anyone more deserving of this scholarship. He’s a hard worker and puts everything into all he does. Best of luck Marques!
Thank you for sharing your journey, Marques! You are an inspiration for hard work and perseverance.