Shannon Kocka

My name is Shannon Kocka. I am a resident in Hayward, Wisconsin, and a graduate of the Hayward High School.

I was diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome (a part of the Autism Spectrum) when I was two years old, and I’ve been very shy, and self-conscious ever since. I never wanted to try anything new, the mere thought of trying new things makes me panic and sick to my stomach to this day. I have trouble speaking, to the point where everything nearly comes out wrong, and I feel like an idiot. It adds to my anxiety, and I prefer speaking through text and emails over the phone and vocals because of it. During COVID-19, I experienced higher levels of anxiety as well. I’ve had people helping me over the years, though. Friends, family, even old teachers, they were always teaching me to move forward. On some days it works and I feel like I’ve accomplished something big, while on other days I just sit and mope. If I had the choice to get rid of my autism, though, I wouldn’t take it. Autism and Aspergers isn’t a disease, it’s made me who I am today, and so it’s a part of me. Without it, I think I would be much less imaginative or interesting.

I love to watch movies; I am the movie person of my family, as well as playing specific types of video games, and listening to music. Music often helps get my imagination going, even if most of it is spent on daydreaming on my part. My other hobbies include reading, writing, drawing, and spending time with friends on the Internet.

To develop my independence, and social skills I’m employed at Marketplace foods as a bagger. It was scary to interact with so many people at first, but I’ve gotten used to it over time.

My dream is to become an accomplished writer and author. I have already written and published two books, “Wings” and its sequel “The Kingdom of Ayrabeth” (Ayrabeth is pronounced “Air-uh-beth”). A third book is planned to cap off the story, and I am considering a few spin-offs, but I have yet to start writing it. That’s the thing about writing and any form of artwork or hobby, really. You want to do it so badly, but the mood needs to strike at the right time, otherwise you’ll have no inspiration, and it will feel like a chore to do instead of something fun. Both books are only available on Amazon.com. If you enjoy the “Warriors” or “Wings of Fire” series, then my two books are right up your alley!

Where can we find your work?

Shannon’s work was featured in an episode of “Wisconsin Life”: https://www.pbs.org/video/see-my-art-ky0fbg/