I began Preschool at age four. I would cry and scream when my Mom tried to drop me off, I just didn't want her to leave me. I also preferred to play by myself and would not socialize with the other children at all. These problems led to me being diagnosed with high functioning autism, a disorder that affects my social and communication skills. Because of my disability, I was held back a year and did not go on to Kindergarten like many of my classmates did.

By the time I started Elementary school, I had other health problems in addition to my disability. These problems had me in the hospital a lot for tests and made me miss school often. I also had a speech impairment called a stutter, which made me sound different when I spoke. I was often bullied and teased because I was different. This made it hard for me to make friends. I felt alone and thought I didn't fit in.

In fourth grade, I met Katey, my one best friend. She was always there for me and treated me like a princess. I knew that she was my best friend right away. Fast forward to the summer before my junior year of high school. I was very anxious about starting school because I wanted to apply for honor societies and club officer positions but was afraid that I would be rejected because I was different. I asked Katey what I should do and she advised me to set goals for myself. I thought this was a ridiculous idea but decided to try it anyway. I set goals to get up the courage to apply for the things I wanted. By the end of my junior year, not only had I gained enough courage to apply for the positions and honoraries I wanted to be in, I got accepted into everything I applied to. I was in two honor societies and was a club officer in two different clubs that help students with disabilities make friends. I enjoy being a role model for others with disabilities.

After graduating high school I began attending a community college. I continued to set goals for myself and made the honor society. I also have a really high Gpa and I'm on the Dean's List. I hope to graduate this year. I feel much better about my life with a disability and believe I can do anything I set my mind too. I strive to be the best person I can be and a positive role model for others. While having a disability may come off to some as a weakness, I believe mine has actually made me stronger.