At the age of 5, I was diagnosed with Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, also known as SIBO. To treat it, I was put on antibiotics, and probiotics. I also had to follow the FODMAP diet. It affected me in many aspects of life. It changed my interactions with peers and my home life. It also brought growth alongside challenges. SIBO changed the projection of my life, but it brought new opportunities with it. It was difficult as a kid attending public school. I had to bring low-sugar and gluten-free foods to lunch. I could not participate in class parties with cupcakes and cookies. Although kids did not want to trade foods with me, I had a better understanding of food than them. I recall one time in fourth grade I was talking to a peer about my lunch. She was appalled by my food because it was gluten-free, including my grapes. I had to explain to her that my grapes were the same as hers because grapes are naturally gluten-free. It was at that moment I became more grateful for my condition. It had its negatives, but it also brought positives such as being conscious and aware of my food. Food is a big part of what brings us together. However, dietary restrictions can make that more difficult. At family gatherings, my mother had to bring separate dishes that I could eat. On holidays such as Easter, I had special eggs filled with the few candies I could eat. I was very grateful for the effort my family put in, but I was still sad I could not participate like the other kids. At Halloween, I could not trick or treat like normal kids. Instead, I participated in Trick or Treat for UNICEF. As other kids collected candy, I collected donations. Although I was upset I could not get candy as a kid, I am proud of the experience and that I could help others. It was a great first experience with volunteering. It helped create a habit of volunteering which continued through high school. I am currently attending Seattle University in order to pursue a Bachelor's in Film Studies. Tuition and living on campus come with their own challenges, but having dietary restrictions makes it a bigger challenge. Finding safe food on campus can be difficult. I find myself eating the same meals daily because I do not have anything else that is safe to eat. There are a few restaurants around campus that have foods I can eat, but they add up over time and take away from the money I need for school supplies. A scholarship to help pay for school so I do not need to make a decision between school and safe food would be immensely helpful. I am in school for Film Studies and I wish to make documentaries that change the world and provide information. In the future, I would love to create a documentary about food sensitivities and the many ways it affects kids and parents. I believe my struggles as a child would be better if there were more representation and information out there. With a film degree, I can create that representation and hopefully help more families struggling with food sensitivities.