This guest post is by Nina (Leo) Chip a young woman who is diagnosed with autism and plans to attend Stockton University to study Marine Biology Research with a minor in Entomology. Nina is applying for the Spring 2024 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: Stories You Need to Hear About What Helped Them While Growing Up and Pursuing Their Dreams, our nonprofit’s new book, was released on March 29, 2022, on Amazon here for our community to enjoy featuring the stories of 100 autistic adults.
Throughout my life, I never seemed to fit in or understand things like the other kids. I never understood why. Back then, I hated myself for not belonging. I always tried to see the good in everything and believed everyone can be a good person. I felt like an outcast; I was a girl who didn’t like girly things. I was loud and had problems focusing.
The day I found out I had ADHD and Autism was a weird one. Although at the time they called it Aspergers. I never thought I would be this different! My mom contacted the teachers and told them about my diagnosis. My mom would say to me, “ADHD is a superpower and makes you smarter than the rest!” Honestly, it seemed more like a problem than a blessing at the time. I now realize the many blessings in being different!
I am able to focus on many things at once. I will dive into a subject and research it until I feel I have a very good grasp on it, and I do not give up. I take medications every day. Even today, I must take two pills a day to help me focus and with anxiety to make it through the day.
The Ocean has always been interesting to me which is why I have chosen Marine Biology research with a minor in Entomology. The ocean is vast and mysterious, in many ways, and has always captured my attention, curiosity and imagination. We live near the Ocean, and I spent parts of my summers there. Whether we drove down for the day or were on vacation in other states or Islands and I would go right into my personal research. I spent countless hours walking up and down the beach, exploring tide pools, collecting seashells, and observing the marine life washed ashore. I’ve always been interested in the ecosystem and animals ever since I was young. Its depths, teeming with life and untold secrets, have filled my passion. As well as sparked my curiosity and ignited a desire to delve deeper into the intricacies and vast unknown of marine sea life and ecosystems. I constantly watch videos to continue to learn. I love how the world and underwater world works and how beautiful nature can be. I have always wanted to help save the world’s animals as well as preserve the precious marine ecosystems. With the amount of harm that is being done to the world’s ecosystem, the less I can do to help preserve the beauty of the ocean, but I want to try however I can.
I volunteered at the Adventure aquarium in Camden NJ, and I loved to research animals and Ocean species. I have also volunteered to pick up trash to help prevent the further destruction of Mother Earth. I have learned so much about marine life, I learned about the good and the bad things happening to it. I would love to work in tide pools and even study coral. I enjoy working with animals and aquatic life so much.
Growing up I always wanted to be a marine biologist and do research. I love studying both fauna and flora. I am fascinated by coral and how important it is to the ecosystem. Going to the aquarium was one of my favorite things to do. I found it amazing to be able to touch the creatures and feed them as well. The water is fascinating, and I enjoy swimming as well. As a small child I had children’s encyclopedias and my favorite was the Ocean book. For my entire life I’ve been learning about the aquatic ecosystem and how to protect it. Snorkeling, snuba and scuba diving are amazing things that I love to do. I have swum with stingrays, sharks and dolphins just to name a few of the amazing animals that interest me.
I actively sought opportunities to engage in hands-on experiences. When volunteering during the summer at the aquarium, I worked with the touch tanks and the Sharks and Stingrays. This immersive experience deepened my understanding of the challenges marine life faces and strengthened my resolve to be an advocate for their well-being.
Choosing to major in Marine Biology research is not only a career path for me; it is a commitment for those who don’t have a voice to explore and safeguard the wonders of the underwater world.
In conclusion, my journey into Marine Biology research is driven by a profound love for the ocean and a commitment to protecting its fragile ecosystems. Through a combination of academic excellence, hands-on experiences, and a dedication to environmental advocacy, I am confident that my time at Stockton University will shape me into a well-rounded marine biologist who will be prepared to address the challenges facing our oceans and its living creatures.
I intend to dedicate my career to Marine Biology research and if I get this scholarship I will use it to its full potential. As someone living with Autism, and having family to champion for me, I would like to do the same strength and champion for the sea life. I’ll work hard and get things done. I’ll do what it takes to achieve my dream. I won’t give up.
Follow my journey on Facebook, my Facebook Fan Page, Tiktok, Youtube & Instagram.
My name is Kerry Magro, a professional speaker and best-selling author who is also on the autism spectrum. I started the nonprofit KFM Making a Difference in 2011 to help students with autism receive scholarship aid to pursue post-secondary education. Help support me so I can continue to help students with autism go to college by making a tax-deductible donation to our nonprofit here.
Autistics on Autism: Stories You Need to Hear About What Helped Them While Growing Up and Pursuing Their Dreams was released on March 29, 2022 on Amazon here for our community to enjoy featuring the stories of 100 autistic adults. 100% of the proceeds from this book will go back to our nonprofit to support initiatives like our autism scholarship program. In addition, this autistic adult’s essay you just read will be featured in a future volume of this book as we plan on making this into a series of books on autistic adults.
