Dreamzilla Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to uplifting neurodivergent individuals, is proud to announce its latest scholarship recipient, Serafino Palumbo, a psychology student whose story is not just about overcoming challenges but embracing his unique strengths to foster change in the world.
Dreamzilla interviewed Serafino to find out more about his incredible story and discuss his ambitions for the future.
Q&A with Serafino Palumbo
Dreamzilla: Tell us about your superpower.
Serafino: I firmly believe that the level at which I experience passion for something is a superpower! My passion for my interests really propels me forward. I feel it helps bring the best out of me and helps me find community, too.
Dreamzilla: When did you realize you wanted to become a counselor?
Serafino: When I was a preteen, I began struggling with my mental health, it seemed to get worse every year. I started seeing a therapist who helped me bring so much personal change into my life so I can work towards being my best self. So much about that role felt fitting to my personality, so my passion for mental health grew from my own struggles.
Dreamzilla: What makes you feel proud?
Serafino: Seeing my own continued personal growth makes me very proud of myself. Reaching a new goal and remembering a time when I thought it would be impossible. It reminds me how much I have overcome.
Dreamzilla: What are your passions outside of school?
Serafino: My biggest passion outside of school is dogs! More specifically, I am very passionate about purebred Akita preservation as well as Akita rescue! I enjoy attending conformation dog shows and am currently on a waitlist to get my very first show-quality Akita puppy of my own in the next year or so! This breed is a huge passion of mine. I also work with breed-specific rescues as much as currently possible. I have always been very interested in dogs.
Dreamzilla: What's your favorite memory from college?
Serafino: My favorite memory from college is honestly the first time I drove myself to campus and walked into a class independently. Gaining independence has been incredibly difficult for me, so this felt like a huge step and a big accomplishment.
Dreamzilla: What excites you about your future?
Serafino: I’m excited to see where my work leads me, and I love the idea of helping others. I want to work to make a positive change in the lives of others!
Dreamzilla: What advice would you give to other neurodivergent young adults?
Serafino: Find what makes you feel joy; a hobby or special interest is a gift! Neurodivergent people have so much to offer the world, and we can have amazing, full lives just like anyone else.
Dreamzilla: What is your power word?
Serafino: Persevere! Never stop working towards your dreams, even if they feel impossible.
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Dreamzilla Inc. stands at the forefront of celebrating neurodiversity, offering a platform for individuals like Serafino to thrive and make significant contributions to society. This scholarship program, an embodiment of Dreamzilla’s mission, not only provides financial support but also reinforces the belief in the extraordinary potential within the neurodivergent community.
Serafino Palumbo’s story is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the strength found in embracing one’s differences. Dreamzilla Inc. congratulates Serafino and looks forward to the positive impact he will undoubtedly have in his field and beyond. Through these efforts, Dreamzilla continues to challenge societal norms and highlight that neurodivergence is not a deficit but a different, valuable perspective on the world.
About the Author:
Blythe Chadim