I was a 16-year-old girl with the goal to have a career in Law Enforcement. At 16, I graduated at the top of my class from the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department Explorer Program. I held the positions as Captain and Ram Rod Drill Instructor, which are the programs highest rankings.

I knew I didn’t need a college degree to join the department, but I still pursued it. I enrolled at Cal State Northridge because I knew it would open more doors, it would get me a better salary within the department, and my parents always told me college was important.

As I was entering my Junior Year in college, I had found out that I was that .1% of women who got pregnant from birth control. My husband (my high school sweetheart) and I had just been married a few months prior, and we decided not to have children. But like I always say “God had other plans,” and sent us a blessing in disguise. My husband was so supportive and so was our family. It took me an extra year in a half to finish my bachelor’s, but I did it! I was determined to now pursue my career in Law Enforcement, and I applied to many departments across the state.

As I was preparing for my last semester in my undergrad, we began to notice a delay in my son’s development. This moment caused us to spend most of our nights in different hospitals dealing with his low blood levels and bloody stools. As we got his health under control, we noticed our son was still not speaking, so we were referred to a speech pathologist in the local regional center. We were told, “Your son is showing red signs of Autism, we can begin therapy but he will need further intervention and approximately two years of diagnosis.”

Next thing you know it was my graduation day! I was proud of my achievement, but I was heartbroken. I was devastated not knowing if my son will one day be able to say the word “mom.”  I walked across that stage even though I feared the unknown. With no hesitation, I knew I would do everything I can to help my son.

I decided to put my law enforcement career on hold and work part-time as a Certified Peace Officer for the City of Lancaster Park Ranger Program. Within a year, we had reached a major milestone and got my son to speak a few words. In May 2016, my son was officially diagnosed with Level 2 Autism and Speech and Language Impairment.

However, two years later, he was also diagnosed with Feeding Disorder of Infancy and Early Childhood. My husband and I began to struggle financially and I decided to pick up a second job. Thankfully because of my Bachelor’s degree, I was able to get a job working as a behavior interventionist for a local agency, which allowed me to work directly with children and families who live with a diagnosis of Autism. I fell in love with the field, and in 2017 I decided to pursue a Master’s of Science Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from National University. Through my own personal struggle as an Autistic mother and the lack of services that exist for special needs families, I collaborated with two amazing mothers and began to advocate for the special needs community. We partnered together and opened up our own Nonprofit called AV Seed and Grow/Cultivar y Crecer. Our mission is to support and provide resources to families in the Antelope Valley.

In October 2020, I made another difficult decision and stepped away from my Senior Park Ranger position and Law enforcement career, like we say “retire my badge”. I found my pasión to support families in my community with special needs children and make sure they had all the support and resources available. Personally, I do not want a family to feel lost or alone like I once did. Pursuing higher education has opened many doors for me.

At 27 years old, My Husband and I were able to buy both our parents a home. Because of my college education, I was able to find stable jobs and then a career that still allowed me to be the supportive mom my son needed. When we are kids, we think about getting married, buying a house, and having kids. But we never think about being prepared enough to have children with special needs.

For all students who are just entering college or just graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree, I want you to know, “it’s ok.” Work hard now so you won’t have to later. If you are unsure of what career to choose or need a few extra years to graduate, that is fine. But find what makes you happy and do all you can to continue learning. For high school students, I suggest you get involved and become a member of your schools and/or community programs. Begin exploring career options you enjoy, because “if you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life.”

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Advice to younger self:

• • Expect the unexpected and never be afraid to do what makes you happy.