Autumn — See Me Because

Society likes to assume that we are too old to enjoy all the happy things, but I want people to know that you are never too old to dress up or enjoy the things you like. I want to show off my love for my childhood. I was born in 2005, so I was surrounded by the 90s and 2000s. I draw inspiration from Japanese art style and culture, and some of the Magical Girl shows that I like. I like princesses, cute anime, rainbows, glitter, and girly popstar stuff. I like maximalism and the Kidcore aesthetic inspired by the ‘90s.

I was 12 years old when I really got into music. There was one song that really stood out, Let You Down by NF. I fell in love with it. I remember being in the car with my dad, rapping along to it. It’s the most happiness I’ve ever felt in my entire life. I wish I could bottle that feeling up. God, I wish I could go back to those days. Little did I know that this artist, NF, would become my all time favorite musician. I became a diehard NF fan. I really like his unique style, his beautiful, angelic voice, and the fact that he can rap and sing. NF brings me nostalgia. His music is emotionally driven and gives you the feels. He also doesn't swear at all, which is good because I don't like listening to music with swearing; it always bothered me. I can listen to all of his music and feel comfortable. NF, thank you. You are the best ever.

Because I am a straight white girl from America, people might assume I’m Christian, but I’m agnostic; I don't know if a God is real or not. I don't like it when people force religion on you and I’m not interested in participating in religion. A lot of people assume that you have to be Christian or you're not worthy of anything, but I think the opposite. Me, my parents and many of my family members aren't religious, and we are still really kind people. It doesn't matter what religion you are, you can still be a good person. Your actions are not defined by your religion; they’re defined by who you truly are.

I've been making art for a long time, and became an artist when I joined the art club at my high school. I want to share my voice so others can be healed the way I was healed through others’ art. I want to evoke strong feelings. Mostly, it’s going to be joy. I experience joy a lot, even joy that I cried, joy that I got confused, joy that I felt happy. I want others to do the same. My ultimate dream is to one day collaborate with the one and only NF. To achieve this goal, I am going to college this fall to earn my bachelor's degree in music composition and be known for my music one day. I also want to start my own business called Autumn Melody that sells cute, youthful clothes and accessories targeted to teens and young adults. I am going to grind. A lot of people think that art or music is not a real job. It is, and yet money doesn't have the true power of raw, authentic creativity - not money, not looks, not negativity, but positivity, self-expression, and happiness. I’m going to work hard to provide for myself and also have an impact on the world. I'm people over profit.

I am autistic. I get overstimulated a lot and it makes me really upset. It affects me every day. But even though I am autistic and have sensory issues, I am able to accomplish anything. I may feel uncomfortable sometimes, but I will find a way to make myself better. One day, my successes will outshine my overstimulation.

I’ve learned to adapt and not get upset if something doesn't go your way because in the end, it might be better than what you've originally planned. I’ve learned that if you have more than one desired outcome, then you're more open minded, which allows more creative flexibility. You can experiment more and think deeper. It boosts your creativity.

See me because I am creative, talented and smart. I am confident, strong and able to accomplish anything if I work hard for it. My autism does not define me. I'm going to be myself no matter the consequences. Every little thing about me combines into the masterpiece of who I am.

Milwaukee, 2024