Overcoming Failure

Bullying
All my life I have been through bullying, it started in elementary school, went through the end of high school. I have been called names, had my glasses broken, and have been beaten with seat belts on a school bus by a bully. I had to learn that due to my Autism and being different that some people would not accept me or like me. Although I have been through so much, I have learned to overcome. All though the trauma from bullying is still in me today I have learned how to overcome the trauma with therapy, and by learning coping mechanisms.
School Issues
All my life my parents never honestly believed that I could handle regular academic classes. I was born legally blind, and went through patching, drops, glasses, and more. Besides being born legally blind I was also diagnosed with high functioning Autism (ASD) and had a hard time with academics. Starting in ninth grade I was placed on an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and placed in special education classes. All though I was not fond of special education classes I was lucky enough to have my pediatrician’s sister as my IEP teacher.
College Journey
College has not been an easy go for me! I started Long Island at Suffolk Community, finished and my associates degree at Clark State Community College in Beavercreek, Ohio, I am now completing my bachelor’s at Capella University. I will pursue my masters, and doctorates degrees at Capella University. Back in Ohio I was in a program for special needs students called national society of leadership, and success, and dean’s list, and prouder of myself than ever before. I look forward to my graduation from Capella in the Fall of 2021. ‘
Relationships
My journey with relationships has not been easy, a few years ago I met a guy named Bryan I was head over heels in love with him however I guess he did not feel the same because it did not work out, but we became best friends so in the end I am glad to have him still in my life! After a while of going through the pain, the heartbreak, and all I had to learn to move on, and try again. So fast forward a few years later my family moved from Texas to Ohio where I met my best friend, Rob Chaney. My first date with Rob was at the zoo, and it was amazing. After about a year together, Rob and I moved in together and we have happily been together 3 years this upcoming October. Rob and I will be getting married this November of 2021. I am excited to be spending the rest of my life with my best friend.
Relationship Advice
• take it slow get to know each -other.
• help each other with chores it goes faster.
• no name calling it does hurt.
• spend time together and not apart too much.
• Talk about your goals/ the future together.
• Don’t rush engagement. It will come when the time is right.
• Take your time its necessary being together to much cause’s issues.
• Get a budget together for the future and stick to it.
Jobs
All my life I have struggled with keeping a job longer than a few weeks. I believe that it is due to my Autism. Whether it is a discrimination case, I quit because I cant get along with my coworkers, I struggle with multi step directions, or I just don’t like something. Although I feel like a failure losing jobs, I had to realize that it is not just me. It is a two-way street because employers do not understand Autism, accommodations, or laws, or rights. However, after many failed jobs my moms friend Paula taught me how to keep a job once I had scored another one by applying for accommodations. Although I don’t think I will ever step foot into another job. My reason for saying that is I found something new that I love doing, and that is nannying for private families.
Job Advice for Autistic kiddos and adults
So many people have been asking me so what is your job advice for children, and adults like me who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD). My advice is
1) Do not state that you have Autism on any applications you will get a ton of turn downs, (declined applications)
2) Take the interview and wait for the call back either way!
3) Once you get the job then you would quietly apply for accommodations with the ADA
Know that if a job does not accept the accommodations they can get in a lot of trouble! Good Luck!
Where I Am Today In Life
Today in life I am 29 years old, I am happily engaged to my best friend Rob. We live together along with our 3 dogs pacman, Jake, and Oreo, and our 3 cats Lily, Luna, and Jellybean. I work as a private au pair for a few families and enjoy every moment. I am finishing up my bachelor’s degree in Psychology at Capella University. My goal is to become a pediatric therapist, and work with children with Autism, and give back to my community. I am getting ready to marry my best friend in November. Our goal together is to figure out where we want to settle down together. Rob, and I can not decide where we want to move to next. Rob and I continue to work on my Inspirational Speaking career, my hopes are to one day be on a big stage and speak to a huge audience. Until that day comes practice makes perfect! Thank you for all the love, and support!