My experience with having Type 1 Diabetes has greatly shaped who I am today because despite my illness, I have gained valuable responsibility, confidence, and determination in everything I do. The impacts of Type 1 on me are the constant and daily challenges, struggles, judgements, medical costs, and critical balancing of my blood sugar. However, despite having Type 1, I’ve also had many opportunities, triumphs, and successes in my life. I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes on December 23, 2016. My struggles and perseverance in living with a chronic life-threatening condition affects and shapes every aspect of my life every single day. However, I refuse to focus on the negatives and let diabetes negatively impact me and my future. Despite the physical and mental impacts on my health, I've earned a 3.85 G.P.A. I've studied very hard, sacrificed so much, and I've been involved in many school activities, extracurriculars, community service, and employment. I've dedicated years of service to volunteering, fundraising, and I was one of the inaugural JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) Illinois Youth Ambassadors in 2017. I applied and was selected by JDRF, as one of only twenty youth in Illinois to participate in the program. My duties included representing Type 1 Diabetic children, giving speeches to businesses and communities, being a leader, fundraising, and educating others throughout Illinois. These opportunities greatly shape who I am, by showing me how I can effectuate change, be a leader in disseminating information, and as a mentor to other children. I've raised over $15,000 and I've volunteered hundreds of hours to support Type 1 Diabetes. Therefore, having Type 1 has led to many wonderful opportunities for good! One example of this was the amazing opportunity that I had to present a speech at Wrigley Field for the Chicago Cubs' baseball organization on their annual Diabetes Day. Like the ivy vines crawling up the outfield wall, I felt my nerves and confidence crawl as I looked at the hundreds of Chicago Cubs employees all staring at me. I stood nervously at the podium and then realized that everyone wasn’t just interested in the differences between Type 1 and 2 diabetes, the battles, the technology, and progress. They were also genuinely interested in me and my story. Dozens of people came up to me after my speech to commend, relate, or express their appreciation through handshakes, hugs, tears, and stories. The impact of my message on so many people at the iconic Wrigley Field made me feel like the most important person at the game that day and positively impacted my outlook on living with diabetes. I've gained valuable confidence that I can face challenges and have the courage to inform, educate, and lead. My experiences with having Type 1 will impact my future since they (good and bad) have taught me to put aside the often accompanying anger, challenges, judgements, and frustration that come with my disease. Instead, I try to think positively. I know the importance of my responsibilities, the significance of my disabilities, and I actually feel that I have a stronger sense of myself and am more resilient than others my age. I've grown to understand that until there's a cure, my life will always be more complicated with extra worry, judgments, adjustments, difficulties, and expensive medical bills. However, I've learned to not see myself as disabled. Instead, I see myself as extremely successful and confident in everything that I do. I know that I can still do everything that anyone else can do and I refuse to let my disability define or negatively impact my future!

To me, success looks like happiness, confidence, determination, and aspiration. What I have learned throughout my life is that success can take on many variations, meanings, and differences to many people. Success is not where you happen to live, your house or belongings. It is not in the amount of friends or family that you have, where you go to school or will go to college in the future. And it isn’t necessarily getting good grades, a good job, or making a lot of money. Success is defined by each individual through their personal struggles, their triumphs, their internal satisfaction levels, overall sense of happiness and defining their own victories. For instance, my idea of success may not necessarily be someone else’s idea of success. Therefore I have found it important to set realistic goals, work tirelessly to attain those goals, and find satisfaction in achieving those goals. To me, success can be something as important as being accepted to a college that I am excited about and is my dream school, despite not being accepted into the college that I thought was my dream school. Success for me is enjoying the classes that I love and getting a good grade, but also when I have to work even harder in those classes that I may dislike. Success to me is having a 3.85 G.P.A. and working incredibly hard and sacrificing many things to earn a 4.0 G.P.A. for the last three semesters. Success is the happiness and content feeling that I feel when I volunteer at the local animal shelter. And success is living with my chronic illness of Type 1 Diabetes, since the age of ten, every single day. I have battled, struggled, and cursed at having this life-long autoimmune disease. I have also realized that there is nothing I can do to change its chronic outcome and I will not be defeated with the endless monitoring and consumption of time that it takes from me. Instead, I focus on the successes that I’ve had, as a result of this awful disease! One of the great victories and successes that came as a result of this chronic illness was applying and being selected to be an Illinois Youth Ambassador with JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) for over four years. Being an Illinois Ambassador gave me the amazing opportunity to educate and present