Growing up with a single mom was difficult it was hard trying to wrap my head around only having my mom around as a kid when everyone else had a mom and a dad. My dad always preferred and spent more time with my sisters than with me the only fond memories I have of him are from the summers in middle school when I’d stay at his house and he get drunk and take me and my little sister to get midnight snacks from the corner store and play 2k, a basketball video game, with my sister and I until he passed out. My mom sacrificed more than I know to give me the best life she could I don’t think I’ll ever know the extent of her selflessness. She spent my entire childhood proving to me that I didn’t need my biological father and that it’s was okay that it was just us. She made sure I never missed out on anything but of course as a kid I struggled to understand this which made her feel like she wasn’t doing enough. She will never know just how grateful I am for her. I’ve grown up extremely sickly I’ve been chronically ill since 15 months which has lead me to my career path. I want to be a pediatric occupational therapist, I want to be able to help kids achieve their goals and meet those milestones that they’re having trouble with. I believe my personal experiences will help me serve my patients to the best of my abilities. My mom is the only one paying for my tuition, I have $1,750 in university scholarships and the max Pell grant. However school is just going to start getting more and more expensive and I don’t want my mom to struggle any longer. I also really don’t want to have to take out student loans being in debt is a big fear of mine and I’m sure many other students can relate. I volunteered for the city of mobile county with youth violence prevention and the youth advisory committee. Planning events for young adults to do in the city during the summer and holidays as well as filming local commercials and skits to raise awareness. I currently volunteer at Victory Health Partners as a triage volunteer. I file charts, input labs, take the vitals for patients and any other little things that can help the doctors, medical assistants, and nurse practitioners out.

Growing up with a single mom was difficult it was hard trying to wrap my head around only having my mom around as a kid when everyone else had a mom and a dad. My dad always preferred and spent more time with my sisters than with me the only fond memories I have of him are from the summers in middle school when I’d stay at his house and he get drunk and take me and my little sister to get midnight snacks from the corner store and play 2k, a basketball video game, with my sister and I until he passed out. My mom sacrificed more than I know to give me the best life she could I don’t think I’ll ever know the extent of her selflessness. She spent my entire childhood proving to me that I didn’t need my biological father and that it’s was okay that it was just us. She made sure I never missed out on anything but of course as a kid I struggled to understand this which made her feel like she wasn’t doing enough. She will never know just how grateful I am for her. I’ve grown up extremely sickly I’ve been chronically ill since 15 months which has lead me to my career path. I want to be a pediatric occupational therapist, I want to be able to help kids achieve their goals and meet those milestones that they’re having trouble with. I believe my personal experiences will help me serve my patients to the best of my abilities. My mom is the only one paying for my tuition, I have $1,750 in university scholarships and the max Pell grant. However school is just going to start getting more and more expensive and I don’t want my mom to struggle any longer. I volunteered for the city of mobile county with youth violence prevention and the youth advisory committee. Planning events for young adults to do in the city during the summer and holidays as well as filming local commercials and skits to raise awareness. I currently volunteer at Victory Health Partners as a triage volunteer. I file charts, input labs, take the vitals for patients and any other little things that can help the doctors, medical assistants, and nurse practitioners out. I want to be able to have a steady career so that I can save for a home and provide for my future family. I dream of a future where money and student loans is never a worry. A life in which I can give my family everything they need and more. A future that never entails struggle and hardship.

Growing up with a single mom was difficult it was hard trying to wrap my head around only having my mom around as a kid when everyone else had a mom and a dad. My dad always preferred and spent more time with my sisters than with me the only fond memories I have of him are from the summers in middle school when I’d stay at his house and he get drunk and take me and my little sister to get midnight snacks from the corner store and play 2k, a basketball video game, with my sister and I until he passed out. My mom sacrificed more than I know to give me the best life she could. I do not think I’ll ever know the extent of her selflessness. She spent my entire childhood proving to me that I didn’t need my biological father and that it’s was okay that it was just us. She made sure I never missed out on anything but of course as a kid I struggled to understand this which made her feel like she was not doing enough. She will never know just how grateful I am for her. I have grown up extremely sickly I have been chronically ill since 15 months which has lead me to my career path. I want to be a pediatric occupational therapist, I want to be able to help kids achieve their goals and meet those milestones that they are having trouble with. I believe my personal experiences will help me serve my patients to the best of my abilities. I love kids and being able to help them thrive will be very fulfilling. My mom is the only one paying for my tuition, I have $1,750 in university scholarships and the max Pell grant. However school is just going to start getting more and more expensive and I don’t want my mom to struggle any longer. I volunteered for the city of mobile county with youth violence prevention and the youth advisory committee. Planning events for young adults to do in the city during the summer and holidays as well as filming local commercials and skits to raise awareness for mental health and food insecurity. I currently volunteer at Victory Health Partners as a triage volunteer. I file charts, input labs, take the vitals for patients and any other little things that can help the doctors, medical assistants, and nurse practitioners out.

