At the age of seven, I was diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis Type Two. It is a genetic disorder that causes tumors to grow sporadically on my spine and in my brain. The first sign of concern was a loss of motor function in my left arm. My parents noticed that I would let it hang by my side during soccer practice, and I struggled with small two-handed tasks like tying my shoes. After several x-rays, MRIs, and visits to an array of different doctors, I was officially diagnosed. Since then, I have endured dozens more MRIs, eight surgeries to remove and debulk tumors in my body, and radiation therapy for a cancerous tumor on my spine. At first my disorder made me feel isolated from everyone else. Every day I was reminded how different I am from other people. Every time I looked in the mirror at my skinny left arm. Every time I put my hearing aid in after I woke up. Every time I was left out by the other kids at recess. This loneliness affected how I thought of myself, and for years damaged my self-image and self-esteem. The consistent, loving support of my family and true friends allowed me to overcome the isolation of NF2. They didn’t think about, much less care about, my differences. This showed me they truly appreciate who I am, showed me that I am worthwhile regardless of my differences, and boosted my self-esteem, knowing people valued me for who I am at the core of my being. Their unwavering love and support strengthened my sense of self, and has led me to be who I am today. My motivation for pursuing a higher education is discovery. I am interested to learn who I am outside of my usual environment. I’ve been living and moving through life from the same comfort zone for seventeen years, and it’s time to branch out on my own. I feel my personality and actions are shaped and influenced by my surroundings, and I am excited to begin college with a clean slate. To be on my own, making decisions, choosing my path, discovering what calls to me and expanding how I move through the world. Never have I been alone for an extended amount of time, to recognize who I truly am and will be. College is an independent, yet safe space which allows me to indulge my academic curiosities, explore my options, and expand my comfort zone. It is an opportunity to discover who I am outside of my usual environment, in the context of the world community. I am one in 25,000. I have a unique perspective on what it is to be alive in this world. Through surgical recovery, I have learned resilience. Through the support of loved ones, I have learned optimism and self-confidence. Through the tireless work of my incredible medical team, I have learned gratitude. These qualities help me move through the world with motivation and curiosity. I’ve worked with great determination to get where I am emotionally, physically, and academically. This scholarship is another step on the discovery of myself. In conclusion, my journey with NF2 has been filled with obstacles that have left me questioning who I am. Yet with the help of family and friends, I’ve been able to remain on track and persevere through those challenges. They encourage me to go on my own path, and stay curious regarding my future and what it holds. With the help of the Dylan’s Journey Memorial Scholarship, college will shape my inner curiosity into a reality.