My Goal for College by Jessica

My Goal for College by Jessica - July 2015 Scholarship Essay

When I was a child, I was diagnosed with the form of autism known as Asperger’s Syndrome. All my life, I have struggled to make friends and have simple conversations or even to say what I need. As a result of this, I have often felt uncertain that I would ever to able to live independently with an actual career and the ensuing responsibilities. That is why I have always been so bound and determined to go to college.

College is considered by most to be the place that actually prepares people for the real world of jobs and bills. It is where no one holds your hand and you have to do it yourself. What I want out of my college experience: a safe testing ground for me to figure out what I am capable of. That is half the reason why I chose Adelphi University. It’s close to home so I have a safety net if I can’t do it.

But I am also determined not to fail. After all, at this point in my life, college is the last stop before I join the workforce. I want to succeed because if I do not my only options are menial jobs. I am too smart for that and I’d have to be stupid to lose my shot at higher education. That also ties into the other reason I chose Adelphi. They have the Bridges program designed for autistic students, so that I have people to keep me on the path. However, my shot at proving myself is expensive. That’s why I’m applying for this scholarship so that I can keep that chance.