Growing up with a single mom was difficult it was hard trying to wrap my head around only having my mom around as a kid when everyone else had a mom and a dad. My dad always preferred and spent more time with my sisters than with me the only fond memories I have of him are from the summers in middle school when I would stay at his house and he get drunk and take me and my little sister to get midnight snacks from the corner store and play 2k, a basketball video game, with my sister and I until he passed out. My mom sacrificed more than I know to give me the best life she could I don’t think I will ever know the extent of her selflessness. She spent my entire childhood proving to me that I did not need my biological father and that it’s was okay that it was just us. She made sure I never missed out on anything but of course as a kid I struggled to understand this which made her feel like she wasn’t doing enough. She will never know just how grateful I am for her. I’ve grown up extremely sickly I’ve been chronically ill since 15 months which has lead me to my career path. I want to be a pediatric occupational therapist, I want to be able to help kids achieve their goals and meet those milestones that they are having trouble with. I believe my personal experiences will help me serve my patients to the best of my abilities. My mom is the only one paying for my tuition, I have $1,750 in university scholarships and the max Pell grant. However school is just going to start getting more and more expensive and I do not want my mom to struggle any longer. I volunteered for the city of mobile county with youth violence prevention and the youth advisory committee. Planning events for young adults to do in the city during the summer and holidays as well as filming local commercials and skits to raise awareness. I currently volunteer at Victory Health Partners as a triage volunteer. I file charts, input labs, take the vitals for patients and any other little things that can help the doctors, medical assistants, and nurse practitioners out. I enjoy volunteering at this clinic the people are wonderful and it feels nice being able to help people even if it is in a small way.

I am a first generation college student, and pursuing a college degree is something that means a great deal to me and my family. My mom attended college for one semester before she had to drop out because of a lack of resources and the loss of motivation that came from facing so many challenges. Although she was unable to finish her education, she never stopped working hard to create a better life for me than the one she had growing up. She has spent her entire life making sacrifices, working tirelessly, and encouraging me to chase opportunities that she never had. Watching her perseverance has inspired me to keep pushing forward, even when life has been difficult. Living with multiple chronic illnesses for my entire life has presented many obstacles that have affected both my personal life and my education. There have been times when my health made it difficult to attend school, keep up with assignments, or participate in activities that many of my peers took for granted. Despite these setbacks, I have refused to let my circumstances define me or determine my future. Instead, they have taught me resilience, patience, and determination. Every challenge I have faced has strengthened my desire to succeed and has reminded me why my education is so important. Today, I am proud to be on track to earn my bachelor's degree in Exercise Science. Reaching this milestone is something I once thought might be impossible because of the health challenges I have experienced, but my determination and the support of my family have helped me stay focused on my goals. I know that graduating will not only be an accomplishment for me but also for my mom, whose sacrifices have made this opportunity possible. After completing my undergraduate degree, I plan to attend graduate school to become a pediatric occupational therapist. My own experiences as someone who has spent much of my life navigating medical challenges have inspired me to pursue this career. I want to help children with illnesses, disabilities, or developmental challenges improve their independence and quality of life. My goal is to support them as they reach important milestones, build confidence, and participate more fully in their daily activities. I hope to provide the same compassion, encouragement, and hope that so many healthcare professionals have shown me throughout my life, making a positive difference for children and their families.

