I believe I am a good candidate for this scholarship because I have qualities, like Jaimeson, which I hope are inspiring to my peers and those around me. I was born with a rare blood disorder at birth that requires me to get blood transfusions every 21 days to live. I have had many trials with my disease through the years and have been told that I inspire others with my attitude and perseverance. This year, I chose to get a bone marrow transplant to cure me of my disease and it has been nothing short of a fight for my life. I underwent chemo, missed half of my first high school year (finished online) and am now on my way to healing. My teachers and family have been very supportive and have told me I inspire them to live life to the fullest and take chances. It is my goal to go to college down a STEM path of Nursing to help and care for others the way I have been cared for my entire life. I have been in and out of the hospital over the years for different complications. I go to the hematology clinic frequently also. It has always been nurses who have cared for me during my most vulnerable moments. I also feel there are not enough male nurses. When I have had a male nurse it made me feel more comfortable being a boy and connecting with them. I hope to bring the compassion to others that I have been shown during my hardest days. I have recently been more brave to share my story and educate those around me about the need for blood donations and supporting your friends going through tough trials. I believe this is a strong characteristic that will help others understand that we can all be supportive in some way to one another. “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” -Nelson Mandela I honestly thought healing was when I was cured. Now, after not being cured (yet!) I realized healing is my choice. I can choose to live healed everyday. I will continue to conquer my fears and live a life that my parents will be proud of. I will not take my second chance for granted. I will live courageously to help others. Thank you for your consideration. Corbyn Cammilleri