a speech at Wrigley Field for hundreds of Chicago Cubs’ employees about the differences between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes. I’ve also been able to raise over $15,000 for JDRF and volunteered hundreds of hours for this amazing foundation that in return, has given me confidence, resilience, and yes, the feeling of success. Success to me is achieving my goal of being able to live independently with Type 1 Diabetes and to do everything that anyone else can do. It has given me the confidence and feeling of success that has made me know that I can not only go to college, but to go to an out of state college as far away as the University of Colorado. My scholastic success has given me this opportunity and I am now focused on my collegiate success of earning a degree in environmental science. The opportunity for this scholarship will help me to continue to achieve my ongoing education by helping to reduce the financial stress of my ever present and expensive medical bills. Having Type 1 Diabetes requires thousands of dollars every year for medical supplies, insulin, lab work, many doctors and doctor appointments and these many medical costs are for my lifetime. Since there isn’t a cure for Type 1 Diabetes, I will have excessive medical bills for the rest of my life. Therefore scholarship opportunities, such as this Redefining Victory will immensely help me with my medical illness, struggles, and the complications that come with having this disease. For me, redefining victory is what I do every day. You may not see my struggles, lack of sleep, life-threatening hypoglycemia, my medical devices, needles, counting every carbohydrate that I eat and drink, and the thousands of dollars it costs to be a Type 1 diabetic. You may think my success comes easy for me, whether it’s my academic success, my volunteer work, the school clubs and cheerleading, my internship and part time jobs. However, my success comes from within me, by setting goals, and with every small battle that I fight and win. That is success to me. The attainment of my goals for my health in staying alive, to work tirelessly, to be happy, to go away to college, and being confident are the attributes that define, or rather, redefine success to me.

Like Kalia, I too have an impeccable work ethic, always do my very best in every area of life, and I was stricken with an unexpected life-threatening disease. I was diagnosed with the chronic illness Type 1 Diabetes at the age of ten, which makes everything I do more difficult, complicated, and expensive than my peers. I was diagnosed on December 23, 2016. Type 1 Diabetes is completely different from Type 2 Diabetes, which can be treated or even cured through diet and exercise. Type 1 is when the autoimmune system attacks the pancreas so that it will never produce the necessary insulin that's required to live. Therefore, I require constant insulin, in addition to injections for every time I drink or eat. The qualities that I possess that make me a strong candidate for this scholarship are my dedication, responsibility, and determination in everything I do. I’ve not only achieved a 4.0 G.P.A. for the past three consecutive semesters and have a current G.P.A. of 3.85, I was also a student athlete on my high school’s Cheerleading team, and co-captain my Junior year. I've also dedicated hundreds of hours to service and volunteering since I was ten years old. My volunteering wasn’t and isn’t to improve my college resume, but rather it's a result of being diagnosed with a chronic disease and wanting to give back to the Type 1 community and to help other children who are diagnosed with this illness. Upon diagnosis, I learned about JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) and applied to be an Illinois Youth Ambassador. I was selected as one of only twenty youth in Illinois, raised over $15,000, and presented speeches to many area businesses to educate about Type 1 Diabetes. I even presented a speech to hundreds of Chicago Cubs’ employees on their annual Diabetes Day, which was an incredible experience that raised my confidence, leadership, and commitment to service. Type 1 Diabetes requires constant monitoring, waking up in the night to life-threatening low glucose, treating it, and often going to school exhausted for tests and classwork. The struggles that I’ve overcome, both physically and mentally, are exhausting. The stares, ignorance, whispers, and loss of friendships are just some other things that I've endured. Wearing medical devices to survive is often burdensome, annoying, and embarrassing. However, I will not be discouraged and my battles with this illness have only made me stronger and more determined. Like Kalia, I can be counted on for encouragement for my friends and I share her incredible work ethic, kindness, ambition, and drive to excel in life. My hundreds of hours of volunteering and awards exemplify my true dedication. In addition to my service with JDRF, I’ve also received the Presidential Service Award for the volunteering and care that I've given to the Humane Society for years. I've been extremely involved in my school, including the National Honor Society, Cheerleading, clubs, and I earned an environmental internship last summer, while also working another job. Receiving this scholarship will greatly assist my academic success by helping to reduce my financial stress. The costs of medical supplies, insulin, doctor appointments, and labs are extraordinary and will be for my lifetime. The cost of college and the fear of excessive loans are frightening, since I'll also have additional life-time medical costs. Attending the University of Colorado's Environmental College is my dream come true, since it's ranked as one of the best environmental programs in the country (#8, according to U.S News and World Reports) and I'm so hopeful to be able to afford this University and honor the beautiful Kalia.

