This memorial scholarship was created in honor of Michael Charles.
Michael had many talents and loved serving others in need. One of his strengths was his neurodiversity; he had a unique ability to actively listen and walk with people through their most difficult challenges. He was a caretaker who demonstrated inclusion and acceptance through helping vulnerable people. After losing him unexpectedly, his family wanted to continue Michael’s desire to help others by creating a scholarship for others like him.
Gifted in technology, Michael built his own computers. He was passionate and exceptionally skilled at video games, whether playing with friends or competing in gaming tournaments around Wichita, Kansas. Some of his favorite games included Super Smash Brothers, Plants vs. Zombies, and Rocket League. He dreamed of attending Wichita State University with a career in game design.
Everybody’s brain functions differently, possessing distinct qualities and capacities. What is easy to one person can be very difficult for another. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor (2020) statistics; only 20.6% of neurodivergent individuals complete a bachelor’s degree or higher, when compared to 40% of their neurotypical counterparts.
Neurodiversity is not a condition that needs to be cured. On the contrary, it should be celebrated for the variety of thoughts, perspectives and experiences it brings to humanity. This scholarship helps create more opportunities for neurodivergent individuals to achieve success in their lives.
