When I was born, I was diagnosed with a genetic disorder called Stickler Syndrome with Pierre Robin Sequence. Stickler Syndrome has caused me to deal with many disabilities including a cleft palate, hearing loss, extreme nearsightedness, high risk of retinal detachment and all over joint deformity and deterioration to name a few. I lost the ability to walk or stand when I was in the 5th grade and now use a 4-wheeled walker to sit and scoot on to get around. I haven't let my disabilities slow me down though as I have participated in many adaptive sports throughout my life such as cycling, baseball, scuba diving, skiing, and horseback riding. My faith, adaptation skills and a positive attitude are very important traits I value in my life. I plan to go to a 4 year university and get a bachelor's degree in either genealogy or a history field, such as archeology. My goal with this degree would be to connect people to their past, whether that be the past of civilizations, cultures, or their own family history. Having the opportunity to know the history of my family has given me strength, knowledge, and a solid foundation, and I want to share that experience with everyone. I am a great candidate for scholarships because I have a strong drive to go forward and use what I've learned to help others overcome their obstacles and discover their heritage so they can find power and courage in their lives and through their history. I love trying new things, being outdoors, exploring places I've never been to before, spending time with loved ones, and generally finding the joy in life.