Most of my childhood was spent reading every book I could get my hands on. Every day I would be rereading the limited books I had on my bookshelf, overjoyed whenever I got something new to digest. I had no idea that this interest would turn out to be my lifeline when my symptoms began in the Fall of my 4th grade year. I could tell something was off, and it wasn’t growing pains or not getting enough sleep, like my parents told me. I was losing weight, having trouble staying awake in class, and every morning was a struggle to get out of bed with my stiff, aching joints. My only free time activity became reading in bed, with everything else being too difficult for me. When I finally was able to get my diagnosis of Mixed Connective Tissue disorder by the beginning of 5th grade, I wondered if I was ever going to be able to have a normal life. Through my steroid infusions, overcrowded pill organizer, weekly injections, and “hangovers” the morning after them, I was scared to think that I would have to battle a chronic illness for the rest of my life. I was so young, and yet I felt like an old lady anytime I had to take a shower or sit on the floor in school. I had to face my mortal enemy, sunscreen, to ensure that I wouldn’t break out in a painful rash every time I went outside. And while I still get flare-ups, skin problems, and aches and pains from time to time, I am able to recognize the new passion that my condition has given me. Since my diagnosis, I've been fascinated by the world of biotechnology and genetic research. The lack of knowledge when it comes to autoimmune disorders shocked me, with it being unknown why they happen in the first place. Additionally, my family's history of autoimmune disorders, while showing completely different symptoms, could be caused by the same genetic anomaly. This inspired me to talk to my rheumatologist about it, with me eventually submitting a DNA sample to contribute to research about these diseases and find out why they happen. But that's not all I want to contribute to this field. In the future, I want to research the genetic causes of immune problems and the different ways they affect people, to understand more about myself and help others who have gone through similar things as me. By joining the growing field of genetics research, I can help identify and eradicate autoimmune disorders as a whole.

\As a ferocious 10-year-old with excessive energy, I did very well in soccer. Throughout my life, I felt like it was going to be a big part of my future. However, all of this changed in the Fall of my 4th grade year. I could tell something was off, and it wasn’t growing pains or not getting enough sleep, like my parents told me. I was losing weight, not running as fast on the field, and dreading soccer practice. I had trouble staying awake in school, and every morning was a struggle to get out of bed. When I finally was able to get my diagnosis of Mixed Connective Tissue disorder by the beginning of 5th grade, I wondered if I was ever going to be able to have a normal life. Through my steroid infusions, overcrowded pill organizer, weekly injections, and “hangover” the morning after them, I was scared to think that I would have to be battling a chronic illness for the rest of my life I was so young, and yet I felt like an old lady anytime I had to take a shower or sit on the floor in school. And as I approached middle school, a new problem arose: I needed to get myself to and from school every day. A regular bike was out of the question, as riding in the morning when my condition was at its worst would be a daily nightmare. Walking might be an option, but the amount of time it took me to walk the half-mile meant I would probably be late most days. After some research, I decided that I found my solution: an electric bike. Trendy now, they were unheard of at that time, but I was determined to have one for my transportation. My parents had agreed to pay for half of an electric bike if I could acquire the necessary money. So, the ever-determined kid I was, I made a plan. My 5th grade year, I started a business, or rather a trend. I would sew mini pillows with personalized messages on them, in whatever fabric the person wanted; the fancy ones costing a dollar extra. With a notepad, I would receive several orders every day, writing down their choice of fabric based on samples I carried around in my backpack and their desired message. Soon, everyone wanted a pillow, and people I didn’t even know began approaching me with their orders. This, plus the baked goods I sold to teachers at my afterschool program, were added to my Google Sheet I had made, keeping track of my supply costs and revenue. By the end of the year, I had gained enough money to buy my treasured bike. That bike became not only my ride to and from school, but my freedom to go anywhere in the neighborhood I wanted. This, as well as the work I had put into earning it, made my bike the most special possession that I had. And while I still get flare-ups, skin problems, and aches and pains from time to time, I am able to recognize the positive change that my disease has brought me. It’s helped me overcome challenges, like my commute to school, that most kids wouldn’t have a second thought about. Whether it was my passion for soccer or discovering a sense of entrepreneurship I didn’t know that I had, my Mixed Connective Tissue disease is a vital part of me, and is proof to myself that I can, and will, do whatever I put my mind to.

I will work as a bioengineer to find treatments for genetic conditions.