The most influential person in my life has definitely been my grandfather. Not only has he been an inspiration with his medical battles with Parkinson’s disease the past six years, but he has also been an inspiration with his mental fortitude. His compassion, drive, and determination to help my grandmother after her stroke (who sadly passed away a few years later) and to also help as my personal motivator, in my battles with having Type 1 Diabetes have been amazing and inspiring. Medical diseases and horrors seem to sadly run in my family, as I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the age of ten. Just two days before Christmas, I was the third in the family to be diagnosed with a chronic disease, in just a few years. But of course, my grandfather was the first one to come to my hospital room, the night I was diagnosed, and stayed with my mom the entire night. My grandfather has a wicked sense of humor, which helps and is necessary in our family! He helped me laugh that first night, read to me, and tried to subtly make me see the positives as I laid in bed on Christmas Eve. He has been my biggest supporter as I battle Type 1 Diabetes, and I likewise try to support him, as he has slowly lost his mobility the past few years. My grandfather lives in a senior living center, so unfortunately I don’t get to see him as often as I would like. But I do make sure to see him every few weeks, so that I can learn about his past, his history, my mom, and about me. My grandfather likes to tell me stories about my late grandmother and how they grew up in England. His stories have not only taught me about strength and love, but I’ve also learned much family history with his stories on how they immigrated to the United States with nothing but a suitcase of clothes. I’ve been inspired and learned about how hard they have worked to live the American dream. His very difficult life and struggles to work many jobs, led to his dream and fortune of moving from a one bedroom basement apartment in Omaha, to the suburbs of Chicago. My grandfather’s influence has been so strong in my life, as I remember seeing how he helped rehabilitate my late grandmother, after she had a massive stroke. He was lovingly there from her hospitalization to hospice, and then with the years of rehabilitation, as she unexpectedly awoke from hospice care. My grandfather dedicated the next five years to my grandmother’s medical care, to only then be diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease shortly after. And when my grandmother passed away, I was again amazed and inspired by his strength to then focus on his own disease, just as he had supported and fought for my grandmother. My grandfather’s legacy of strength, perseverance, and optimism is what I often think of when I’m having a bad day. My fight against Type 1 Diabetes is difficult and exhausting, both mentally and physically, as I must monitor my glucose all day and constantly adjust with insulin. I have an incurable disease so I often find strength in remembering both of my grandparents’ humble beginnings, their immigration to the United States and their difficult, but determined medical battles. Inspiration doesn’t come close to describing my grandfather’s incredible contributions to me. He is also a role model for determination and responsibility, which are two traits that I proudly emulate and will carry on for future generations.

The need for sustainability is an urgent worldwide crisis. The amount of carbon emissions being released into our atmosphere and waterways is at a critical tipping point of destruction. Sustainability is important to preserve our planet and natural resources like water and air. Building a sustainable future and cultivating sustainable ways to reduce pollution and protect plant and animal habitats is critical. The consequences of inaction are increasing greenhouse effects, with more heat being trapped and making the Earth warm faster, thus causing additional environmental crisis. Carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere by burning fossil fuels and the effects of increasing carbon is destroying forests, plants, coral reefs, wildlife and more. In addition, our water supplies are shrinking and extreme weather events are increasing in frequency and intensity. The importance of international cooperation is imperative because the entire world needs to participate in reducing carbon emissions. Without a worldwide plan, just one country's inaction can negatively affect the entire world. For instance, just Brazil's nonparticipation would have a devastating effect on the rest of the world. The Amazon rainforest is crucial to the entire world, since its rainforest absorbs more greenhouse gasses than any other tropical forest. The continued loss of its vegetation through deforestation will have a cumulative effect on the world’s climate, affect rainfall, and also threaten food production worldwide. The role of individuals in building a sustainable future is imperative, since individuals have a significant role regarding traditional energy. Unlike renewable energy, our reliance on traditional energy plays a large part in the destruction of our environment with the increasing carbon emissions from fossil fuels. Therefore, if individuals participate in reducing their usage of electricity and water, it will lessen the use of such fuels and therefore reduce the amounts of carbon emission into our environment.