My grandfather battled cancer for about a year and a half before he passed away on May 1st, 2026. For over a year before he was officially diagnosed, he continuously tested positive for cancer and hepatitis B, yet nothing was done. It was not until he switched from a public clinic to a private one that he finally received a diagnosis. Watching someone you love suffer while feeling like more could have been done is something I will never forget. His death has been extremely difficult for my family and me, especially because it happened the week before my final exams. During a time when I was supposed to be focused on school, I felt completely unmotivated and emotionally exhausted. Losing him brought back the same overwhelming grief I experienced when my maternal grandmother passed away when I was ten years old. She was my best friend, and when my grandfather died, it felt like my heart was being ripped out all over again. After his autopsy, we learned that he also had lung cancer caused by asbestos exposure from working at a paper mill. Finding that out added another layer of pain and anger because so much of his suffering could have been prevented. Right now, I cannot say that I am happy or that I have learned some life lesson from this experience because the wound is still very fresh. What I do know is that I am grateful he is no longer in pain and that I believe he is with the Lord in heaven. At the same time, selfishly, I wish he were still here. I miss the little things the most. I wish he was still picking me up from preschool, taking me to get Happy Meals and chocolate milk, or surprising me with my favorite candy just because he knew it would make me smile. Those memories are the ones I hold onto now. I am grateful that I was able to be with him in his final moments, even though those moments were filled with pain for him and for my entire family. Right now, I do not fully know where to go from here, but I know I want to continue showing my passion for medicine and helping people through my volunteer work and my studies. Even through grief, I want to use my experiences to care for others who are suffering.

I was diagnosed with an invisible disability at 14 years old, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). Although I live with several chronic illnesses, this was the first one that truly changed my life. Suddenly, simple things like standing for long periods, walking through crowded hallways, or participating in school events became difficult. What hurt most was not just the physical symptoms, but the way I was treated. I was excluded from certain school activities because I was seen as a liability. At an age when most teenagers are trying to fit in, I felt set apart. In addition to POTS, I was also diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis when I was 8 years old, which required me to attend physical therapy. While managing pain and fatigue was challenging, physical therapy introduced me to something meaningful, occupational therapy. I learned that occupational therapists focus on helping people maintain independence and participate in everyday life despite physical or developmental challenges. That idea deeply resonated with me. My physical therapists were incredibly kind and patient during one of the most difficult seasons of my life. They saw me as more than my diagnoses. They encouraged me when I felt discouraged and reminded me of my strength when I doubted myself. Their compassion left a lasting impact on me. I realized that I wanted to be that person for someone else especially for children who may feel confused, isolated, or limited by their conditions. For that reason, I hope to pursue a career in pediatric occupational therapy, where I can help young patients build confidence, independence, and joy in their daily lives. Outside of my health journey, I have also been involved in community work. I volunteered locally with a youth violence prevention program, which allowed me to support and connect with young people in meaningful ways. In the summer of 2024, I completed an internship with my city’s public safety department. During that internship, I had the opportunity to write the script for a commercial and act in it. That experience pushed me outside of my comfort zone and showed me that my voice matters. Although I have not been as involved in the community this past year, the time I spent serving others remains close to my heart. It was some of the most fulfilling work I have ever done, and I am eager to reconnect with that sense of purpose as I move forward in my academic and professional journey.

I have always been very shy and easily embarrassed, something I have struggled with for as long as I can remember. Even as a child, I found it difficult to speak up or feel comfortable in social situations. Because of this, I often felt behind compared to my peers. Socializing has never come easily to me, and even now, I still struggle with it. I don’t have many friends, and there are moments when that can feel isolating. However, modeling became the one space where I felt truly confident. It is the only thing I have been able to do without worrying about what others think of me. When I’m on the runway, I don’t have to speak or explain myself, modeling became my way of communicating without words. One of the most meaningful experiences in my life was when my Make-A-Wish dream came true. My wish was to attend New York Fashion Week, and I was lucky enough to walk in a show there. The experience was unforgettable. I was extremely nervous beforehand, but the moment I stepped onto the runway, my nerves transformed into adrenaline and confidence, It felt empowering. After that, I walked in two additional shows at my local mall. While they may have seemed small compared to New York Fashion Week, they meant everything to me. Each show reinforced how much runway modeling fuels my excitement and self-confidence. There is nothing else that gives me the same rush. Those shows were with a youth violence prevention organization. The first show I walked for them was during Suicide Prevention Month, which made the experience even more meaningful. That opportunity led to something I never imagined I was featured on two billboards around the city alongside two other models. Seeing myself on those billboards was surreal and deeply validating. Modeling helped me step out of my shell and discover confidence I didn’t know I had. It changed how I see myself, and I would love nothing more than to continue growing and reconnecting with modeling in the future. Fashion and modeling gave me a whole new voice one i didn’t know it was possible to have. When you find something that you are passionate about and it makes you feel confident and seen never give that up. You should fight for your passions even if they seem silly and not worth it, it is always worth it.

