March is Women’s History Month. The Smithsonian Institution of America explains that this initiative is to “amplify women’s voices to honor the past, inform the present and inspire the future. The stories we tell deepen our understanding of women’s contributions to America and the world, showing how far women have advanced and how we as a country value equality and the contributions of all our citizens.”  In honor of such a special time of the year, I want to share the story of a woman who truly would uphold this explanation by the Smithsonian.

My dear friend Kiersten Schmidt does everything she can to give back to others and contribute to the greater good. She is selfless and full of love. Kiersten is currently 28 years old and has lived with Autism since she was born. Since Kiersten is such a beautiful writer and this month specifically celebrates the voices of women, I asked her to share her story in her own words. The story of how she continues to overcome challenges and makes the most of every day, staying compassionate to everyone around her. Her story will certainly encourage you to never give up, and I hope it motivates you to share your own story as a way to inspire others.

I was born in 1990. At this time period the doctors and scientists were just starting to understand what Autism is and how it affects the brain. Today, now the doctors and scientists can say this how it affects one person and this is how it affects another person.

Growing up with Autism has definitely had, and still has, its challenges. When I was little, my parents were trying to help with the anxiety [I had] that can overwhelm the brain. Things as simple as adjusting to a group setting where there is loud music and many conversations going on all at once. Then they were helping me learn and understand what my teachers were teaching me in school. Today, they are teaching me adult things like doing laundry, cooking, and how to understand different prices when we are shopping from clothes to groceries.

When I first learned about my Autism at 12 years old, it was a very hard time to be okay with it. All I could think of is: ‘I’m going to be the person who isn’t smart like my sisters. What’s my purpose in life?’ When I was 21 years old, I fully understood what my purpose is in life. I had asked the good Lord and He had told me: ‘You are a inspirational person in life and to those around you, you also are a teacher all at the same time, and you’re not afraid to let your light shine. You talk about your disability and encourage moms and dads that their son or daughter is going to do great things. The best part of all, you include Me in your life. It’s a very special gift.’

Change is hard for people, but for with having Autism it’s ten times harder. Over time, many loving people have helped to be okay with change and many life things as well. I had many things that have happened to me in my life – some things have been good things while others have been hard and challenging – but the good news is that, as a believer and follower of our Heavenly Father and his one and only son Jesus Christ, I know in my heart that they always are here for us no matter what happens in life. I’m constantly trusting, relying on them both, and praying all the time.

With having Autism, the hardest thing still for me today is understanding life and learning new things, but I know the good Lord helps me to not be afraid and to not have self doubt. I praise Our Heavenly Father and his one and only son Jesus Christ for being in my life every single day and for blessing me with best support team through framilie friend’s, family members, and my amazing service dog, Rover. I’m so grateful for all of the above.

I was one of the many early patients who had Autism when they were trying to understand what Autism is at the time period. I surprised them after I was told I wasn’t going be able to walk, talk, or learn like everyone else. But, today I walk pretty good on my good days with having a bad knee, and talk wonderfully. I learn a little differently, but can sure can do things like baking, arts & crafts, cooking, and so much more. I know that a lot of what I do and who I am today is because of Our Heavenly Father.

I volunteer with and speak on behalf of a disability program called “A Touch Of Understanding”. I’ve been with them for about 11 years. I speak on the autism part of it. I’m able to share about my disability with grade school students. I also bring my service dog, Rover, with me to show the students how a service dog can help people with with all kinds of disabilities. I’ve also spoken and shared my story with parents at the UC Davis Mind Institute here in Sacramento, California.

I have been taking piano lessons for two years. I truly enjoy learning and playing. Right now, I’m getting ready for our piano recital that will be in May 2019. I also enjoy creating worship music when I have down time. I love worshipping whenever I can. I also enjoy sewing and making blankets.

I’ve been a believer and grew up in a Christian environment my whole life. I truly believe that’s how I’ve been able to overcome so many things with having Autism and able to do life things, why I do what I do today, and who I am as a person today. Today, our Heavenly Father is teaching me to be patient with life, reminding me who I am as a person, enjoy life, and helping me get back up on my feet. I’ve had some hard times recently with life. My family and I just found out that one of our family members has stage 4 cancer. Things have been hard for us, but I know in my heart that our Heavenly Father and his one and only son Jesus Christ has, is, and will continue to help us for always and forevermore.

I hope that my story has been able to help you and inspire you in anyway possible. Thank you so much reading.

Sincerely, Kiersten Schmidt