This guest essay is by Alex Bennett (a pseudonym).
Published under a pseudonym at the applicant’s request. Identifying details have been generalized where needed. The accompanying image is a stock photograph.
I am autistic. I have experienced many social issues throughout my life. When I was younger, I struggled in Kindergarten because of the large number of students. I could not yet handle large groups of kids in a room. It overwhelmed me when over 20 other students surrounded me in a room. It felt like I was a small fish in a big ocean. I needed to be in alternative classes past Kindergarten to avoid this issue. I attended a school within a school—I was in a small, self-contained class for academics and was pushed into general education classes for specials. It was really hard for me to not have emotional outbursts, and it was really easy for me to get upset—especially if people were mean to me. My parents put me in social skills groups from the time I was two through age 12. It was a lot of work learning how to regulate my emotions. Despite this, I still worked hard to learn more in class and overcome my struggles. By the 5th grade, I began to start pushing into the main classes for school. I began to overcome my challenges. I did not overcome these challenges working by myself. Many people helped me along the road, from social groups, to therapists, to even some of my teachers. Had I not sought out help when I needed it, I could not have overcome these challenges.
Then in 6th grade, everything changed. I needed to swap schools, meaning that I’d have to meet entirely new people. It was a big challenge because I needed to let go of everything I knew for people I thought would hate me. Things quickly became challenging, especially as the Covid-19 pandemic happened. On the contrary, this experience taught me valuable lessons in self-advocacy. I learned how to get things fixed, I learned how to share when something is wrong, and how to help other people experiencing tough times. I know what it’s like to feel upset, and I always do my best to cheer others up. Eventually, I returned to my old school as a new man.
Now here I am in high school, and I am taking advanced classes no one expected I would ever take. I did not have to do this – I could have chosen to stay in the smaller classes and avoid my fears. Instead, I chose to interact with more people and make more friends, and as a result, I have become an integral part of my small school’s community. By participating in the Marching band and in theater, I managed to meet new people, and form new relationships with others. These relationships have lasted throughout my high school experience, and I hope they persist past graduation as well. High school helped me truly understand the importance of forming bonds, and the importance of education. But most of all, I have overcome many challenges even throughout high school.
There have been multiple incidents throughout high school which tested my resolve and perseverance. Freshman year there were many large incidents, particularly in my Spanish and English classes. A lot of people could not behave themselves, and some of the people around me did things that made me uncomfortable. Sophomore year, another incident occurred midway through the year which was very difficult. I was able to ask for help from my parents and the administrators at school, and after the police got involved, the troublemakers finally left me alone. I am glad that I could advocate for myself. Although the road throughout high school hasn’t been easy, it has strengthened my determination to succeed along with helping me gain a better understanding of myself and others. When I discovered my love for math in early high school, I learned a lot about myself. I learned how my brain works, and I learned how I enjoy problem solving.
Every obstacle I’ve faced has helped me learn and grow as a person. As I rapidly approach the end of my high school career, I know where I aim to head. I am hoping that wherever life takes me, new experiences will continue to shape my life. I’ve faced many challenges, but simultaneously have met some amazing people. In college, I am hoping to meet new people and continue learning new things. I have been told all my life that I don’t know everything, and this is true – however, I wish to learn whatever I can, and I wish to use that knowledge to achieve greatness.
This essay was submitted to the KFM Making a Difference scholarship program, founded by Dr. Kerry Magro to support autistic students pursuing postsecondary education.
