Daniel R. Torres "Complete Your Dream” Memorial Scholarship

How to complete your dream when things don't go as planned. Both my parents pursued higher education; my mother earned her BA as a triple major. My father, however, encountered obstacles during college and chose to discontinue his studies without a degree. He was later diagnosed with dyslexia and ADHD, shedding light on the difficulties he experienced. The limitations of the 1990s education system, which failed to adapt to his needs, haunted my father. Despite his success in other areas, the absence of a college degree has impacted him professionally. Therefore, he has long stressed the importance of completing college and earning a degree. I've been fortunate not to have the same challenges my father had growing up (I'm ranked 6th out of 319 students in my class at Lake City High School in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, carry a 4.175 weighted GPA, was named Kiwanis Student of the Month, and formally recognized as an Idaho Top Scholar). Yet I, too, discovered that life's obstacles can serve as catalysts for necessary change. My dad's obstacle was his ADHD and learning disability; mine was a mysterious injury disrupting a carefully outlined plan for college: to attend university with a combination of athletic and academic scholarships, graduate debt-free, and travel the world. As anticipated, my injury required me to take time off to recover. The resulting hiatus became an unexpected opportunity to branch out and explore my identity beyond my sport. Unfortunately, recovery didn't go as planned, and my injury was career-ending. Since athletic dollars are no longer available (I had to turn down two NCAA Division I scholarships), I must capitalize on my academic achievements and leadership skills to help with the cost of my education and complete my dream. Stepping away from swimming shifted my plans significantly. While it hasn't been easy, I resolve to break free from my comfort zone and make decisions aligned with dreams outside the sport I love. And, while the allure of a one-way ticket to a mesmerizing beach on the other side of the planet is strong, I recognize the need to take steps to secure a prosperous future to make my dream a reality. Besides its tropical location, I chose the University of Hawaii at Manoa for several reasons. Among them, its diversity. Having one's eyes open to different cultures, ways of life, and outlooks on the natural world lends to more understanding and an open mindset. Frankly, well-traveled people are better world citizens. Furthermore, at UH Manoa, I can pursue my love for water through surfing and paddleboarding while working towards a degree in Marketing with a minor in Marine Biology. I chose marketing because it aligns with my personal skill set and the flexibility it offers for remote work, and marine biology because of my love of all things water-related. My mother has worked remotely most of my life and is significantly more present as a parent and mentor than my peers experience within their families. She adores her career as a corporate marketer and has shared aspects of her work with me that align with my interests, which would make it possible to work and travel simultaneously. In truth, my injury became a blessing in disguise, leading to a profound and much-needed physical and mental reset. The journey from a swim-centered existence to one driven by a desire for a fulfilling career and world travel has been transformative, proving that obstacles, even in disguise, can lead to unexpected and rewarding paths.

Hadley House 23 May 2024 My dream I learned to tie my dad’s shoes before I learned to tie my own. A fairly simple task, I learned it quickly despite being only four years old at the time; but, for my dad, it was not a “simple task.” Like most, my dad grew up tying his own shoes, however, that would change when he turned twenty. On January 5, 1989, my dad left for a ski trip to Utah. One rock and one wrong move is all it took to alter his life forever. My dad broke his neck that day and has lived his life since as a quadriplegic. Despite this drastic change and challenge in his life, my dad went on to become a successful physician. As his daughter, I have been able to see firsthand the array of amazing inventions that have enabled him to live a fulfilling and prosperous life despite his limitations. Life as a quadriplegic has transformed significantly over the past fifty years thanks to products of biomedical engineering and research. However, I also see the daily struggles my dad still faces due to his disability–things that are common, such as tying his shoes, to much more drastic things, such as constant leg tremors and phantom leg pains– and it is evident that there is still much room for improvement. This is why I dream of pursuing a career in biomedical engineering. Being a biomedical engineer would allow me the opportunity to improve, and make an impact on the quality of life of individuals such as my father. There is so much one can do in a career in biomedical engineering from manufacturing prosthetics to tissue engineering, etc.. The possibilities are endless, and so are the ways to impact my community. As a daughter of a quadriplegic, I know that no disability works the exact same or requires the same accommodations as another. I hope I can help make life easier and more accessible for as many people of any/ all disabilities, sicknesses, or limitations, and getting my degree at Montana State University would allow me to make a difference in these communities. Being able to attend college is the first step towards this dream and would not only allow me to pursue a journey of personal growth and academic growth, but it would also allow me to translate my aspirations into real-life contributions to society. I plan to get my bachelor's in Biomedical Engineering as well as help with undergrad research at Montana State University which would allow me to graduate ready to begin my journey as a biomedical engineer. College would allow me to develop the skills, knowledge, and resources I need to help others like my dad and improve the quality of life for many individuals. It is not merely obtaining a degree, it’s about gaining the tools and experiences necessary to help make an impact in society. Being able to attend college provides anyone with a supportive environment to collaborate with others, engage in research, learn how to think critically, and get practical experience in the field one is pursuing. All of these opportunities would allow me a chance to become a well rounded biomedical engineer, and with this education, I hope to be able to honor my father’s journey by helping others with disabilities of any kind.