Autism | Calderism

For most people, going to college is seen as a normal part of growing up, something expected after high school. People talk about applications, majors, scholarships, and careers as if everyone experiences those goals in the same way. To Cald, college is the chance to show the world who he truly is.

As I prepare to leave for college myself, I have thought a lot about what this achievement means. For years, I worked toward this goal through difficult classes, AP Stat, stress, late nights, AP Stat, and enough (AP Stat) assignments to make me question whether sleep is actually necessary for survival. Thank you AP Stat. Getting accepted into college feels rewarding because it represents persistence and growth. It is proof that hard work eventually leads somewhere, even if the journey feels overwhelming at times.

At the same time, college does not just feel like my accomplishment anymore. Calder’s excitement about becoming a writer has changed the way I think about education. Writing gives people a voice that cannot be ignored, and Calder has a voice worth hearing. His thoughts are funny, creative, honest, and sometimes unexpectedly profound. He reminds me that intelligence is not measured by how loudly someone speaks, but by the ideas they have and the way they see the world.

Thinking about Calder’s goals has also made the future feel less intimidating. When he talks about going to “sweet college,” it strips away all the pressure and prestige people usually attach to higher education. Suddenly, college is not just about careers or résumés. It becomes about connection, growth, and sharing experiences with others who believe in you. Although I am excited for independence, I am also fully aware that the boss, also known as my mom, will probably still have me writing Calderisms while I am away at college. Apparently, deadlines continue to exist even in higher education.

As graduation gets closer, I feel proud of what I have achieved, but I also feel grateful for the perspective Calder has given me. His dreams remind me that success is not always about awards, rankings, or perfect grades. Sometimes success means continuing to believe in yourself even when the world underestimates you. One day, I truly believe Calder will become a writer and share his thoughts with others, because the people around him already know how much he has to say. And honestly, I think “sweet college” sounds a lot more meaningful than any official campus tour description ever could. While Jack mostly misses the dog when he’s at college, I will miss Cald the most and the joy I get coming home to see him smiling and playing in the window.