James Gabriel Memorial Scholarship

The people that have been the greatest driving force in my life have been my parents. I was born with an AV Canal (atrioventricular canal) congenital heart defect, that got diagnosed at 2 weeks old. I was placed in the NICU for about 3 months because of the heart defect and reflux issues. The hospital that I was limited to was about 40 minutes away from my house. So, my parents had to drive that distance constantly to go and visit me. They ended up staying in the Ronald McDonald House while I was in the NICU, out of convenience. Our finical situation was affected by this health crisis. My dad worked, while my mom stayed with me in the hospital. My mom was with me from early in the morning to late at night every day for 3 months. My dad would come and visit me after work. He worked hard every day for my family and still does. Realizing that my parents have always been there, since day one. They have always been my biggest cheerleader. Always pushing me to do better, and helping me to do better when I fall. My parents have always supported my brother and me with everything. Been to every sports game that we had or any school concert. After they both come home from a long hard day of work, they still make time for family. My parents seem to always have a smile on their faces and are always in a good mood. They always try to find fun little daycations we can go on, whether it’s going to a pumpkin patch or an arcade. Both of them seem to be kids at heart. Some parents look miserable taking their kids to a place where only the kid seems like they are enjoying themselves. When we go to an arcade, my parents play games too with my brother and me. My parents are an example of how I wanna be in my adult life. I don’t want to be a grumpy adult that hates their life, I want to be a person who tries to have as much fun as they can. When things don’t go the way you expected, just try again. When I have a family, I want to have fun with my kids, and not just sit there and be miserable. People don’t seem to look for the positive in life, even when things don't go their way. I believe everything happens for a reason, and so do my parents. My parents are a good example of how to live your life, just do your best to enjoy it. My parents are the driving force in my life, and to be a great example like them.

I believe that I should be awarded a scholarship for people with congenital heart problems because of the greatest driving force in my life, which is my love for competitive swimming. Despite having a bicuspid aortic valve and heart murmur since I was born, I have never let this condition hold me back from pursuing my passion for swimming. Swimming has been a constant in my life, and it has taught me the importance of perseverance and determination. Each day, I wake up with the goal of pushing myself to be the best version of myself, both in and out of the pool. I have learned that with hard work and dedication, I can overcome any obstacle that comes my way. Furthermore, my condition has taught me the value of self-care and how to manage my health. I have to be mindful of my heart's limitations and make sure to take the necessary precautions to ensure my safety. This includes listening to my body and being aware of any signs of fatigue or discomfort, and making sure to schedule regular check-ups with my cardiologist. My experience has also made me appreciate the importance of early detection and access to quality healthcare. Being a competitive swimmer with a congenital heart condition has also been a source of inspiration for me. I have been able to share my story with others who are going through similar experiences, and it has been fulfilling to know that my experiences have been able to give them hope. I have also been able to raise awareness about congenital heart conditions and the importance of early detection, and I have been able to inspire others to not let their conditions hold them back from pursuing their passions. In addition to swimming, I am also actively involved in my community, volunteering at local hospitals and participating in events that raise awareness about congenital heart conditions. I am determined to use my experiences to make a positive impact on the lives of others and to be an advocate for early detection and access to quality healthcare. In conclusion, my love for competitive swimming has been the greatest driving force in my life. Despite having a congenital heart condition, I have never let it hold me back from pursuing my passion. I am determined to continue pushing myself to be the best version of myself, both in and out of the pool, and to be an inspiration to others who are going through similar experiences. I believe that this scholarship will help me to continue to achieve success in my sport, to make a positive impact on the lives of others, and to be an advocate for early detection and access to quality healthcare