This guest essay is by Benjamin Levesque. My name is Benjamin Levesque and I have autism. Growing up, I faced challenges that made it hard to fit in, but those experiences helped shape my path toward engineering and my future at Clemson University.
My name is Benjamin Levesque. I am 18 years old and will be attending Clemson University in the fall of 2026 to major in mechanical engineering. I currently work part-time at Chick-fil-A in Gaffney as a back-of-house team member. My goal is to become a mechatronics engineer, combining both electrical and mechanical engineering. Everything I have worked toward reflects who I am and the challenges I have faced along the way.
Since I was a child, I knew I was different. I often found myself less socially active and more reserved than my peers. While I was able to understand most academic concepts, I struggled in social environments. During recess, I usually stayed by myself. I was afraid that others would notice how different I was or judge me for it. Like most students, I wanted to have friends and feel included, but at the time, it felt safer to stay quiet than to risk rejection. That fear followed me through many of my early school years and made it difficult to fully enjoy the experience of being a student.
Things began to change toward the end of elementary school when I joined the Lego Robotics Club. That decision became one of the most important turning points in my life. For the first time, I was surrounded by people who shared similar interests. Robotics gave me something to focus on and a way to connect with others without feeling like I had to change who I was. Instead of worrying about how I was perceived, I could focus on building, problem-solving, and working toward a common goal with others. I continued participating in robotics through middle school and high school, and it became a space where I could grow both personally and academically.
Even with that progress, I still faced challenges. Throughout middle school and high school, I experienced anxiety and periods of depression. There were times when I still felt isolated or unsure of myself. However, I began to work through these struggles by seeking outside support and by focusing on the areas where I knew I had strength. Robotics continued to play a major role in that growth. It gave me confidence, structure, and a sense of purpose. Over time, I learned that growth does not happen all at once, but through small steps and consistent effort.
Being part of robotics also helped me develop leadership skills. I learned how to collaborate, communicate, and take responsibility within a team. These skills carried over into my part-time job at Chick-fil-A, where teamwork is essential. Working in a fast-paced environment has taught me how to stay focused, support others, and contribute to a shared goal. It has also helped me become more comfortable interacting with others, something that used to be very difficult for me.
Another strength I have developed is my ability to learn independently. I taught myself programming languages such as Python and Java, which allowed me to expand my understanding of robotics and engineering. I also learned how to use tools like Onshape for 3D modeling and structural analysis. These programs are challenging, but they have pushed me to think critically and problem-solve in new ways. Each new skill I developed reinforced my interest in pursuing a career in mechatronics engineering.
Attending Clemson University is a dream come true for me. I am especially excited to be part of the Spectrum Program, which will help me continue growing both academically and socially. I look forward to meeting others who may have had similar experiences and who share similar interests. While I still have concerns about fitting in and the possibility of feeling isolated, I am committed to continuing the progress I have made. I plan to join the robotics club at Clemson to further develop my skills and continue building connections with others.
My disability has been a significant part of my journey, but it does not define who I am or what I am capable of achieving. Instead, it has taught me resilience, patience, and determination. I have learned how to face challenges directly and grow from them rather than avoid them. Receiving this scholarship would not only support my education, but it would also recognize the effort I have put into overcoming obstacles and working toward my goals. More importantly, it would help me continue pursuing a future where I can use my skills to make a meaningful impact.
This essay was submitted to the KFM Making a Difference scholarship program, founded by Dr. Kerry Magro to support autistic students pursuing postsecondary education. Publication does not announce a scholarship award.
