This guest post is by Jamie Boeckel, an autistic student who was accepted to the University at Buffalo’s master’s program in library and information science after studying liberal studies at SUNY Purchase. Jamie is applying for the Spring 2026 Making a Difference Autism Scholarship through KFM Making a Difference, the nonprofit founded by Kerry Magro. Kerry was nonspeaking until age 2.5 and was diagnosed with autism at 4.
Autistics on Autism: The Next Chapter shares stories from more than 100 autistic adults about what helped them while growing up and pursuing their dreams. All proceeds support KFM Making a Difference initiatives, including this scholarship program. To invite Kerry to speak at your school, company, or organization, submit an inquiry here.
At the time of applying, Jamie was a senior at SUNY Purchase and preparing to pursue a master’s degree in library and information science at the University at Buffalo.
By Jamie Boeckel
A person’s attitude can be one of the first things people notice when they walk through the door. Attitude, either good or bad, can tell you a lot about someone and what they are like. It is often the very first impression you get from a person. This can be easier said than done, however, when you often deal with challenges.
I feel I have faced a great deal of challenges in my young life thus far. Ever since I was little, I have dealt with many challenges that come with being autistic. I struggled to meet developmental and educational milestones as an infant, and many people painted a bleak picture of what my future might look like. I grew up receiving support for physical, occupational, and communication needs from a young age. I also faced vision-related challenges. For much of my primary education, I needed special education support in all areas.
Because of these physical and vision-related challenges, I could not simply jump on a bike and ride down the street the way all my friends did. Even simple tasks such as going down stairs were difficult. Although I eventually got there, it took a great deal of time and effort. No kid wants to feel less than their peers, and growing up I felt very alone and isolated at times. It was hard when everything seemed to come much more easily to others. Although I had good friends, they did not truly relate to my struggles or what I was going through.
My mom used the metaphor that I was climbing a slow, steep hill. Eventually, I would get to the top, but it would take me much longer than most, and I would have to work much harder to get there. This statement was so true and resonated with me much more as I got older.
Despite all these challenges, I have always tried to give it my all. I put a lot of effort into my academics and work hard as a student. Whenever things get difficult, I continue to push myself to do my best and never give up. Overcoming these obstacles has shown me the importance of doing my best and continuing to try, especially when something seems impossible. I have developed a variety of strategies over the years to help me reach the goals I set for myself, big or small.
People often tell me that I am a very positive person. I think this positivity developed as a way of coping with my struggles. My disabilities have presented a variety of challenges. I have had trouble communicating with people and making friends, and not everyone has treated me fairly because they did not understand my struggles. But all these challenges have made me a stronger person.
I have always believed in treating others the way you want to be treated and never being bitter toward those who were mean to you. This way of thinking has helped me keep a positive attitude and encouraged me to keep doing my best. Although it can be hard for people to relate to what I am going through, I am grateful to have found several people who understand my challenges and truly see who I am as a person.
In my freshman year of college, it was difficult to put myself out there and develop connections with people. I would overthink what to say in conversations and then exclude myself from them. I often spent that time isolated in my room, terrified to go out and spend time with others. I also feared that an event would be too noisy and I would become overstimulated. But I hated how miserable I felt every time I spent the night in my dorm instead of doing something that interested me.
To break this habit, I started giving myself about two hours of social interaction before heading back to my dorm. This helped build my confidence and social skills, and I now rarely experience the fear and anxiety that plagued my freshman year. Even if none of my roommates or friends are going to an event, I still make an effort to go if the subject interests me. I found a way to turn my struggle into a strength. I am comfortable doing things alone, which has improved my confidence and social skills as a whole. I am proud of myself when I think back to the scared freshman I was and the person I am now.
These experiences have made me more empathetic toward people who face struggles similar to mine. After receiving my master’s degree in library science, I plan to work full time in public libraries and possibly school libraries. I also hope to illustrate books someday because I love art and find it therapeutic.
I am looking forward to my future and career in a way I did not always think was possible. As hard as my struggles and disabilities have been, they have made me who I am today. I feel I will be able to support others better because of what I have overcome. I look forward to my future career path and all the experiences I will have in my life.
Kerry Magro, a professional speaker and best-selling author who is also autistic, founded KFM Making a Difference in 2011 to help autistic students receive scholarship support for post-secondary education. Help us continue this work by making a tax-deductible donation here.
You can also invite Kerry to speak at your next event by submitting an inquiry here. Kerry speaks with schools, businesses, government agencies, colleges, nonprofits, parent groups, and conferences on autism, employment, college success, mental health, inclusion, and bullying prevention.
