This guest essay is by Jayden Chavez. This essay will provide an insight of what it can be like to live on the spectrum. In addition, this essay also provides an idea of the hardships I have faced and overcame.
I was born with Autism, which means I think and experience the world differently than most people around me. As a child, I was mostly nonverbal and struggled to communicate. For the first several years of my life, my mother took me across Dallas every week to visit multiple therapists. These sessions helped me build social skills and confidence. Over time, I began to express myself more clearly, connect with my peers, and form lasting friendships. Today, I have transitioned from a special education classroom into an early college program; something I once thought was out of reach.
During the early years of my life, I grew up in a single-parent, Hispanic multi-generational household. My mother worked two jobs and served in the military, so my grandparents did their best to help raise me though they primarily spoke Spanish and I primarily spoke and understood English. They supported me with schoolwork and life lessons, even when resources were limited.
As a minority, one of the earliest challenges I faced was being incorrectly classified as an English as a Second Language (ESL) student. Although English was my primary language, I come from a household where Spanish is predominantly spoken. Because of this, I was placed into ESL testing programs from elementary school through high school. This misclassification created an ongoing barrier, requiring me to complete additional testing every year. While it was frustrating to be placed in a category that did not accurately reflect my abilities, I learned to navigate the system with patience and determination. Over time, I proved my academic capabilities and did not allow this label to limit my growth or confidence.
I have been accepted into the Software Engineering program at the University of Texas at Dallas. In high school, I participated in the P-TECH program, where I will graduate with both my diploma and an associate degree in software development. Through this program, I completed courses such as C# Programming, Python, Web Design, Mobile App Development, and ASP.NET. These experiences taught me not only how to code, but how to think critically, solve problems, and collaborate effectively.
In college, I plan to expand my knowledge of software development, systems design, and emerging technologies. This will prepare me to pursue a career as a software developer, where I can create applications that solve real-world problems.
Ultimately, I hope to use technology to expand access to information, improve education, and create opportunities in communities both in the United States and globally.
As a young Hispanic male on the Spectrum, I had to figure out a lot on my own, but I found support in school programs in high school like AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination). Through AVID, I developed academic and organizational skills that helped me enroll in early college high school, where I am now on track to earn my Associate of Science in Software Development. My AVID teacher helped me pave the way to successfully prepare myself for college.
Though it has not been an easy journey, with determination and eagerness to learn, I have achieved numerous accomplishments. I have obtained a Third-Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo, achieved my second year in the National Honor’s Society, maintained a position in Wind Symphony for my school’s marching band, currently working as a referee, and I am currently an active volunteer for the children’s ministry within my church home. I also rank number 10 out of 499 students within my high school grade level while maintaining a GPA of 4.30.
Aside from this, the most difficult challenge I’ve faced came when I was eight years old; losing my brother, who passed away unexpectedly in his sleep. This loss left me confused, heartbroken, and withdrawn. It was the first time I had to process grief, and it changed me forever. But aside from sorrow, I found strength. I participated in activities that helped me rediscover joy and purpose. With each milestone I reach, I carry his memory with me. I strive to achieve not just for myself, but for the life he didn’t get to live.
While these challenges have shaped my journey, they do not define my limits. I’ve learned to believe in myself and embrace every opportunity. I plan to study Software Engineering and become a Software Developer, with goals of also designing my own games. I want to honor my brother, make my family proud, and inspire the next generation, especially youth in my community, by showing them their circumstances do not define their future.
Through my work, I hope to create games that tell meaningful stories, promote resilience, provide positive representation, and mentor young people to obtain opportunities in technology. Financially, I plan to hopefully receive scholarships and loans to afford school while I maintain summer seasonal employment. By giving back through service and education I hope to uplift my community and help others see new possibilities for their own lives. One less statistic, one more testimony.
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.
