Bullied Non-Verbal Autistic Woman Named Valedictorian - Her Unbelievable Speech Will Inspire You
An inspiration to those around her, a graduate with autism used her voice to advocate for others like her.
An estimated 40% of people with Autism are non-verbal, while 1 in 44 children in the USA are diagnosed with Autism every year. This means that many children in the United States have difficulty expressing themselves and communicating their feelings, something that can be both disheartening and frustrating.
One young woman in Florida was recently given the opportunity to speak up for the voiceless, and what she said was amazing.
How One Autistic Valedictorian Broke Stereotypes and Inspired Others
Located in Winter Park, Florida, Rollins College is a liberal arts school with a great reputation. One of the most beloved men in American history, Fred Rogers (better known to children everywhere as Mister Rogers) is an alumnus. This year, however, the valedictorian is someone just as special, but a little quieter.
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Elizabeth Bonker is an autistic woman who is also non-verbal, and who had difficulty communicating until she learned to type -- a skill that completely changed her life. Her valedictorian speech was given through a text-to-speech program, where she credited typing with being “that one critical intervention unlocked my mind from its silent cage."
I have a dream. Communication for all. My life will be dedicated to relieving them from suffering in silence.
Elizabeth Bonker
Why a Hard Past Didn't Stop a Graduate With Autism from Following Her Dreams
In her address, Elizabeth explained that she had been shunned and cast aside her whole life, even having a former high school principal tell her she would never achieve her dream of becoming valedictorian, and going so far as to call her a slur.
However, Elizabeth never wavered. She was one of only five students at her college to achieve a 4.0 GPA, and was unanimously chosen to give the graduating address by her fellow valedictorians.
She encouraged her classmates to never let anyone else dictate their future, and to always stay firm in their goals. Calling back to Mister Rogers, Elizabeth encouraged her classmates to also lead a life of service in whatever way they can.
We are all called to serve as an everyday act of humility, as a habit of mind; to see the worth in every person we serve.
Elizabeth Bonker
How a College in Florida Supported an Autistic Woman's Dreams
Rollins College is just as proud of Elizabeth as they are of Fred Rogers. Her bravery and commitment to advocacy is rare, and not something that the college takes for granted.
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Elizabeth's message has given hope to millions of people who are nonspeaking autistic and their families. We are thrilled for Elizabeth and hope the attention to her story supports her advocacy work going forward.
Rollins College President Grant Cornwell
Not only are they proud of her for her amazing academic achievements, they are also amazed at how she was able to found a non-profit, Communication 4 ALL, that supports Elizabeth’s dream of ending stigma and silence for other nonspeaking people with autism.
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Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.