Succeed WITHOUT College as an Autistic Adult | AUTISM IN GIRLS
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- Опубликовано: 15 янв 2022
- I'm Olivia Hops and I have Autism! In today's video, I'm giving you guys a pep talk. The reason? I want you all to know that you can do ANYTHING you put your mind to!
Don't let your age, a disability, education level - anything - stop you from going for your dreams and achieving them.
I had many people tell me my big dreams were unattainable, but I have achieved every single thing (minus keeping a plan alive...) that I have ever set my mind on doing. You can, too!
Don't listen to ANYONE who tells you otherwise. They don't know your dreams (watch the video for what Steve Harvey did when someone told him he was never going to be on TV). If I had listened to some of even my closest family and friends, I wouldn't be where I am today.
You may fail, it may sting, but never quit. Keep going. The saying goes, "I didn't fail, I just found a way NOT to do something."
Also, college does NOT equal success. And no college does not equal a miserable life (despite what many people told me). If college isn't for you, that's 1000% okay. There are so many other ways to learn, such as internships, which is what I did.
If you need any help with any of your dreams, please don't hesitate to reach out. I would love to help you if there is any way that I can.
Believe in yourself and keep going. And don't wait! You never know when your last day on Earth might be.
**PLEASE LIKE AND SUBSCRIBE AND SHARE TO FURTHER SUPPORT AUTISTIC ADULTS!**
God Bless and see you soon! :)
-Small Business: www.UnbakedBar.com (coupon AUTISM for 20% off!)
-Instagram: @OliviaHops
#ActuallyAutistic #NFL #OliviaHops
I feel like the biggest mistake I have made is succumbing to the pressure of being successful and moving on to the next step. Take a step back and consider if a situation fits you and don’t let a predatory employer dazzle you in.
Definitely. That goes back to my last video about living in the present! If you haven’t, go give that a watch. I give tips on how to live in the moment and appreciate what you have right now :)
I know you've mentioned being self-employed. Please do a video on how you managed to do that. I've considered it in the past, but wasn't sure how to go about it. Lots of individuals with disabilities would benefit since so many are unemployed or underemployed.
YES, PLEASE!
PLEASE DO THIS thank you
For someone so young I find each of your videos is packed with wisdom. Such great advice.
Thanks so much, Kelly. I really appreciate that 💙
I agree. 50 years ago college degrees used to mean something but now they are a dime a dozen and are not producing the same opportunities they used to. Additionally the cost of college degrees has increased far exceeding the rate of inflation while the quality of college is going down.
Financial education goes a much longer way. Rich dad poor dad talks about this. The authors father had several degrees and was a college professor but he died poor because he did not understand the difference between assets and liabilities. His friends father did not go to college and was rich because he knew how to invest and he knew the difference between asset and liability.
I did have a degree but it was a waste because I couldn't get into my field of study without work experience so I just gave up trying.
I now own three businesses after having just sold one that I owned for 11 years that gave me enough money to take a step back for a few years... and I could have done all of that without a college degree.
I also know people who have a six-figure debt from college. After internships and everything else they JUST started making money when they were almost 40.
With that said... What is the purpose for anyone choosing college or a career path? It is to find fulfillment. There is no right or wrong answer. If you find fulfillment in a job that you need a degree for, or you really enjoy going to college because that is fulfilling to you, then do it. Some might find fulfillment in money and some might not. Money is not the definition of success or fulfillment.
She's Not saying people shouldn't go to college, just trying to educate people that this is not the only way... or that you are not a failure if you don't.
I'm a girl on the spectrum and I'm in college right now. I've been nervous about it environment-wise for a little while and it may give me meltdowns from time to time but what it definitely won't do is stop me from getting that degree. Thanks for the pep talk! It really helped remind me of my goals 😊
You go girl!! You WILL get that degree!! Nothing can stop you 💙
Random advice from an autistic stranger who knows nothing more about your situation other than what you provided in the comment? Use your time at University to practice your social skills. I gave up on my dream of getting a PhD at the age of 21, a full decade before I knew that I was autistic. Now that I've had my diagnosis I've come to realize that the only reason I went thirty-one years under the radar in the first place is that my brain is literally wired to excel in classrooms. I can't count the amount of opportunities I passed down in my youth to accelerate my education because of what I perceived as "social anxiety," when in reality I just didn't know I was autistic. I know that there are a lot of people on a campus and that people like us are just wired to sometimes not be able to handle that; but I promise you that when you take a step back and gain the proper perspective, you'll come to realize that the way your mind works is a gift and that it's no accident that you are studying whatever field you've chosen. I've got no idea who you are or what field that may be, but I can guarantee you that your program is *lucky* to have someone like you in it.
As a thirty-one year old who once was on track to get his PhD in philosophy so that he could literally spend his life at a University, I can safely endorse the message of this video. When I enrolled in my classes I would purposefully look up professors who wouldn't have an attendance policy so that I could only attend on test days. I maintained a 4.0 gpa (until I dropped out) by self-teaching and communicating with my professors on an "as-needed" basis. When you said that "college just isn't for me" you probably don't have the first-hand experience to properly appreciate just how right you probably are. My buddy who didn't drop out and got his PhD last year tells me that the industry (aka working on a University campus) is a nightmare and that according to him, "It's not really about the degree anymore. It's more about getting the right internships and buffing up your resume." So if anything, I think you've probably earned the right to turn to your friends and family and tell them how awfully wrong they are--although, you seem like far too pleasant of a person to do such a thing.
