20 Years Later

I woke up this morning to find a special surprise in the bathroom. One of my roommates, I don't know who, put the birthday sign by the sink and mirror and I didn't notice it until I washed my hands. Whoever did this, I thank you for making my day special.

My birthday started out like any other day. I didn't really do anything to celebrate earlier in the day until my roommates took me out to dinner, gave me a cupcake and went to the movie theaters to see the new Christmas movie, "The Christmas Candle." It is a movie based on Max Lucado's book. I recommend everyone to go see it because it is a movie of believing in miracles.

At five years old, I was diagnosed with a learning disability called high functioning autism. It changed the lives of my family and mine forever. Ever since my diagnosis, I went through a lot of challenges. Other kids made fun of me at school and wouldn't include me in any fun activity that they were doing; teachers weren't willing to work with me because they had no experience with disabled kids; I felt like I wasn't important because I wasn't like the other kids. I wasn't "normal."

But with the support of my parents and sisters, teachers and friends who were willing to look past my differences, I was able to succeed and beat the odds. I was only looked at as a little girl, instead of an alien, who needed help and the support from the people who love her.

I received awards in academics, became one of the leading scores in Church basketball, overcame my autism with speech therapy, and graduated high school with honors. I was born a champion... I am now a champion... and I always will be a champion. Anyone is a champion if they choose to be.

Look at me now, 20 years old and a sophomore at BYU-Idaho. I have changed into a better person because of my trials, experiences, and faith that grew stronger and helped me grow close to God. I succeeded because of His help. I learned to turn to Him for strength, courage, and faith. I proved those who doubted I would ever succeed that I can.

I've learned to accept my autism as a gift instead of a weakness. I won't deny it, there are times I've struggled on things because I only think in pictures. But, I was able to understand by asking for help. I think in pictures and I try to connect the pieces together. 

I've also learned not to let autism define who I am. It is my learning disability, but it's not me. It's something I'm born with, but it doesn't mean that it's my identity.

I am Micaela Jones. I'm 20 years old and I'm autistic. But, I am NOT my autism.