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College Fund for Christian

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What most people do not realize is when you are diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, you still have hope, dreams, and plans for a bright future just like everyone else. Disabilities, physical or mental, do not interfere with those aspirations in life, and they certainly do not interfere with mine. Since I was a small child, I was always trying to please people; ranging from my kindergarten teacher all the way to my professors at The College of New Jersey. By nature, I am a kind and helpful person, willing to help others just as I was offered help. Not only have I always been a good student at school, I have always been dedicated to volunteering within my community.

            It all started when I became a “Webelos” Scout (acronym for “We’ll be loyal scouts”) in the Boy Scouts of America to learn, grow, and be a good citizen. I enjoyed this so much, that I eventually became an Eagle Scout; the highest rank in scouting to be achieved. In the Boy Scouts of America, I was able to conquer my fears and help other children with autism that were in my troop overcome their fears.

As I was getting straight A’s in my later high school years, and attaining my rank in the troop, I was working part time at Rite Aid as a cashier in my local town. This way, I was obtaining work experience at an early age. My community was proud of me and many people knew my name. The reason I am on GoFundMe is because I would like to return to TCNJ as a sophomore, however I do not have the last $7,000 to continue. I went through years of speech therapy, occupational therapy, food therapy, social behavior therapy, and overall preparation to be a good example that anyone with a disability can still succeed in life. At the time when I was diagnosed with autism, therapies were not covered by insurance at the time. My parents paid for all of my therapies to make sure I would be integrated into the public-school system.

            Later in my middle school years, I was asked to be a speaker at my eighth-grade graduation. Then, at my Eagle Scout ceremony, I had the opportunity to thank all the people who supported me in my journey for my success as a person. Everyone was so kind, helpful, and caring, so I always saw life in a positive light. My plans as of now, to make everyone proud, is by attending college and fulfilling my career as a chemistry major and Japanese specialist.

            People commonly do not realize, that as difficult as Autism/Asperger’s Syndrome was as a child, this disability can be overcome with all kinds of therapies. As Temple Grandin’s book says: “Assist in their weaknesses and exploit their strengths.” As a child, hyper-focusing seemed as though I was not paying attention whatsoever. Meanwhile, hyper-focusing today helps me learn to write Japanese hiragana and katakana as well as understand certain details in any chemical calculation. Therefore, I am a viable young man; able to attend college even if some do not know I have Asperger’s syndrome, which is on the autism spectrum.

I would truly appreciate to continue such studies at The College of New Jersey, and I believe that I could fulfill my aspirations with your support. Even though I do not know anyone from this website, I would still like to make everyone proud of me as well. My parents have supported all of my endeavors, and I would be thrilled to assist them in attaining financial assistance to relieve them of the stress of college tuition. Thank you for your time and consideration.
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Donations 

  • Anonymous
    • $1,000 
    • 6 yrs
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Organizer

Christian McCloskey
Organizer
Belmar, NJ

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