This guest post is Alyssa Gaines, a young woman on the autism spectrum who was accepted into Ohio Technical College. Alyssa is applying for the Spring 2025 Making a Difference Autism Scholarship via the nonprofit KFM Making a Difference started by me, Kerry Magro. I was nonverbal till 2.5 and diagnosed with autism at 4 and you can read more about my organization here.
Autistics on Autism the Next Chapter: Stories You Need to Hear About What Helped Them While Growing Up and Pursuing Their Dreams will be released on Amazon on 3/25/25 and looks at the lives over 75 Autistic adults. 100% of the proceeds from this book will go back to supporting our nonprofits many initiatives, like this scholarship program. Check out the book here.
Throughout my life I considered several different types of careers. I have always been artistic
and knew I needed to do something with art. I thought about many different careers, such as
being a teacher, art therapist, or simply an artist. There were times when I thought I had my
future all figured out.
As I would consider the unlimited career options I would start to imagine what it would be like in
that environment. I would imagine following that path, but nothing seemed to fully fit. Then one
day an opportunity arises to make a change and you take it. That is what I did. I took the
opportunity to go to a technical school through my local high school and it changed my whole
life. I started attending the autobody and collision class not knowing if I would even like it. To
find that not only did I like it but I loved every part of it! I got to be up and moving around instead
of stuck at a desk. I got to use my hands and fix something that was broken. Then the best part
is I get to paint! Life is always better when there’s paint. My passion is painting so now I am
repairing something and creating at the same time. This is not where I thought I would end up in
life but I am so glad I took that chance.
My dream is to attend Ohio Technical College starting July 2025 for auto body/ collision repair
and graphic design. In May of this year a recruiter called and wanted to set up a meeting to
discuss me attending their college. After reviewing what they had to offer we decided it was a
good fit. We toured the college twice in the summer of 2024 and were impressed by what we
saw. We started the onboarding process and now I am all signed up ready to start in July 2025..
I now have seen the campus and the town I will be living in and could not be more excited to
start my career!
This college’s smaller size facilitates a more personalized educational experience and this
fosters a deeper understanding of the subject matter. The college’s approach does include
theoretical study; however, it primarily focuses on practical learning experiences to enhance full
comprehension and application of skills in a real-world setting.
Through this program I will not only be able to acquire several different certifications in this field,
but I will also be earning an associates degree! By remaining for just an additional three months
I will have completed an associates degree providing me with greater opportunity to develop a
promising future for myself. This achievement will unlock numerous possibilities for me with job
placement and career success. More importantly, it will enable me to contribute back to the
community in the future, such as being able to teach young students like myself who are on a
similar path.
Perhaps there is a young student who is not sure if this is the path for them. Or maybe it is a
young female who is intimidated by it being a primarily male industry in the past. I can be the
person who offers that spark of hope. The one who helps them see that they can do and be
whatever they want if they are willing to put in the work. That will be a true blessing.
Coming full circle with me starting to paint around the age of two years old. Continuing that
hobby as it turned into a passion, which allowed me to develop true skills and talent in my
abilities as an artist. To today where I am taking my passion and manifesting a great life as a
lifelong artist who loves to paint this field is perfect for me. I am so very excited to begin my life
journey in a field that not only is in high demand, but will allow me to be a successful part of any
organization. Imagine being able to do what you love everyday.
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!