I think people forget that Universities aren't simply "educational institutions". They're billion-dollar businesses. They make money by getting students who pay a lot to study at a "high-ranked" uni. And that ranking comes from getting research papers published in "great" journals. So they don't really care about whether the results of your degree's project will be usable in the practical world. They care about whether it will result in papers published that'll get them ranked higher.
@@Vousie They should just have "PUBLISH OR PERISH" emblazoned above the entrance to every University department's entrance much like they had the words "Work Will Set You Free" above the entrance to Auschwitz.
I love how well you have done all things considered, thank you so much for sharing, it's a great comfort to me as I have a daughter who has asd and adhd
Like I mentioned to you in the live comments, your daughter has a bright future ahead with whatever she decides to do 💙
@@OliviaHops I truly believe that. Thank you 😊 x
Thank you for posting this, I really needed to hear it right about now. I'm currently in the middle of "scrapping the college idea" for lack of a better description. Ironically, part of my networking will include contacting several professors since I'll be studying several languages
I know it’s scary at first, but you got this! The unknown is extra terrible for us autistic people, but you’ll get there. Network the heck out of those professors!!
Whenever I feel super anxious, I watch your videos. Your videos calm me down so much. Thank you!
I loved college as a person in love with learning. If you hate school or can't afford college, I can see this vid as helpful.
I’ve tried college so many times, and I just can’t learn that way. I do however have an impressive collection of continuing Ed credits and am working on micro badges. It’s getting employers to get think outside the higher Ed box that is challenging.
For journalism, acting, singing etc, yeah, you don't need college. In fact, some professional actors in Hollywood say it's *better* to not go to college and spend that time getting experience in acting etc instead 'cause it's worth more to your career.
This does not apply to many other jobs. For example, Engineering/IT. You simply do need a degree for most of the jobs in this field.
Thank you for sharing your story and for the encouragement. So happy to have you as a resource for our 9 year old daughter!
I tried to imagine what part of 'football' you were interested in.Then you published your pic in football gear. Thank Mom for those 'braces', you are a great thinker/speaker. You gave me the nudge that my breaking connection with my family member, learn to deal with the 'guilt'. I'm grateful for you. As an autistic woman, I have made it my responsibility to speak to the many seniors that live here, often, and I will get back to writing soon.
I'm currently unemployed and feeling the immense pressure to find work! No body understands not even my family! I feel ashamed but at the same I know this isn't my fault! Can anybody help me even if it's just some guidance?
I'm a hardworking individual who just wants to be able to work on my own with no body to hassle me! This world can be quite cruel to us and I think I'd be better of without all the crap of being in an office! Thanks all ☺️
I’m currently in college, this is my last semester. I thrived doing online, it’s a lot harder with in person classes. I don’t fit in, my professors are threatened at my intelligence instead of excited or wanting to help me flourish. I think the hardest part is dealing with the professors, a lot of them have crazy egos and want to feel superior to their students rather than wanting them to succeed. I have opened my own Etsy shop, doing healing sessions (something I’m actually very good at!) as well as sell some of my writing. So far, no bites but I hope this can be it for me and I can finally do what I love while also supporting myself.
Thank you, its nice to hear news of success and hope :)
@7:40 this is something which I’ve realised about myself and sorry you experienced this! I’m so anxious that when someone puts pressure I can’t enjoy or finish the task.
You're absolutely correct on this, I have a friend who didn't finish college sand if now a CFO, I went to college, I will say it taught me how to organize my thoughts better, conceptually, but it's not necessary to go to be successful, or have a good, happy or satisfied life!
Thank you for this, Olivia. I wish I was told this years ago. I'm a late-diagnosed HF Autistic woman. Like you, I love learning but not in a classroom setting. I hated school and sixth-form college.
Those who can do and those who can't teach.
God bless you.
Awesome as always.
I use my long term good memory (visual) to know every single part that goes into our high tech stuff (it has lasers, it is cool). I am currently obsessed with data analytics as a special interest & I am presenting datasets I collected and built to the board of our multi-million dollar company. I really think I eventually want to open a co-op for autistic kids bc it’s the only thing I’ve done so far that had no end of challenges and applications of all my special interests, but I would 100% need a administrator to help me stay on track. Right now my boss mentors me and helps me figure out how to use my autism to my advantage.
It should be noted that done colleges have support programs for autistic students. Marshall, Pace, FDU, Rutgers, to name a few.
@NJGuy1973 That’s really interesting! Hadn’t considered that might be a possibility, so thanks for the heads up!! Any other colleges you can think of that have this type of support? Or, how would I best search for them? Thank you!
And just last night a guy told me he wished his parents would have pushed him harder to go to college. It’s hard as a parent in this area! Thanks for the info!!!
The beginning of the video is my favorite part 😂 too funny!
