My experience with NF2 began when I was born. My grandmother, uncle, and mother all have this terrible disease. I was born to a mother who became completely deaf at a young age. I was raised watching my mom go through doctors' visits, never-ending MRIs, and numerous surgeries. I grew up with this being a "normal" to me. At age 14, I had genetic testing done and found out I also have NF. My first reactions were mixed; I knew what the road ahead would be like. However, I know everyone is different. My uncle's case is much less severe than my mother's. My mom has complete deafness, has lost her balance, and has facial palsy on one side. Will that be my journey? Will that be me? As of today, my personal experience has been limited to yearly MRIs. I had minor growth in one of my tumors, I have bilateral, and it was pushed up to six months, but all are stable as of now. I am learning to grow and accept myself. I am thankful for each day I'm given to hear the doors slam and the crowds of people. I was raised to be thankful for that, but getting a diagnosis of Neurofibromatosis puts a person on a different level. My motivation for pursuing higher education is easy. I'm doing this for my mom and grandma. I'm not only trying to get a degree; I'm also pursuing an athletic journey of playing football in college. I'm motivated and dedicated to following my dreams while I can. I plan to push forward every day and leave the "unknown" in the distance. I want to walk into every MRI with a positive attitude, knowing it will be okay, no matter the prognosis. I feel I'm a good candidate for this scholarship because I know how badly I need it. My mother is also a single mother, now on a disability income, and she puts everything she has into me every day. Watching me go to college is a dream of hers, and I know we need all the financial help we can get. This scholarship, any scholarship, is a blessing to me and won't be taken for granted. Neurofibromatosis truly can do so many terrible things to a person, a family, and everyone involved. One thing my mom has taught me is to pull the good out of it. At age 17, I know to appreciate everything I have in this moment. No matter how big or how little, I am thankful. And everything I'm given in this lifetime will forever be a blessing to me. Thank you.