I developed an obsession with riding horses when I was seven. The only problems were I was a type one diabetic, my family had no knowledge of horses, and I grew up on a tight budget. However, I was determined to ride regardless. I moved my way through the levels by working for different horse trainers, living in a horse trailer and riding any horse no matter how dangerous. I made it to the upper levels of eventing and was on a US eventing team. While preparing for a huge qualifying show my long time partner, Jazz took a fall with me aboard. We flipped over a jump and he landed on top of me. I had a fracture to my vertebrae and a broken leg as a result. I may not have been the smartest individual on the planet and was determined to qualify anyway and go to the show. I had worked my entire life up to this point. Poured blood, sweat and tears everyday to give myself the opportunity to even do this show. I would not have let anything in the world stop me. I continued training and hiding the pain. I often rode without stirrups to attempt to relieve some pressure on my leg. I was far but healed and made the trek to the qualifying show known as Bromont. Showing up in a walking boot I claimed my registration packet. With mental fears of having another horrific crash and physical pain from my not healed injuries I competed in the show regardless. I used a make shift splint I placed into my boot for my rides to support my leg. I climbed onto Jazz and together we completed the show in the pouring rain. At the end of that show I was in more pain than I had ever experienced in my life. I was beyond proud however. I put everything my character was made of to the test to make it through my one shot at becoming an international event rider. I accomplished that. Later my coaches learned of my injuries and forced me to heal. They also relayed this information to many other upper level rides. Because of the amount of grit I faced in my adversities I was offered a number of amazing opportunities for riding as I had proved proved I was dependable and determined and would work harder than anyone else there.

As a type one diabetic, my journey has profoundly shaped my experiences with healthcare, leading me to choose health science as my field of study. Living with a chronic condition has not only influenced my personal life but has ignited a passion for advocating for others, particularly in the pediatric realm. My autonomy was significantly impacted by my diagnosis, as I had to navigate a world where my health was often dictated by medical professionals, leaving me feeling powerless at times especially as a young child. This experience has fueled my desire to empower young patients and ensure they have a voice in their healthcare decisions. The healthcare system can often feel overwhelming, especially for children and their families. I have witnessed firsthand how the lack of communication and understanding can lead to feelings of isolation and frustration. This has motivated me to pursue a career where I can bridge the gap between healthcare providers and young patients. I aspire to create an environment where children with chronic illnesses feel heard and respected, enabling them to take an active role in managing their health. One significant change I want to implement in the pediatric world is the incorporation of shared decision-making in treatment plans. Children, even at a young age, have valuable insights about their bodies and experiences. I was able to experience this first-hand when I met a child-life specialist who explained how capable children really were and how psychologically damaging it was treating children without them feeling like they were a part of the process. By fostering an environment that encourages open dialogue between healthcare providers, patients, and their families, we can create more personalized and effective treatment strategies. This approach not only enhances patient satisfaction but also promotes better health outcomes.Additionally, I aim to advocate for improved education and resources for both patients and their families. Many families feel ill-equipped to manage chronic conditions, often due to a lack of accessible information. By developing educational programs and resources tailored to pediatric patients, I hope to empower families with the knowledge they need to navigate their healthcare journeys confidently. In conclusion, my experiences as a type one diabetic have significantly influenced my choice to pursue health science. I am committed to making meaningful changes in the pediatric healthcare landscape, focusing on empowering young patients and their families. By advocating for shared decision-making and improved education, I believe we can create a more inclusive and supportive healthcare environment that prioritizes the autonomy and well-being of every child.

