Breaking Down Every Imaginable Barrier On My Way to Becoming a Man

I am Raj Shawn Chauhan, a 12th-grade student at Centerville High School. I am the oldest son of first-generation immigrant, Viren Chauhan, who came to the USA with $100 in his pocket with a dream of a prosperous life. He married my mother, Sandra Chauhan, who is a Social Worker and a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania. My mom came from a poor American family, but this did not stop her from pursuing greatness in her life. Both of my parents have been role models for me to work hard and set high goals for myself to achieve my dreams. I come from an Indian, Irish, and Jewish heritage that reflects my multicultural identity.
My journey in life has not been without challenges. From ages 2 to 4, I was nonverbal, and in 2008, I was diagnosed with autism. My pediatrician told my parents that he doubted that I would be able to graduate from middle school; other doctors told them similar things for my future. However, my parents relentlessly provided me with the best possible treatments such as speech, occupational, and ABA therapies, using creative methods to help me find my voice. I worked hard one full year in ABA therapy, 8 hrs a day, and I learned how to manage my behavior, develop social and communication skills, and learned how to advocate for myself. This pivotal experience helped me transition into St. Jude Catholic School, where I became the first disabled student ever admitted in 85 years of school history. The school initially resisted working with me, but my parents’ determination to provide the best for me and my Grit and Persistence to be a great student paid off. This school it broke down the barriers, opening doors for other students with disabilities. I have proven to many people that my disability does not define who I am. I inherited from both of my parents the desire for a great life, to set high goals for myself, no matter what barriers I have in my life.
In high school, I have done a lot of extracurricular activities, learned leadership skills and have maintained a high GPA. For example, I joined the Civil Air Patrol, flew an aircraft from Miamisburg to Urbana, Ohio, and participated in community service projects with them. In my freshman year, I joined the Theatre Club, an experience that nurtured my creativity and helped me connect with my peers. Sophomore year, I was elected as a representative for student government and was asked to work with the school board to help improve the curriculum. which was a big honor for me. I played recreational baseball in high school as a shortstop and right field; this helped me learn competition, collaboration and teamwork. This last summer, I was approved to participate in the Youth Leadership program for the city of Dayton and had to meet Mayor Jeffery Mims. I have participated and excelled in the Art and Writing clubs, which are my hobbies. I was voted twice into the school’s homecoming court and was the King this year, an honor bestowed upon me by my classmates.
My passion for history and political science has always been a defining aspect of my life. My creative writing obsession with Ronald Reagan, my favorite president, inspired me to write about him. I wrote and published four books—three on “Raja Reagan,” a fictitious son of Reagan, and one on Adam Wilmington, the first fictional president. I also started the History Connections Club and tutored classmates in Social Studies, sharing my love for learning and inspiring others to appreciate history’s lessons.
I have been exploring entrepreneurial dreams as well, such as launching “Rajillies Shoes,” a line of customizable footwear and apparel that reflects cultural pride and individuality. I have reached out to a clothing designer in India to team up with me to design customized shoes for Indian dresses. I have been working on many shoe designs and hope to become a successful businessman.