Hailey Beard

My brother has severe autism. Growing up with him, I have had to experience his loud screaming, meltdowns, and many embarrassing moments in public. About five years ago, one of his meltdowns changed my life.

Sitting in the back of our minivan with my two dogs, I watched my older brother fling open the door of our moving vehicle and run into oncoming traffic. My mom, brother, and I were on our way to the dog park, but my brother had other plans. Through the windshield of our van, I witnessed the violent scene of my screaming autistic brother running rampant through one of the most crowded intersections in my city. At that moment, I felt defeated. I was alone in the middle of an intersection while everyone watched my brother’s hysteria. Between the sirens that filled the street and my mom running after him, I was angry and embarrassed at the scene that had just unfolded before me.

Seconds later, I hear a knock at the backseat window. It was my mom’s friend, Amy who had happened to witness the entire disaster. Seeing my mom and brother struggling, she decided to step in. Wiping tears from my eyes, Amy hugged me and offered to drive me home, while my mom and brother left in an ambulance. Without hesitation, I said yes.

Often, I find myself pondering over the coincidences that have happened in my life. These moments, whether by chance or predestined by God, have changed my life. Amy showing up for me that day was no exception. Yet, unlike other random moments in my life, I truly believe her appearance on the freeway was no coincidence. I also believe this is the case with Collegiate Crossings. My dad is pastor and my mom works multiple side jobs so she can care for my brother. We do not have a lot of extra funds to say the least – so having Collegiate Crossings come in and help me to plan, apply and finance my college education is just like that day on freeway an unexpected gift.