As a type one diabetic, my journey has profoundly shaped my experiences with healthcare, leading me to choose health science as my field of study. Living with a chronic condition has not only influenced my personal life but has ignited a passion for advocating for others, particularly in the pediatric realm. My autonomy was significantly impacted by my diagnosis, as I had to navigate a world where my health was often dictated by medical professionals, leaving me feeling powerless at times especially as a young child. This experience has fueled my desire to empower young patients and ensure they have a voice in their healthcare decisions. The healthcare system can often feel overwhelming, especially for children and their families. I have witnessed firsthand how the lack of communication and understanding can lead to feelings of isolation and frustration. This has motivated me to pursue a career where I can bridge the gap between healthcare providers and young patients. I aspire to create an environment where children with chronic illnesses feel heard and respected, enabling them to take an active role in managing their health. One significant change I want to implement in the pediatric world is the incorporation of shared decision-making in treatment plans. Children, even at a young age, have valuable insights about their bodies and experiences. I was able to experience this first-hand when I met a child-life specialist who explained how capable children really were and how psychologically damaging it was treating children without them feeling like they were a part of the process. By fostering an environment that encourages open dialogue between healthcare providers, patients, and their families, we can create more personalized and effective treatment strategies. This approach not only enhances patient satisfaction but also promotes better health outcomes.Additionally, I aim to advocate for improved education and resources for both patients and their families. Many families feel ill-equipped to manage chronic conditions, often due to a lack of accessible information. By developing educational programs and resources tailored to pediatric patients, I hope to empower families with the knowledge they need to navigate their healthcare journeys confidently. In conclusion, my experiences as a type one diabetic have significantly influenced my choice to pursue health science. I am committed to making meaningful changes in the pediatric healthcare landscape, focusing on empowering young patients and their families. By advocating for shared decision-making and improved education, I believe we can create a more inclusive and supportive healthcare environment that prioritizes the autonomy and well-being of every child.

As a type one diabetic, my journey has profoundly shaped my experiences with healthcare, leading me to choose health science as my field of study. Living with a chronic condition has not only influenced my personal life but has ignited a passion for advocating for others, particularly in the pediatric realm. My autonomy was significantly impacted by my diagnosis, as I had to navigate a world where my health was often dictated by medical professionals, leaving me feeling powerless at times especially as a young child. This experience has fueled my desire to empower young patients and ensure they have a voice in their healthcare decisions. The healthcare system can often feel overwhelming, especially for children and their families. I have witnessed firsthand how the lack of communication and understanding can lead to feelings of isolation and frustration. This has motivated me to pursue a career where I can bridge the gap between healthcare providers and young patients. I aspire to create an environment where children with chronic illnesses feel heard and respected, enabling them to take an active role in managing their health. One significant change I want to implement in the pediatric world is the incorporation of shared decision-making in treatment plans. Children, even at a young age, have valuable insights about their bodies and experiences. I was able to experience this first-hand when I met a child-life specialist who explained how capable children really were and how psychologically damaging it was treating children without them feeling like they were a part of the process. By fostering an environment that encourages open dialogue between healthcare providers, patients, and their families, we can create more personalized and effective treatment strategies. This approach not only enhances patient satisfaction but also promotes better health outcomes.Additionally, I aim to advocate for improved education and resources for both patients and their families. Many families feel ill-equipped to manage chronic conditions, often due to a lack of accessible information. By developing educational programs and resources tailored to pediatric patients, I hope to empower families with the knowledge they need to navigate their healthcare journeys confidently. In conclusion, my experiences as a type one diabetic have significantly influenced my choice to pursue health science. I am committed to making meaningful changes in the pediatric healthcare landscape, focusing on empowering young patients and their families. By advocating for shared decision-making and improved education, I believe we can create a more inclusive and supportive healthcare environment that prioritizes the autonomy and well-being of every child.

As a type one diabetic, my journey has profoundly shaped my experiences with healthcare, leading me to choose health science as my field of study. Living with a chronic condition has not only influenced my personal life but has ignited a passion for advocating for others, particularly in the pediatric realm. My autonomy was significantly impacted by my diagnosis, as I had to navigate a world where my health was often dictated by medical professionals, leaving me feeling powerless at times especially as a young child. This experience has fueled my desire to empower young patients and ensure they have a voice in their healthcare decisions. The healthcare system can often feel overwhelming, especially for children and their families. I have witnessed firsthand how the lack of communication and understanding can lead to feelings of isolation and frustration. This has motivated me to pursue a career where I can bridge the gap between healthcare providers and young patients. I aspire to create an environment where children with chronic illnesses feel heard and respected, enabling them to take an active role in managing their health. One significant change I want to implement in the pediatric world is the incorporation of shared decision-making in treatment plans. Children, even at a young age, have valuable insights about their bodies and experiences. I was able to experience this first-hand when I met a child-life specialist who explained how capable children really were and how psychologically damaging it was treating children without them feeling like they were a part of the process. By fostering an environment that encourages open dialogue between healthcare providers, patients, and their families, we can create more personalized and effective treatment strategies. This approach not only enhances patient satisfaction but also promotes better health outcomes.Additionally, I aim to advocate for improved education and resources for both patients and their families. Many families feel ill-equipped to manage chronic conditions, often due to a lack of accessible information. By developing educational programs and resources tailored to pediatric patients, I hope to empower families with the knowledge they need to navigate their healthcare journeys confidently. In conclusion, my experiences as a type one diabetic have significantly influenced my choice to pursue health science. I am committed to making meaningful changes in the pediatric healthcare landscape, focusing on empowering young patients and their families. By advocating for shared decision-making and improved education, I believe we can create a more inclusive and supportive healthcare environment that prioritizes the autonomy and well-being of every child.