There are several types of renewable energy sources that we can use to ensure sustainable and environmentally-sound solutions for human kind. The most common and well known types of renewable energy are solar, wind, geothermal, and hydropower. Sustainable energy is critical to mitigate the effects of climate change and ensure a healthy environment. In contrast, traditional sources of energy are coal, petroleum, natural gas, and nuclear energy, which are non-renewable. These fossil fuels are finite resources and their combustion causes air pollution and other environmental issues and damage. Two of the most common and well-known renewable energy sources are solar and wind energy. Both of these sources ensure sustainable and environmentally sound solutions, as they are clean and environmentally friendly in reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change. Solar energy harnesses the power of the sun and converts it into electricity, usually with solar panels, which are the most commonly used technology. Wind energy is created with turbines that generate electricity by capturing the energy of wind and converting it into electricity. One of the biggest advantages of wind energy is that it's more reliable and efficient than solar energy because solar energy can only produce electricity when the sun is shining and wind turbines can generate electricity at any time, as long as there is wind. Other beneficial renewable energy sources are hydropower, geothermal, and ocean energy, which also lead to a healthier environment. Hydropower involves harnessing the water’s energy by moving it from higher to lower elevations from either rivers or reservoirs. The reservoir hydropower plants rely on stored water in a reservoir and river hydropower plants harness energy from the available flow of the river. Geothermal energy utilizes the accessible thermal energy from the earth’s interior. Heat is extracted from geothermal reservoirs using wells or other means. The use of ocean energy and waves is another renewable energy source that uses the thermal and kinetic energy of seawater waves and currents to produce electricity and heat. Contrastingly, traditional energy sources emit large amounts of carbon and pollution and are therefore more harmful to the environment. And because we still rely on many traditional energy sources, the best practice to help the environment is to reduce the usage of such energies so we reduce the amount of pollution and greenhouse gases. Using less traditional energy will result in less pollution which is harming our planet and humankind. The simple acts of switching off lights and turning off or reducing water usage, are both simple things that everyone can do to reduce usage and environmental harm. Educating people on these simple practices to reduce energy can make a significant impact when enough people participate. By implementing a few energy-saving tips, we can all do our part to slow climate change, benefit the environment, and even save money on our energy bills. Therefore, I believe that educating people is the biggest factor and key to reducing our usage of traditional energy. Increasing education to people is the best way to help make the use of traditional energy a more sustainable and environmentally-sound solution for human kind. Similarly, educating people that renewable sources are actually becoming cheaper and healthier than relying upon traditional energy sources, such as fossil fuels, is also key to environmental sustainability. And although the initial start up of solar and wind energy may be higher, recent falling prices are actually making renewable energy more practical. It's essential to not only find alternative energy sources that are renewable, accessible, and affordable for all people, but to educate and offer viable and practical solutions.

