This guest post is Andres Castillo, a young man on the autism spectrum who was aspires to attend the University of Central Florida. Andres is applying for the Spring 2025 Making a Difference Autism Scholarship via the nonprofit KFM Making a Difference started by me, Kerry Magro. I was nonverbal till 2.5 and diagnosed with autism at 4 and you can read more about my organization here.
Autistics on Autism the Next Chapter: Stories You Need to Hear About What Helped Them While Growing Up and Pursuing Their Dreams will be released on Amazon on 3/25/25 and looks at the lives over 75 Autistic adults. 100% of the proceeds from this book will go back to supporting our nonprofits many initiatives, like this scholarship program. Check out the book here.
I describe myself as a hard worker at Valencia College. I took my assignments more seriously during my last two years at Valencia College. After graduating with my Associate of Arts degree in General Studies from Valencia College, I planned to attend the University of Central Florida for my Bachelor of Arts in Journalism. However, we had to move back to North Carolina due to military orders from my dad (stepdad). It made me need to attend Fayetteville State University as a public university. I planned to participate in Methodist University for my Bachelor of Arts program in Mass Communication of Journalism, but it was too expensive because it was a private university. I planned to study journalism for my Bachelor of Arts program at a public university, Fayetteville State University. However, they only have Communication and Media Studies for my Bachelor of Arts program. It is not what I want, but I need to pick it up as a major in Journalism. I am living with my parents in North Carolina for another two years. Next year, I will return to East Orlando with my parents in July or August. I will transfer my Bachelor of Arts credits back to the University of Central Florida to study for my degree in Journalism. I plan to complete my degree in Journalism during the fall of 2026 semester. Lastly, I will complete my minor studies in Theatre during the spring of 2027. My first book just got accomplished this past November. My book title is called “My Life Journey with Autism as a Military Child.” It is available in English and Spanish. I just had my first book presentation from the Charles W Chusnett Library on the first floor. I just signed my first book from the library.
Honors and Awards:
First, I received a Mu Theta Alpha as part of the Math Honor Society from Harford Community College as a math club member. It was because I received good grades in my math courses from high school from out of state. Second, I received a Phi Beta Lambda (Business cord) for being a member of a club from Valencia College. Third, I received a Latin American Student Organizational (LASO) stole for being a member of a club from Valencia College. I was on the Dean’s List from Valencia College four times. I was nominated for the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS). I just attended my first online meeting with Fayetteville State University. I just completed Orientation and Leadership Training Day as my first badge. Also, I have completed three Speakers Broadcast and two Success Networking Teams. I just almost completed my Foundations of Leadership. I have one more to finish as my last Success Networking Team. Lastly, I will be in an Induction process. I will get a certificate from the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) from the mail, including a cord and medal at Fayetteville State University.
Extracurriculars Activities:
In high school, I was in the Spanish club from 10th grade at a public school in Virginia. Before that, I was a Boys and Girls Club member in Central Texas from 7th through 9th grade. During the summer, I was a member of Teen Center Clement in Central Texas. Also, I was a Teen Center Clements in Central Texas member of the Boys and Girls Club from the summer of 2011 through the summer of 2013. I was in a chorus concert for doing my performances in 11th grade. In 12th grade, I was a member of the National Honor Society for making 88% or above average.
First, I received a Mu Theta Alpha as part of the Math Honor Society from Harford Community College as a math club member. It was because I received good grades in my math courses from high school from out of state. Second, I received a Phi Beta Lambda (Business cord) for being a member of a business club from Valencia College. Third, I received a Latin American Student Organizational (LASO) stole for being a member of a foreign language club from Valencia College.
My future plans:
I am no longer planning to work on my M.A degree anymore. I am going to stick with acting studio to train as an actor and my dream career as a TV host. That is about it. My plan B job is to work at two clothing stores.
Kerry Magro, a professional speaker and best-selling author who is also on the autism spectrum started the nonprofit KFM Making a Difference in 2011 to help students with autism receive scholarship aid to pursue a post-secondary education. Help us continue to help students with autism go to college by making a tax-deductible donation to our nonprofit here.
Also, consider having Kerry, one of the only professionally accredited speakers on the spectrum in the country, speak at your next event by sending him an inquiry here. If you have a referral for someone who many want him to speak please reach out as well! Kerry speaks with schools, businesses, government agencies, colleges, nonprofit organizations, parent groups and other special events on topics ranging from employment, how to succeed in college with a learning disability, internal communication, living with autism, bullying prevention, social media best practices, innovation, presentation best practices and much more!
