My name is Cairo and I am 17 years old. I was diagnosed with NF as a baby. I remember being in kindergarten and kids would comment on my cafe-au-lait spots. I was self conscious about looking different and wanted to be just like everyone else. Pretty soon I started needing a Setts provider (special ed) due to learning disabilities. I really struggled to keep up with my classmates and had a hard time focusing in class. As the years went on, schoolwork didn't get any easier. I have always had tutors to help me and received accommodations in school. In addition, I have had so many doctors I am not even sure who they all are. Thankfully my mom keeps track. I had scoliosis surgery at age 11 and last year I had brain surgery for hydrocephalus due to a growth blocking the fluid flow. I have an optic glioma that has to be monitored. Having NF has been hard but it is part of who I am. I know that I am lucky. I am very athletic and love to play sports. I have two older brothers who are my best friends. We all love soccer and I was even offered a spot on a D3 soccer team next year at one of the colleges I have applied to. I want to go to college because even though school is hard for me, I really like being there. I like to be around other people my age and I am really excited to be on campus and go to sporting events. I didn't think I would be able to go to college because of my learning differences but we (my mom) found colleges that have a lot of support for students. Of course these schools cost a lot of money so receiving this scholarship would really help me pay my tuition. I would like to major in sports management or maybe in hospitality. I think being in college will help me grow as a person and learn more about what I might want to do. I think I am a good candidate for this scholarship because like Dylan, I am not letting my differences stop me. I am going to work hard and succeed at what I do. I know I will have to work hard and I am ready for the challenge. I want to prove to myself that I can succeed and I want my family to be proud of me.