This guest essay is by Avery Lane (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.
Growing up, I often felt different, even if I didn’t always have the words to explain why. I consider myself unofficially autistic, and while I have not always had a formal label, I have experienced many of the challenges that come with it. Social situations could feel confusing, overwhelming environments made it hard to focus, and certain expectations in school didn’t come naturally to me. For a long time, I struggled quietly, trying to keep up with everything while feeling like I was always one step behind.
School, in particular, was one of my biggest challenges. Staying organized, managing assignments, and maintaining consistent grades required more effort for me than it seemed to for others. There were moments when I felt discouraged, especially when I compared myself to my peers. It wasn’t that I didn’t care or wasn’t trying—it was that I had to approach learning differently, and I hadn’t fully figured out how to do that yet. Despite these obstacles, I refused to give up on myself.
Over time, I began to understand how I learn best and what strategies helped me succeed. I developed stronger study habits, learned to manage my time more effectively, and pushed myself to stay focused even when things felt overwhelming. Instead of letting my struggles define me, I used them as motivation to improve. I realized that perseverance mattered more than perfection, and that progress—no matter how small—was still meaningful.
That determination led me to challenge myself academically. I enrolled in Advanced Placement classes, knowing they would demand more from me. It wasn’t easy, and there were times when I doubted whether I could keep up. However, I stayed committed to my goals. Through hard work and persistence, I was able to maintain A’s and B’s, proving to myself that I was capable of achieving at a high level. Each success, no matter how small, built my confidence and reinforced my belief in my abilities.
My journey has taught me resilience, patience, and self-awareness. I have learned how to advocate for myself, adapt to challenges, and continue moving forward even when things feel difficult. These experiences have shaped who I am today and have prepared me for the next steps in my education and future career.
While my path has not always been easy, it has made me stronger. Being unofficially autistic is a part of my story, but it does not limit my potential. Instead, it has given me a unique perspective and the determination to succeed. I am proud of how far I have come, and I am ready to continue pushing myself toward even greater achievements. So as my graduation nears, I feel like I am able to go to college without having any difficulty whatsoever. And I am proud of myself being able to go through such obstacles that have occurred in my life through out. And if I am having difficulty, I would ask someone who can help me with my needs. I have come so, so far.
This essay was submitted to the KFM Making a Difference scholarship program, founded by Dr. Kerry Magro to support autistic students pursuing postsecondary education.
