Look to the future by Zachary

Look to the future by Zachary - June 2017 Scholarship Essay

When I was six years old there was a lot wrong with me. I don't remember much from when I was six, but my parents tell me stories of how some days I wouldn't do anything and others I was out of control. Also, in sports like soccer, all I would do is run around and scream at the other kids. I went from doctor to doctor getting drugs for my problems. At one point I was on 10 different medications trying to help me, until one doctor diagnosed me with Asperger’s. So I had a lot going on with me and all I wanted to be is normal and have friends.
After they discovered this, my parents fought the Public School to send me to The Harbour School. The reason for this fight was that I was not getting the help I needed at the local public school; I was over stimulated with all the other students and all the transitions during the day. During my time at Tulip Grove Elementary School, I didn’t have any friends and didn’t know how to socialize with the other kids. I would always get into trouble because I didn’t know when the game was over and I was too trusting in the other boys and they would get me to do bad things. Right before I was approved to attend The Harbour School, I had a mental break down, this was in 2nd grade, and could not continue to attend school for the last month of the school year. I started Harbour School the summer after 2nd grade. This school was really an important step in my education. This school helped me understand how to control my impulses and helped me to improve my social skills. It still was a long and difficult process at the time. The teachers and the Social worker were really patient with me. They gave me tactics to be self-aware of my behaviors and how to cope with disappointments and frustrations. By Middle school I had grown into a productive young Teen and was a leader to the other students. Half way thru my 8th grade year at The Harbour School, I outgrew what the school could offer me. I still had problems, but it wasn't nearly as bad as when I was six. So, my parents and I decided to leave the school and find a school with some form of academics, since I wanted to go to college. The school that changed my life was Chelsea School.
At Chelsea, I was able to become a better person by working hard with the new teachers that were given to me. I met teachers like Mr. Brown who helped me learn how to write at my grade level. Mr. Callahan, my counselor, who helped me get thru my problems at school and at home. It was still difficult for me to adjust to the new school because of my disabilities; change is hard for me. But now I have friends who I can talk to and they care about what I say and I can listen to them and care for them. From all the improvements I have made now I can help others who have similar disabilities. I have become a leader in the School and have friends. From all the opportunities this school has given me, now I have the confidence to succeed in anything I go for in life. I had a rough childhood, I can hardly remember what I used to be nor do I want too. That part of me when I was a kid is gone and now I'm ready for whatever life has in store for me. None of this could have happened if I didn't put the effort into my work.
I am now attending George Mason University to learn about programing and game design. My first year was exciting, I made new friends and was successful in all my classes. During my second semester, I joined a Fraternity and now I am looking to forge new friendships at school. My six year old self would have never expected this but now I am finally confident in myself and have good friends.