For as long as I can remember, I have lived with several chronic illnesses that have shaped the way I experience the world. Managing these conditions has never been easy, but over time, they have taught me resilience, patience, and empathy. Because of these experiences, I’ve always known that I wanted to choose a career where I could make a difference in the lives of others—especially children who may also face similliar challenges. However, when it came time to decide on a specific career path, I knew I wanted to work with kids, but I wasn’t sure how to do that in a way that felt right for me. It wasn’t until my sophomore year of high school that I discovered a path that truly resonated with me. During that time, I had to go through physical therapy to manage one of my chronic conditions. Initially, I was nervous and unsure of what to expect, but the experience turned out to be amazing. My physical therapists were kind, encouraging, and the best people ever. They helped me regain strength, mobility, and also gave me hope and confidence during a difficult period. Seeing how much of a difference they made in my life inspired me to consider physical therapy as a possible career. I loved the idea of helping people recover, rebuild their independence, and return to doing the things they love. However, as I continued to research and explore my options, I came across occupational therapy. Occupational therapy focuses on helping people participate fully in everyday activities, no matter their limitations. I was drawn to how personalized it is, especially for children. Occupational therapists work with kids not only on physical challenges but also on sensory, emotional, and developmental needs. The idea of helping a child learn to write, play, dress themselves, or simply gain confidence in daily tasks deeply resonated with me. My journey with chronic illness has shown me how valuable it is to have someone who believes in your potential and supports your independence. Occupational therapy feels like the perfect way for me to combine my love for children, my empathy from personal experience, and my desire to make a lasting difference. I hope that my personal experience with chronic illness and health struggles reflect in my work as an occupational therapist and the personal insight improve my skills as a health care professional I know how hard it can be.

I’ve struggled with chronic illnesses and constant hospitalizations for as long as I can remember. Growing up, my life was filled with doctors’ appointments, treatments, and long hospital stays. These experiences were challenging, but they shaped me into the person I am today. Being surrounded by healthcare professionals gave me a deep appreciation for the work they do, but for many years, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with my own future. For most of high school, I thought I wanted to pursue a career in marketing. I’ve always been interested in creativity and communication, so it seemed like a good fit. However, as I moved through my senior year, I began to feel uncertain. While marketing was interesting, I started to question whether it would truly be fulfilling for me. I’ve always had a passion for working with children, and I wanted to do something that would make a real, meaningful difference in people’s lives. That was when I began to really explore my options and think seriously about what path I wanted to take. During my sophomore year, I experienced a very difficult time in my life and had to go through physical therapy. It was an emotional and challenging experience, but the therapists I worked with helped me tremendously. They didn’t just help me physically—they provided encouragement and support that kept me grounded. Their compassion and dedication left a lasting impression on me, and for the first time, I began to think about a career in the healthcare field. Initially, I considered physical therapy, but one day at work, my manager and I were discussing my future plans, and he mentioned occupational therapy. He explained that while physical therapy focuses on improving movement and strength, occupational therapy helps people, especially children, develop the skills they need for everyday life. His description immediately caught my attention, so I decided to do some research. The more I learned about occupational therapy, the more it resonated with me. It seemed to combine all of my passions—helping children, making a direct impact on people’s lives, and supporting individuals as they overcome challenges. I realized this was exactly what I had been looking for. One moment that truly solidified my decision came from an unexpected source: a baby I saw on TikTok named Maverick. Maverick has a rare condition called Campomelic Dysplasia, which causes significant developmental delays. Despite his challenges, he radiates joy and determination. Watching his journey and seeing the incredible progress he made with the help of his care team inspired me deeply. It reminded me how powerful it is to support someone in reaching both big and small milestones. My experiences with chronic illness have taught me empathy, resilience, and the value of having people who believe in you. Occupational therapy brings all of these lessons together, and I am excited to dedicate my career to helping children and families thrive, one milestone at a time.

