Dear Friends,
I am one lucky goose, because it is not often that I hear that there are many people who receive an MBA at the age of 20. It is one of the things that make me one in a million. What is more, is that my path to get here and my future make me even more distinct.
I was born in 1995 to woman who is beyond loving and stubborn. My mother, and my dad have been a truly driving force in my life. As a child, I was often very sick and truly no one expected my to live to the age of five. So as you can image we had a heck of a party when I turned 15. On top of being sick and allergic to just about everything (trees, grass, dust, dander, etc. ... the list of things I am not allergic to is way shorter), I also have learning disabilities. However as I am sure you understand none of those things stopped me.
Don’t get me wrong, they made and still make life very difficult. But after a great deal of hard work and help from a number of phenomenal people, I have been able to make something of myself. I graduated from high school at the age of 16, and earned my B.S. in business by 19. A year ago I started my MBA, and now I have it at the grand old age of 20. It has been one heck of a roller coaster but where I am headed next is an even bigger journey.
My next step... a doctorate in Psychology. You see, I want to develop the resources and the knowledge around how people think. This idea for a thesis dissertation is something I created five years ago, and I am now pursuing it. I am getting the classes I need through the next year, and then I am jumping into a five-year program that will help me explain my ideas.
My ambition is to create a career around my thesis but to also expand the research available about people with learning disabilities and autism. I previously mentioned my mother who has been a driving force in my life, well, she has Asperger’s which is on the autism spectrum. My baby brother is autistic as well. And I know many more people than I count on two hands that have either learning disabilities or autism. Each one of these people is dear to my heart, and having a chance to give back to them is a reward all its own.
Someday I hope to share my ideas with others, and influence discussion that will someday impact change. I might be 10 years from seeing this goal become a reality but I know I will fight tooth and nail to have that opportunity. My life has been nurtured by those who have helped me, and someday I will nurture others by helping them.
Thank you for reading my story, and please feel free to email me! Have a beautiful day.
Peace be with you,
Angela R.
Angela Richmond
[email protected]
Oregon