John D. Sherman Scholarship

I’ve always been the quiet type; the back-of-the-room and good grades and small-group-of-friends type. But I have a voice and passion, and for those who will listen, I have quite the story to tell. My life truly began on April 13, 2010, in a busy orphanage in Shenzhen City, Guangdong Province, People’s Republic of China. It’s a sad beginning, but one that has only made me stronger. Unlike many others, I was fortunate enough to be brought into an American family, and given everything, including treatment for a heavy burden. I live life with a rare genetic blood disorder known as Beta Thalassemia Major, which qualifies as a disability under article 107.05 of the Social Security Administration's bluebook; a physical disability severely affecting stamina and growth. Often referred to as an “invisible disability”, it shapes my life in ways many might never understand, requiring blood transfusions every three weeks, and nightly infusions five days a week. My condition demands meticulous attention—blood transfusions, nightly infusions, and countless hospital visits—but it has also granted me a unique perspective on life. I understand the value of time, the importance of compassion, and the power of perseverance. One of the most powerful ways I have found to cope with my condition is through writing. Sharing my story, my experiences, and my thoughts on living with Beta Thalassemia Major has been both cathartic and empowering. I write about the strength found in vulnerability, the light in the darkness, and the unspoken solidarity that unites us all. Writing allows me to process my emotions, to reflect on my journey, and to inspire others to find their own strength. For my excellence in writing, I was awarded the Laban Carrick Hill Junior Writers Award by the Essex High School English Department. I believe everything happens for a reason, and I find truth in that idea. Despite its challenges, my experience with Thalassemia has become a source of inspiration. In October 2020, while receiving a routine blood transfusion at the University of Vermont Medical Center, the hospital was hit by a massive ransomware attack. Seeing the chaos made me realize how vulnerable healthcare systems are, especially for people like me who rely on them for life-saving treatments. This experience sparked my interest in cybersecurity and digital forensics, driving me to defend the critical infrastructure so many rely on. I want to protect those who cannot protect themselves. In navigating the complexities of Beta Thalassemia Major, I have often felt like a soldier in my own quiet battle. Each day presents a choice: to succumb to the weight of my challenges or to rise above them. My journey mirrors the tenacity displayed by John Sherman, whose unwavering spirit in the face of Multiple Sclerosis and cancer inspired those around him. Like him, I refuse to be defined by my limitations. I continue to pursue my passions—whether it’s through writing or my interest in cybersecurity—because I believe that every challenge has the potential to be a stepping stone. In moments of pain, I draw strength from the love and support of my family, echoing John’s commitment to his community. This scholarship not only represents a means to further my education but also symbolizes hope—a hope that reminds me of the power in resilience and the importance of using my voice for those who cannot speak for themselves. Thank you for listening to my story, and I deeply appreciate your consideration.

Tell me I can’t do something, and I will prove you wrong. I have always been told that I am stubborn, headstrong, and one who doesn’t let up. They say it like it’s a bad thing, I don’t see it as all bad. I like being stubborn in some things and I am convinced that my headstrong approach, my stubbornness, or whatever you would call it, is why I am alive and here today. I am 40 years old. I have been diagnosed with systemic lupus, epilepsy, hypothyroidism, stage 4 endometriosis, ADHD, CPTSD, and various minor issues. I like to half-joke that “at least I kept it interesting”. Currently, I am a sophomore at the University of Cincinnati- Clermont working toward my associate’s degree in health information systems technology fully online. I started my college journey back in January of 2023 and it was not where I would have pictured myself 5 years ago. 5 years ago I was homeless. Being disabled and homeless is one of the hardest trials I have ever been through. I was homeless for almost 5 years after my landlord at the time gave me 2 weeks to move because he was selling the property. I was on disability benefits at that time and it was barely enough to cover the rent so naturally, I had nothing saved up. I moved out with nowhere to go to, I had the vehicle I was in and that was it. What no one tells you is being homeless is expensive. I had no savings and was living off of $1,100 per month. A hotel room in the cheapest places was $65 a night so the car was home. I have never felt so worthless and absolutely the lowest of the low when going through that dehumanizing time in my life. My health suffered and I wasn’t able to take care of myself properly. I have mobility issues due to my lupus and arthritis, I deal with severe edema from my hips down. I faced many challenges with my physical health and my mental health. My psyche was shaken to its core. I was convinced that I was going to die if I remained in this place in life. And I would have if not for my stubbornness and want to prove people wrong. I have lived in the same place for almost 5 years now. At the end of 2022, I decided to go back to school after experiencing my first lupus remission. With lupus, it is unpredictable, and you never know when remission will happen, if it even does, and for how long. The thing you can always count on with lupus is that it will always be back. But I am just as stubborn as my lupus, I will also be back with a vengeance. I can say that if it were not for my sheer stubbornness, which I now call my resilience and tenacity, I would not be here today embarking on a second chance to escape poverty, be productive, and be able to help people. I have just completed a certificate in medical coding and a micro-credential as an electronic health records specialist at UC. This past spring I was selected to be a student advisor on my school’s student council. I have also made the Dean’s list several times and continue to do well in my classes. I hope to keep proving people wrong by continuing with my BS in health information after completing my AAS in May. “Fall 7 times, get up 8.”