I am passionate about the degree that I am pursuing because I believe that studying Environmental Science and earth’s sustainability are the most important issues facing the world today. I am pursuing this degree because I’ve realized the critical need to study and address pollution, contamination, carbon emissions and other factors that are destroying the earth. My vision and passion to study environmental science was confirmed a few years ago, when I enrolled in an Advanced Placement Environmental Science class at my high school. We traveled to northern Wisconsin for a scientific field trip. This trip captivated my interest and commitment to study the environment and it was the beginning of my future aspirations and career. I learned the critical importance of examining soil, water, and moss samples, as well as studying river qualities, plant identifications, and the negative effects of human interaction. We also conducted research on plant identification, river and pond qualities, animal and plant extinction, bogs and more. This was my first hands-on experience with environmental experiments and studies and this experience solidified exactly what I wanted to study in college and for my future career in environmental science. This experience launched my passion and curiosity, which led me to enroll in every environmental class at my high school, including Plant Science, Environmental Science II, Floral Design, Aquaculture and Urban Food Production and my Capstone Research class on the Amazon's deforestation. In this class, I had the exciting experience of researching the cause and effects of the devastating deforestation in the Amazon. I also discovered the tragic effects of cattle ranching that occur not only in the Amazon, but affects the atmosphere worldwide. Therefore, my call to action for my Global Scholars project and upcoming Global Scholars award was to propose a beef tracing bill to the U.S. House of Representatives, through Illinois Representative, Bill Foster. We have met to discuss the legislation and I am hopeful that this bill will be introduced and passed as a law, so that consumers will have the ability to see the traceability and origination of all of our beef products in the United States. My environmental STEM passion also encouraged me to join several environmental clubs at my high school and in my community. I have been a member of my school’s Eco Environmental Club for several years, the FFA (Future Farmers of America) Club, and the National Honor Society. These clubs help my environmental vision and responsibilities with their many area clean-ups, recycling events, volunteer work, and promoting awareness about our environment. I have been accepted to the University of Colorado, Boulder and plan to continue my studies and environmental service within their environmental clubs, campus clean-ups, recycling events, and their sustainable farm-to-table program. My interests and passion also led to me applying to an amazing environmental internship this past summer with Accelerate Climate Solutions in Naperville, Illinois. I assisted in creating and marketing “blast” programs for youth to participate in sustainable environmental solutions and we even met with Illinois Senator Laura Ellman as part of our Civic engagement. We also held a clothing and book sale as part of our fundraiser. In addition, I have also volunteered over 100 hours with the Naperville Humane Society and recently received the national Presidential Service Award for my community service with them. I have always had a love for the outdoors and the environment, and as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized the critical need to study, research and address pollution, contamination, carbon emissions and the many other factors that are destroying our environment. I believe that environmental degrees are the most important majors on earth. Many students want to change the world, whether through medicine, technology, business, or politics, however many of these careers can only continue to exist if we have a healthy environment. We only have one planet and everyone’s future is contingent upon its conservation, which is why I feel that studying the environment is the most important of all majors and careers. Upon completing my education, I hope to accomplish a career as a scientific consultant on the impacts of contaminants and pollution, the destruction of species, and providing solutions to either companies, state, or federal agencies. I am interested in studying pollution, carbon emissions, and the effects on water and forests. I will be studying environmental sciences at the University of Colorado because it offers a wide variety of environmental classes, has extensive labs, a farm to table program, and many research opportunities throughout the state. In addition, it is consistently ranked in the top ten environmental schools in the United States. I also plan to continue my volunteer work with area clean-ups, recycling programs, the Humane Society, and with JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation). JDRF is another important activity to me, as I was unexpectedly diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes on December 23, 2016. My struggles and perseverance in living with a chronic life-threatening condition affects every aspect of my life, every single day. Type 1 Diabetes is where one’s pancreas has been attacked by one’s own autoimmune system, so that the pancreas can no longer produce insulin. My medical needs are having to live with insulin injections for the rest of my life. And not just receiving insulin injections for every time I eat or drink, but also with long-lasting insulin to control my glucose. My basal rates are constantly changing, whether I'm stressed, studying, working out, cold, hot, happy or sad. Everything and anything can affect my blood sugar. I have gained valuable responsibility in being my own scientist, teacher, and managing my disease. Type 1 Diabetes is a life-long disease. It is not like having Type 2 Diabetes, where diet and exercise may help or even potentially make it go away. My pancreas cannot ever produce insulin, so despite my diet, exercise, and lifestyle, I will always have Type 1 Diabetes with a lifetime of medical costs. My disease also has a cascading effect on many other health problems that put me at life-long risks of facing additional medical problems and expenses in the future. The mental aspects are always planning and worrying about having insulin, my medical supplies, needles, and snacks everywhere I ever go. Always checking “my number,” having to explain my devices on my arms, and worrying about missing classes and tests is exhausting. Stares, ignorance, whispers, and