Temple Grandin

I decided to write my “book report” on Temple Grandin. Ms. Grandin was diagnosed with autism as a young girl and grew up surrounded by people who didn’t understand her thinking or her behavior. Even thought she was constantly teased, she chose to work with mentors and teachers who believed in her abilities and taught her with creativity and patience. She excelled in science and not only graduated from college, but went on to earn her Ph.D. and become a professor. Ms. Grandin’s unique neurology makes her very sensitive to sensory cues like sound and touch. She is also a very visual thinker, processing and remembering information in “movie” format. These unique characteristics help her to understand how animals respond to their environment. She has designed humane animal-handling equipment which is now used all over the world and was named a fellow of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers. By being aware of both the difficulties and the benefits of having autism, Ms. Grandin has become an important part of autism advocacy efforts.

When I think about the persistence it takes to tackle the opportunities of attending college, getting an advanced degree (not to mention, two), exerting influence on the cattle industry (especially as a woman and outsider), and playing a major advocacy role, I am amazed at Ms. Grandin’s ability. The most inspiring thing to me, however, is that she found a way to take the things about her others might classify as a disorder or disease and used them to succeed. I have weaknesses too. Is it possible that I can find a way to make them useful and then persist in using them to benefit others?