"Just keep swimming, just keep swimming..." Who would have thought that someone could find inspiration in a fish? Hi, I’m Nick Bishop, and even though I don’t particularly enjoy swimming, this mantra is what got me through some very hard times. I was born with a congenital abnormality known as clubfoot. Corrections were attempted immediately after my birth, but it is a stubborn defect. As long as I can remember, I experienced frustration and exclusion because I wasn’t “normal” and couldn’t keep up or even stay upright half of the time. I always had a bulky cast or brace showcasing my disability. So we’d sing, “just keep swimming, just keep swimming”, and I’d try again. Those minor frustrations paled once I started school. Initially, it was quiet exclusion or being picked last for a game. Whispers behind my back grew to name-calling to my face. The teasing and bullying escalated, and I’d pretend to be sick to avoid going to school. Then I didn’t have to pretend anymore, because I was genuinely sick due to the anxiety and fear of facing my bullies every day. Just keep swimming, just keep swimming. At the insistence of my father, I joined my first athletic team in third grade. The feeling of inclusion was immediate. I discovered a sense of belonging and purpose that I hadn’t found elsewhere. I could connect with peers who had similar interests and experiences. Throughout elementary school, the various teams I joined all helped to build my self-esteem and self-confidence as we learned to work together. Team training activities helped to improve my physical fitness, strength, and endurance, and also helped to reduce pain and increase balance and flexibility. I was able to finally spend less time in the hospital and at physical therapy and more time on the field. Lacrosse became my preferred sport and allowed me to learn new skills and develop new abilities. Mostly, being on a team forced me to challenge my limitations and push beyond what I thought was possible. Then I entered middle school. Middle school bullies are brutal. Words became shoves and tripping, laughing and pointing. Just keep swimming, just keep swimming. I realized I truly enjoyed proving them wrong and pushed myself even harder to excel both on and off the field. I shifted my thinking, and obstacles became opportunities. While the teasing and bullying about my much-improved but still noticeable disability didn’t vanish when I reached high school, thankfully I had a trusted support system in place by then. I learned how to advocate for myself and others. Facing challenges and differences in my own life helped me to become more empathetic and understanding toward others. I used my experiences to promote understanding and acceptance and educate people on empathy and inclusivity. I became a Student Activist and founded a club to improve student safety in our high school. I became a Teacher’s Assistant during school hours and a student mentor after school hours, to help struggling students understand the curriculum and achieve academic success. I enrolled in Advanced Placement classes, was inducted into the National Honor Society, and graduated high school Summa Cum Laude. I am happy to say that I no longer have bullies. My “just keep swimming” mantra stays with me, however, as I persist through new challenges, such as financing my college education. Though I am fortunate to have had some assistance from my parents, as I head into my senior year of college I am now responsible. I would be extremely grateful to have your support.

Hello, my name is Brook Hodgeman and I was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of 10. At the time, I had hundreds of uncontrolled mini seizures a day which eventually turned into grand mal seizures. Although a surprise to my parents at the time, the diagnosis made sense as I struggled to meet age-appropriate milestones. My diagnosis is officially Juvenile Absence Epilepsy which is considered a lifelong genetic condition. I am fortunate to be under the care of Dr. Greg Holmes at the University of Vermont Medical Center. And although I suffered for years with the consequences of uncontrolled seizures and the heavy effects of medications we found the right balance of medicine, diet and exercise to manage my disorder; I am determined that adversity is not a defining factor in life; adversity, rather, can give one strength, motivation, and purpose. After participating in a Yale University study on genetic idiopathic epilepsy, I knew I would one day become a neurologist or researcher. However, that was a far-off goal. Audrey Butler from the Vermont Epilepsy Foundation led the way; she selected me to represent Vermont at Teens Speak Up, a convention of 50 students from across the nation living with epilepsy. Together, we lobbied Washington legislators to support the National Institute of Health by doubling the financial support of the BRAIN Initiative. While at Teens Speak Up, I learned many people with epilepsy are discouraged from participating in sports. Not surprisingly, young people living with epilepsy are more likely than their siblings to be diagnosed with clinical depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions. Wanting to increase wellness opportunities for people living with epilepsy, I teamed up with a fellow high school physics student to design and build an epilepsy restraint belt for chairlifts. This project was especially meaningful to me as I have seen firsthand (Junior Ski Patrol) how individuals with disabilities are often precluded from participation in sports. Although the project never materialized past our first prototype in the classroom, now as a physics major and future researcher, I hope to use science to create access for all. In addition to my journey with epilepsy, my childhood girlfriend and partner was diagnosed with aggressive pediatric multiple sclerosis last April on her 18th birthday. In a lot of ways, my road to managing epilepsy has helped me to have hope that we will find a way.......Through diet, exercise and advocating for medications that are not always approved by insurance, I am proud to say that my girlfriend is thriving and now going into her second year at Middlebury College. Additional details about me: *Senior at St. Michael's College. 4.0 Average in physics and minoring in math/biology. Currently completing all premed curriculum. * Worked with the Epilepsy Foundation of Vermont to create a PSA to help give hope to youth and children newly diagnosed with Epilepsy: https://vimeo.com/274191900 *Worked with Athletes vs Epilepsy to spearhead an awareness and fundraising event at one of the largest Nordic Ski Race in New England which I called Ski4Epilepsy - 2019. *CURE Scholar and awareness interview 2019. *Currently completing my junior year internship in computational physics. *Calculus and physics tutor at St. Michael's College. -Especially find satisfaction helping those living with disabilities and believe they deserve the best instruction! Although I am fortunate to have been raised in a double-income family and had the good fortune of my mother as a school counselor, I am 21 years old now and financially independent of my parents. Please help me in my pursuit of completing my degree (senior year) and applying for a PHD or MD.