loss of friendships are just some of the many things that I have grown accustomed to over the years. When I wear a short-sleeved shirt, exposing one of my medical devices, I’m often met with judgmental looks. There have been many moments when I worried that people would judge me. However, as I have gotten older, I’ve gained confidence and passion through my service with JDRF, giving speeches to hundreds of people, and with my volunteer work. And despite my physical and mental challenges, I have made community service a priority since I was ten years old. I was not only selected as one of only 20 youths in the State of Illinois for the JDRF Illinois Youth Ambassador Program (in its inaugural year) at the age of ten, but I also received the Harold Moser Community Service Award in 7th grade for my city of Naperville. I have been committed to volunteering, service, and making our community a better place for over seven years and I am grateful for all of the opportunities and experiences I’ve had. The financial cost of having Type 1 Diabetes is extraordinary. The cost of diabetic supplies, medications, doctor visits, lab testing, and accommodations will be with me for the rest of my life. Therefore, any consideration for this scholarship will greatly assist my environmental science academic success by helping reduce some of my financial stress. The one activity that I feel shows my largest contribution and passion to promote diabetes medical research and education was when I gave a speech to hundreds of Chicago Cubs' employees for their National Diabetes Day in the stands at the infamous Wrigley Field. My speech was to help educate hundreds of Cubs employees about the differences between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes and to share my story. The crowd's support and true interest in me, and my story was evident by the many employees who came up to me after my presentation. Many gave me hugs, shared their stories and thanked me for speaking. This tremendous opportunity, to educate so many, also launched my confidence and passion to lead and inspire others in everything I do. My career and passion will impact the world of STEM since the environment affects everything and everyone. I am excited for my career to positively impact the world as a scientific consultant advising on the impacts of contaminants, pollution, carbon emissions, the destruction of species, and providing scientific solutions to state and federal agencies and to companies. I also plan to be a scientific teacher to provide solutions for reaching carbon neutrality to help save our planet. I cannot wait to start my studies next Fall and I am most looking forward to the environmental courses that the University of Colorado offers. I am thankful for my admission and the opportunity to study in Boulder. My environmental studies, research, volunteering and clubs are now within my reach and I cannot wait to pursue my scientific major and journey!

I plan to positively impact the world through my STEM career with my studies in environmental sciences. I'm pursuing this career since I’ve realized the critical need to study and address pollution, contamination, carbon emissions and other factors that are destroying our world. My vision and passion to study environmental science was confirmed a few years ago, when I enrolled in an AP Environmental Science class where we traveled to Wisconsin for a scientific field trip. This trip captivated my commitment to study the environment and was the beginning of my future aspirations and career. I learned the critical importance of examining soil, water, and moss samples, as well as studying river qualities, plant identifications, and the negative effects of human interaction. I will be studying environmental sciences at the University of Colorado because it offers a wide variety of environmental classes, has extensive labs, and many research opportunities. In addition, CU is consistently ranked in the United States' top ten environmental schools. My career will positively impact the world since the environment affects everything and everyone. Many students want to change the world, whether through medicine, technology, business, or politics, however these careers can only occur if we have a healthy environment and a world to live in. We only have one planet and everyone’s future is contingent upon environmental science and its conservation. My career will positively impact the world since I will be a scientific consultant advising on the impacts of contaminants, pollution, carbon emissions, the destruction of species, and providing scientific solutions to state and federal agencies and to companies. I also plan to be a scientific advisor providing solutions for reaching carbon neutrality. In addition, a challenge that I've faced is living as a Type 1 Diabetic. This chronic disease has shaped and driven my ambition, responsibilities, and leadership. My challenges with having a life-threatening condition affects every aspect of my life, every single day. Type 1 Diabetes occurs when the pancreas has been attacked by one’s own autoimmune system, so that the pancreas can no longer produce insulin. My medical needs are having to live with insulin injections for the rest of my life. I've had the constant life-sustaining scientific responsibilities for the past 8 years, that few my age have ever encountered. T1D requires vigilant monitoring of constantly varying blood glucose, carbohydrate intake, and consistent medical responsibilities. If my glucose plummets, I need to have a sugary drink and when it happens at night, I have to wake up to lower my insulin dosage and quickly have a drink so that I don't lose consciousness. Even if it's 3:00 a.m. I must wake up to drink something or I could die. Having this ultimate responsibility to survive has shaped me since the age of ten. I must always plan, carry insulin, have medical supplies, needles, and snacks everywhere I ever go. Always checking “my number,” explaining my medical devices on my arms, and worrying about missing classes and tests is my life. However, I've successfully maintained a 3.9 GPA and I'm a member of the National Honor Society. I've conquered many challenges and I've thrived by contributing hundreds of hours of community service, earning awards, and raising over $15,000 for JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation). I've learned to be a confident leader, a responsible teen, and know that I'll always succeed. My leadership, commitment, and successes are what I'll bring to the STEM world as a scientist. This scholarship will greatly help reduce my academic and medical financial costs and stress, so that I can have a successful impact in the STEM world.

