Audra Dominguez "Be Brave" Scholarship

For years I had undiagnosed pain. I slowly got weaker and weaker as the pounds melted off of my body, and I became incapable of the activity I once enjoyed. The active lifestyle I lived with my dogs seemed out of reach, and my mental health suffered. I worried constantly about medical bills, the risks of treatments, and what would happen if I continued to lose weight. My doctor told me I was close to facing organ failure from my weight loss and lack of nutrition. I was facing a time in my life when starving hurt less than eating. I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease of the small intestine, including fistulas, blockages, and internal bleeding. I dropped down to 83 pounds, was anemic from lack of nutrients, and was sick every day. Living with Crohn's disease, especially with such an aggressive case, has taught me I can overcome any challenge in life. Through my sickest months, I did not give up. I wanted to be more than my illness, and I did not want it to define my life. It has taught me to work hard and I can face any obstacle put in my way. I decided to quit my job and follow my dreams of getting a degree in history to eventually work in a museum. If I could survive everything my health threw at me, I could do this for myself. Life is unpredictable. Even if someone does everything right -- stays active, eats well, exercises -- life can throw a wrench in the plans. This means we each have to be flexible to adjust our plans to our new reality, but it does not mean we need to give up those plans. This experience gave me an appreciation for every small victory in life that I did not have before my illness. While my journey has been long, hard, and painful, I have come out on top and have gained the confidence to know I will continue to thrive. Now, I want to use my education and career to help other people realize their own inner strength and reach their full potential. I have a huge passion for giving back, and my certificate in Grant Writing will allow me to advance the type of help I give to non-profits. I have volunteered with numerous dog rescues in the past as both a foster and on the leadership board to help run the organizations. The biggest obstacle has always been a limitation with funds, and being able to write successful grant applications can completely change how an organization is able to function. I currently volunteer with a local non-profit that tackles food insecurity by donating over 1000 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables to families in need every week. I also volunteer with my local museum to gain skills to enrich my education my career goals. I hope one day to use my history degree to lift the silenced voices of our society - women, people of color, natives - and encourage them to learn their roots, their stories, their heritage, and a love of learning. My goal is to have this outreach give them confidence in their own abilities. This scholarship will help me achieve my goals by assisting me in paying for my classes. My medical expenses are not cheap and take a large portion of my budget. I get an IV injection every 8 weeks, am on two daily medications, and have multiple tests and scans numerous times a year. These costs add up and are a real financial burden on my life.