Evaluate a significant experience, achievement, risk you have taken, or ethical dilemma you have faced and its impact on you.
Autism is a condition which puts one in unfortunate terms with the world around him. Yet for all its negative connotations, autism does in fact create an opportunity for change, and indeed a meaningful one, as my life story will demonstrate. Social and intellectual growth did occur to me even though it was not immediate. During my school years I have grown from a withdrawn individual to an eager young man with a positive attitude. The impact left by my struggle with autism has affected my persona to this day.
My journey started with a humble beginning. I was diagnosed with autism as a five year old that was oblivious to his surroundings. I entered special education at the age of seven after being transferred from my mainstream class, where I was having behavior problems. The problems still persisted. I acted in a way that would constantly irritate my classmates and even my usually tolerant teacher. I could not fit in with my mainstream peers, and they would always isolate me and make fun of me. I realized from that point on that I was different from the others, like a dandelion in a field of sunflowers. A dandelion shrivels as the sunflowers grow and expand their roots. Therefore, it can't take in the sun and thrive. After being told repeatedly that I had to look around me for change, I gave this a try. In order to be like the others and not be perceived as different, I decided that I had to act more like the sunflower than the dandelion to fit in with the people. So I observed the games that other students were playing during recess, and attempted to participate in them. Despite occasional rejections by use of unpleasant tones by my peers, I was still given chances by those same peers. My efforts have resulted in commendation from my instructional aides and parents. Most importantly, I felt satisfied and looked towards a bright future, convinced that change can help improve circumstance.
However, my catalyst for real change gained real momentum upon my entering middle school. After partaking in many activities, I realized who I truly was and sought to learn more about myself. Once I took up a position in a Greek melodrama production. I played the role of an Athenian in front of a huge audience. To the surprise of my peers, I spoke the lines rather eloquently and with the forte that would win a round of applause. Later, I participated in a contest where I recited Sanskrit verses from the Gita, the Hindu sacred text, by heart, and won first place. Eventually, I would learn that it is possible to overcome the social and intellectual burdens of autism. By participating in the drama, I learned that I can control the body language and the fidgets. By reciting the verses, I learned that I can work hard to make positive results happen. By taking part in these activities, I learned that I can advance in the midst of challenging circumstances.
Autism is a condition which puts one in unfortunate terms with the world around him. Yet for all its negative connotations, autism does in fact create an opportunity for change, and indeed a meaningful one, as my life story will demonstrate. Social and intellectual growth did occur to me even though it was not immediate. During my school years I have grown from a withdrawn individual to an eager young man with a positive attitude. The impact left by my struggle with autism has affected my persona to this day.
My journey started with a humble beginning. I was diagnosed with autism as a five year old that was oblivious to his surroundings. I entered special education at the age of seven after being transferred from my mainstream class, where I was having behavior problems. The problems still persisted. I acted in a way that would constantly irritate my classmates and even my usually tolerant teacher. I could not fit in with my mainstream peers, and they would always isolate me and make fun of me. I realized from that point on that I was different from the others, like a dandelion in a field of sunflowers. A dandelion shrivels as the sunflowers grow and expand their roots. Therefore, it can't take in the sun and thrive. After being told repeatedly that I had to look around me for change, I gave this a try. In order to be like the others and not be perceived as different, I decided that I had to act more like the sunflower than the dandelion to fit in with the people. So I observed the games that other students were playing during recess, and attempted to participate in them. Despite occasional rejections by use of unpleasant tones by my peers, I was still given chances by those same peers. My efforts have resulted in commendation from my instructional aides and parents. Most importantly, I felt satisfied and looked towards a bright future, convinced that change can help improve circumstance.
However, my catalyst for real change gained real momentum upon my entering middle school. After partaking in many activities, I realized who I truly was and sought to learn more about myself. Once I took up a position in a Greek melodrama production. I played the role of an Athenian in front of a huge audience. To the surprise of my peers, I spoke the lines rather eloquently and with the forte that would win a round of applause. Later, I participated in a contest where I recited Sanskrit verses from the Gita, the Hindu sacred text, by heart, and won first place. Eventually, I would learn that it is possible to overcome the social and intellectual burdens of autism. By participating in the drama, I learned that I can control the body language and the fidgets. By reciting the verses, I learned that I can work hard to make positive results happen. By taking part in these activities, I learned that I can advance in the midst of challenging circumstances.
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