I'm 21 and I volunteer every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at the high school I graduated from in the Autism room. It started out my senior year. I took a class thats called Peer Connectors, regular kids help in the special ed. rooms. I didn't really know what Autism was, besides it something to do with the brain. I didn't know the different serverites and complexity of it, and I was scared and uncomfortable around them at first, but I got used to them and couldn't be more blessed to be welcomed into their amazing world and help raise awareness. They're the sweetest kids I ever met and they always put a smile on my face or make me laugh. They have their good and bad days but I love them just the same. They taught me that its ok to be different and just be yourself, don't care what other people think of you. They helped me shape into a better person and come out of my shyness shell. They love my kangaroo costume I wear for their Halloween party :) The teachers really appriciate my help to and are so nice to me, giving me birthday and Christmas presents, joking around. I always have a good time with them :) Everyone is so proud of my volunteer work and think its great I'm involved in the Autism communitee. I couldn't be more proud to be with such amazing kids and teachers. I'm hoping to be a para in the classroom one day in the future :) gotta get my driver's permit first.

Kelsi
Bloomington, MN