For the generation of my grandparents in the 1950s, it was acceptable not to attend college. My paternal grandpa dropped out of high school and became an apprentice. My other grandpa just had one year of technical school. Each supported a wife and 3 kids. (Both grandmas were content being housewives. Not that there's anything wrong with working moms.)
Good video and well said. BTW, I was told the same thing by teachers when I was in highschool. I got accepted into a high accredited four year university by getting good ACT scores but dropped out and now have over 65,000$ in debt.
I liked the message of your video, but for some University is absolutely necessary, I can't be a licensed psychologist without a graduate or post-graduate degree. However, University is not for everyone. The best decision my husband made was dropping out of University. He has ADHD (I'm not saying people with ADHD can not go to college) I'm just saying he (specifically) couldn't sit at a desk and read for 8 hours straight. He is very talented. I encourage him to pursue art because he is very creative. I even let him practice tattooing my body. Not looking forward to paying back student loans tho
She says the same thing in the video. If you want to be a doctor you have to go to college, same as this. If you definitely need a degree for something you should get it
Same! I wish that I didn’t need college but I also want to be a psychologist or social worker.
Thanks for being encouraging also I’m going to college soon and I’m really nervous since I know I have learning disabilities but I really want to go again thanks for helping me have more confidence in myself ☺️
Hi Olivia, thanks for all the great vidéos. (I "discovered" you about a week ago after I started exploring the possibility of myself being an aspie, since my son was diagnosed at age 16!) Do you have any tips on networking for those on the spectrum who find it difficult, or even impossible, to get in touch with other people, even with those who share his interests?
I was pressured as a kid and young adult to go to the most prestigious highschool and college! They worried me to death and I felt I let my now deceased Dad down! But he just really wanted me to try and make it and now at 30, I have my first job and I want to help others with both mental health problems and autism! Now Olivia, is there a way to do it without college? I do wanna make a RUclips channel also! Thank you for the insight, and please I need tips! God bless you and keep you always!!!😇😍
I haven't got the social skills to network.
I don't think it's realistic for everyone with autism. I am 31 and have not had a job for 10 years. the social fears make it impossible for me, so networking certainly doesn't work. Autism is a spectrum, and what you say is not possible for everyone, especially if you come from special education, like me. those are not excuses, just like any difficulty because of autism is not an excuse.
💯 accurate
I had a teacher who told me this and yeah I'm still in a bad place.
Anyone wanting to do coding should just jump right into an internship, skip college, you learn more than a degree. Computer Science college courses are also free online so don't pay for them unless you really want to and know the institution and educators well. I found getting paid really pushed my aspirations further than a huge debt that isn't healthy for the economy to place on newer generations of workers coming in to fuel it. Checks and balances could free up some billions (safe to say) in corrupt or negligent government spending to focus on education that would have a massive positive ripple effect on many issues.
College is destroying me I feel hopeless, I dont know what to do
I just got my Master's degree and I'm an undiagnosed person on the spectrum.
How is it destroying you? It's really difficult, I know.
It seems like your describing me on the leaning thing , 😏👍
Percy Marks, Ivy professor in the early 1900s, author of ‘The Plastic Age’ (1924), a scandalous novel of 1920s college life that got him kicked out of Dartmouth, but made into a movie twice once with Clara Bow, wrote that that college was like a “hothouse” where you could bloom earlier than in the cold commercial world. Of course, now the knowledge is easier to access, you can watch a dozen videos a day of disciplined thinkers showing you how to discipline your intellect. How to develop critical thinking. Most university programs don’t do that anymore since it runs afoul of the identity politics on campus.
College credentials do fill one of the cells HR’s spreadsheet, so does get you over that hurdle.
BTW, the steam engine and other machines of the Industrial Revolution came out of the workshops, not the at the time, technophobic, universities. Newcommen’s religion kept him from getting anywhere near Oxford/Cambridge.
Hi Olivia! I’m a mom of an autistic teen, and I’ve learned so much from you. Thank you for helping me to better understand my teen. She was diagnosed last year at age 16, and I really didn’t know much about autistic females at the time. So, thank you for teaching me and sharing your experiences.
And as a side note, if you’re not aware, JK Rowling is NOT someone you want to use as an example of success and happiness. She is a hateful, selfish bully. In particular, the things she has said about transgender people are truly horrible and disgusting. Since there are many autistic individuals that identify as trans, I wanted to make sure you were aware.
Gentle hugs!
this vid really put me off.
Yeah, it's full of magical thinking and the like. I'm more of the position that you should try to do what you want and fight politically for the rights and accomodations you deserve, but to expect that everything is already possible and/or easy is honestly really stupid and dangerous
@@svairasmall mindset for you.
without college i feel lost and id rather put a bullet in my head as a soon to be mom im slowly waiting to just die because i cant go to college and im an embarassment to all my family id rather just fade away i hate the way i feel i look and how iam im nobody
Please don’t think this! I know it’s so hard to see it or believe it now but there is always light at the end of the tunnel. “This too shall pass” is a saying my friend told me long ago and it has always rang true, even if in the moment I can’t believe it. I promise it will get better.