There was a humongous opportunity I took this year! The opportunity to speak at an elementary school in Kirkland, Washington! I was so excited about it! One of the first times in a long time of speaking in person in front of people and not in front of a camera. Especially when children are involved, then I was really looking forward to speaking at the event! Wanted it to be near perfect for the kids.

The topic that the teachers wanted me to focus on talking about was all about acceptance, community, and never dissing your ability. Completed the outline, practiced, and was off to the races! This was also the very first time I have done a keynote event without anyone with me. Normally, I would be accompanied by either my dad or my mom, but on that day, it had to be me; Everyone else was occupied. Population: ONE! Literally!

Was not as bad as I thought it would be. I now want more of it! Check in at the motel, get settled, explore a bit, enjoy some recreational activities, and be ready...

Recently, I gave three keynote speeches. One in Pennsylvania, one in Texas, and the other in Maine. Virtually! Close enough. Even when I saw people through the video cameras, I felt well cultured at each of these keynote events, and I’m so excited to share what I observed and shared at these events. 

I was privileged to speak at three different locations. 

• Pennsylvania - Inside the University’s Theater Room 
• Texas - Room that had a beautiful backdrop of homemade fabrics
• Maine - Quiet office environment with sunlight coming through the windows

That’s not counting the adorable accents on all three events. The only thing missing is that I would have loved to travel to each location and meet everyone in person. It makes me so happy to spend a few days in each state to explore and experience the different cultures right here in the United States. After my speaking engagements I enjoy celebrating afterwards. 

Speaking of celebrations, that topic was...

I have a theory for that... family and teacher support.

It was a bit before the start of preschool. I was with my mother the most time so naturally, I never wanted to go to school because then I would be separated by my dear mommy. She gives me the most comfort when the world seems too scary for me, and going to school was tough; the thing about having autism is that change is extremely hard. Say you hang up your coat or backpack on the same hook, when that hook is being used by someone else, it can be a bit upsetting; that’s how change can be difficult at times, especially when you’re young.

After two weeks of settling in preschool, I found myself clinging onto the teachers more often than the kids. The kids thought I was weird and bizarre; often times I would hide in small places isolating myself. It was then a bunch of kids told me that I was extremely good at playing Hide, Go, and Seek. I didn’t know what the game was about, so they showed me how to play; and...