I plan to achieve my goals by first completing my undergraduate degree and then pursuing a graduate program that will qualify me to become a licensed occupational therapist. This path is essential because it will provide me with the knowledge, training, and skills necessary to help others especially children develop of basic life skills they need to thrive in daily life.i I have always loved helping people and been passionate about working with childre. Over time, I discovered that occupational therapy combines these two passions. Occupational therapists play a vital role in the developmental challenges. Children, in particular, can benefit tremendously from occupational therapy when they struggle with everyday tasks such as writing, feeding themselves, tying their shoes, or interacting socially. My goal is to work with these children and their families to help them build independence in their daily lives. To prepare myself for this career, I am fully committed to succeeding in my undergraduate studies. I understand that becoming an occupational therapist requires strong academic performance, particularly in the sciences, as well as a solid foundation in psychology, anatomy, and human development. I plan to take advantage of every opportunity available during my undergraduate years to gain hands-on experience, including internships, volunteer work, and job shadowing with licensed therapists. These experiences will help me build practical skills and deepen my understanding of the occupational therapy field. After earning my undergraduate degree, my next step will be to enroll in a doctorate program in occupational therapy. I am aware that graduate programs are rigorous and competitive, but I am ready to rise to the challenge. In graduate school, I look forward to completing both classroom coursework that will allow me to apply my knowledge in real world settings. Working directly with patients under the supervision of experienced therapists will give me a better understanding of how to treat a wide range of conditions and help individuals improve their quality of life. Ultimately, my long-term goal is to specialize in pediatric occupational therapy. I want to work in hospitals and private clinics where I can provide support to children with developmental delays, physical disabilities, or sensory processing disorders. I believe that helping children learn or regain basic life skills is one of the most meaningful and rewarding things a person can do. Watching a child become more confident, independent, and happy as a result of therapy is what motivates me to pursue this career path.

I want to become an occupational therapist because I have a strong passion for helping others, especially children with disabilities. Ever since I was young, I’ve wanted to make a difference in people’s lives, and occupational therapy is a career that would allow me to do just that. My dream is to work with children who face physical, emotional, or developmental challenges and help them develop the skills they need to live more independent and fulfilling lives. I want to help kids learn how to walk, feed themselves, dress, and perform other daily tasks that many people take for granted. Helping children achieve these milestones would be incredibly rewarding, and I am determined to be someone who supports and empowers them every step of the way. To reach this goal, I will need to pursue a doctorate in occupational therapy, which typically takes about six years of higher education. This path requires a lot of hard work, dedication, and commitment—qualities that I believe I have. I know it won't be easy, but I am fully prepared to do whatever it takes to succeed. I am motivated not just by my career goals, but also by my desire to make a real impact in the world and improve the quality of life for those who need it most. I’ve already started preparing by researching programs, volunteering, and learning more about the field whenever I can. I want to work in schools, hospitals, and clinics to support children from all backgrounds. However, one of the biggest challenges I face is financial. My mom is a single parent, and she works very hard to support our family, but we simply don’t have the resources to cover the cost of college and graduate school. Paying for six years of education is a huge burden, and without financial assistance, attending college would be incredibly difficult, if not impossible, for me. That is why this scholarship would mean so much to me and my family. Receiving this scholarship would not only ease the financial pressure but also bring me one step closer to achieving my dream. It would allow me to focus on my studies without constantly worrying about how I’m going to pay for school. I am determined to use my education to make a difference in the lives of children with disabilities, and with your support, I will be able to turn that dream into a reality. I will give back to my community and inspire others to pursue their goals, no matter the obstacles.

I am 17 years old, and I have been chronically ill for my entire life. I have cyclic neutropenia, lupus, Tourette’s, and POTS. It has been a very long and hard journey navigating school, friends, work, extra curriculars, and my health all at once. This experience has shaped me in countless ways, particularly when it comes to my desire to help others. From a young age, I have wanted to dedicate my life to supporting people, providing them with the resources they need to thrive. I know firsthand how isolating and disheartening it can feel to believe there’s no hope left for your medical circumstances. That feeling of helplessness is something I wish no one else had to endure, and it drives my passion to ease that burden for others. My ultimate goal is to help people live better, more fulfilling lives, despite the challenges they may face. Chronic illness has taught me the importance of resilience, hope, and community. It’s also shown me how critical it is to have support from people who truly care. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to have people in my corner who reminded me that brighter days are possible, even when I struggled to see it myself. That support has made an incredible difference in my life, and I want to be that source of light and encouragement for others. One of the most impactful experiences I’ve had in my medical journey has been working with physical therapists. While it wasn’t always easy, there were times when the sessions were incredibly difficult, both physically and emotionally my physical therapists played a crucial role in my recovery and overall well being. They always went out of their way to keep me motivated and in good spirits, even when the circumstances were tough. Their kindness, patience, and dedication left a lasting impression on me, and I hold a special place in my heart for them. Their influence has inspired me to consider a career in physical therapy or a related field, where I can work directly with individuals facing medical challenges. I want to be someone who makes a difference in their lives, just as my physical therapists did for me. By combining my personal experiences with my passion for helping others, I hope to create meaningful change and remind people that, no matter how challenging their situation may seem, there is always a reason to hold onto hope.