As a type one diabetic, my journey has profoundly shaped my experiences with healthcare, leading me to choose health science as my field of study. Living with a chronic condition has not only influenced my personal life but has ignited a passion for advocating for others, particularly in the pediatric realm. My autonomy was significantly impacted by my diagnosis, as I had to navigate a world where my health was often dictated by medical professionals, leaving me feeling powerless at times especially as a young child. This experience has fueled my desire to empower young patients and ensure they have a voice in their healthcare decisions. The healthcare system can often feel overwhelming, especially for children and their families. I have witnessed firsthand how the lack of communication and understanding can lead to feelings of isolation and frustration. This has motivated me to pursue a career where I can bridge the gap between healthcare providers and young patients. I aspire to create an environment where children with chronic illnesses feel heard and respected, enabling them to take an active role in managing their health. One significant change I want to implement in the pediatric world is the incorporation of shared decision-making in treatment plans. Children, even at a young age, have valuable insights about their bodies and experiences. I was able to experience this first-hand when I met a child-life specialist who explained how capable children really were and how psychologically damaging it was treating children without them feeling like they were a part of the process. By fostering an environment that encourages open dialogue between healthcare providers, patients, and their families, we can create more personalized and effective treatment strategies. This approach not only enhances patient satisfaction but also promotes better health outcomes.Additionally, I aim to advocate for improved education and resources for both patients and their families. Many families feel ill-equipped to manage chronic conditions, often due to a lack of accessible information. By developing educational programs and resources tailored to pediatric patients, I hope to empower families with the knowledge they need to navigate their healthcare journeys confidently. In conclusion, my experiences as a type one diabetic have significantly influenced my choice to pursue health science. I am committed to making meaningful changes in the pediatric healthcare landscape, focusing on empowering young patients and their families. By advocating for shared decision-making and improved education, I believe we can create a more inclusive and supportive healthcare environment that prioritizes the autonomy and well-being of every child.

My experience with substance abuse began when I was a child within my own family. I watched multiple family members walk away from our family and go towards alcohol and drug use. My mother struggled with drug use, my father drug and alcohol abuse, my stepfather with alcohol abuse and my grandmother with drug and alcohol abuse. Due to this I had a turbulent childhood. At the time seeing this was extremely hard. I built up a lot of resentment towards my family. As I got older some of my family were able to become sober with the help of many medical professionals. This initial interaction at a young age and seeing these family members be able to beat their addiction led me into a career in EMS. I worked to serve a number of patients struggling with substance abuse as paramedic. Often times I only assisted in the acute overdose and not as often the long term battle. However, being able to give them a second chance by treating their overdose really mad eye proud of myself. I finally was able to make a small difference. As my career progressed I was able to move into the pediatric world as a paramedic. Here I saw what happened to the children born from substance abuse first hand. In this role I learned the importance of respiratory therapists managing these newborn patients. Their role was so important in helping children cope with the result of substance abuse. The respiratory therapists were integral in ensuring these small patients did not have inoxic brain injuries. This led me to where I am today, writing this paragraph for a scholarship. I am now one semester done with my Respiratory therapy program and one step closer to helping the babies born of substance abuse. My role as an RT will be to manage a neonates airway to the best of my ability to prevent brain injuries so that they may live a normal healthy life despite being born into substance abuse. Another new way I will be able to help as a respiratory therapist is to aide in preventing and reversing one of the worlds leading killers, cigarette smoking. The amount of damage inhaling cigarettes and other drugs cause on the lungs and then the whole body is extremely severe. My goal is to educate my patients for prevention and without judgement help them reverse the outcome of previous usage. Thank you for your consideration.