Briony Mikkell

I know that there’s a job for me that may have use for my skills in writing. I have been writing since I was a child, and I can say that this hobby has kept me grounded and gave me a sense of purpose. For many, having a sense of purpose is important, and the process starts young.

Hobbies are beneficial for those who have mental disabilities. Those with Asperger’s syndrome, like me, tend to focus and study one thing at a time that captures their interest, and if they are really into it, that’s all they think about. For me, it’s art and literature, anything that tells a story. I grew up watching Disney movies and reading Dr. Seuss’s books and began exploring my interests in art and writing. I want to be a published author and have novels ready to be published once I have the funds to start the process.

When people mental disabilities or not, explore and practice what interests them, it can lead to jobs and careers that they enjoy. Someone who builds a simple robot can one day become an engineer, someone who plays around with recorded sounds can be a DJ, and someone who adopts animals from the street and gives them care can become a veterinarian. That is why programs are put in place for children to figure out what they are into. Encouragement and understanding from the child’s support circle also helps, especially when the child changes their mind.

I love animals and would study and read about animals that interest me,  mainly horses. It was assumed by myself and my support circle that I should become a vet, but I didn’t have the focus, patience, or muscle to work and treat stressed animals, and deep down, I was content whenever I picked up a book or a pen, so I changed course. Being around animals was therapeutic for me, but my passion was writing.

When I listen to music, I see colors, create stories, imagine images in my head, and when inspired, I write or sketch them. I want to share more of my work and myself, and I know that not everything comes out perfect. Still, I feel happy when I write because I’m sharing my experiences and hopefully connecting to people, inspiring conversations that lead to solving problems. When hobbies, like mine, are encouraged, the world is brighter, so hobbies should be acknowledged and practiced so we are ready for the careers that require them.