Chapter 17: Lost and Found. The last 17 years of my life have been no different. Sure I've experienced rough chapters and pages, but also amazing life opportunities. For example in the previous chapter, Chapter 16: Lock and Key, I found out what I truly love about life and what I want to do to further my education. That chapter was all about finding the key to my passion and unlocking my true potential. But as I reach the end of everything I know, life is getting difficult and confusing. I don't know what chapters 18, 19, or 20 hold for me. Even as life continues though, chapter 17 is called Lost and Found. I think the idea of being lost stems from the idea of not knowing where I could potentially fit in during my first few weeks of college. However, as my new life starts and I get into a routine, the word found plays its role. I will be able to understand what my life is all about and what I need to do. I will be able to fit in and find my people, my passion, and my future. I think that it is important for me to take life one step at a time, and understand that there will be ups and downs, rapid turns, and sudden stops. But that's what life is all about! Learning about who I am, and who I will become. At chapter 80 or 90, I envision I will go back and reread all of the adventures I had during Chapter 17. I will be able to look at the friends I made or didn't make, the classes I took, and the impact I made on the world. Therefore, I hope that Chapter 17: Lost and Found, allows me to understand life is changing, but for the good. While I may have difficult and gloomy days, I will be able to fall back on my previous chapters and consult them for help or inspiration. being lost is difficult, but making the most of it and being able to find yourself later in life results in the found.

Stares, ignorance, and whispers are some of the many things that I have grown accustomed to over the years. When I wear a short-sleeved shirt, exposing one of my medical devices, I’m often met with stares and whispers. There have been moments in my life when I worried that people would judge me. I’ve even been called a robot before! I have often been asked, “What’s that on your arm? Does it hurt? Are you sure you can eat that? What’s your number?” These are a few of the questions that youth like me are commonly asked. I often wonder, “Why me? Why do I have to live with these challenges, the constant monitoring, and a chronic autoimmune disease that may never go away? Why do so many people not know about the differences between Type 1 diabetes and Type 2?” Perhaps the reason is when you search for “Type 1 Diabetes,” it boldly states that it is rare and that every year only around 200,000 people are diagnosed. I was counted in that number on December 23, 2016. Now, nearly seven years later, diabetes has become an everyday part of my life. Although it’s considered a disability by the ADA, I don’t see myself as disabled. I have overcome my adversity and disability by being extremely successful and confident in everything that I do. When you’re forced to take on the complexities of insulin to carbohydrate dosing at the age of ten for survival, you learn very quickly how to be responsible and determined. You also learn that you can still do everything that anyone else can do. In fact, some of my closest friends don’t even know about my passion for diabetes activism. Most people don’t know that I have given dozens of speeches, including my speech to hundreds of employees and players at the iconic Wrigley Field in Chicago. I’ve raised over $15,000 alone for JDRF, organized community fundraisers, and volunteered at JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) Galas where millions of dollars have been raised. Nor do most people know that I was one of 20 youths chosen for the State of Illinois’ Inaugural JDRF Youth Ambassador Program, where I served two terms spanning over four years. Most have no idea that I was selected to represent, lead, fundraise, and support autoimmune disease research and education throughout Illinois for years. Despite my disability and struggles, I was recently inducted into the National Honor Society, have a 3.85 GPA, have received a 4.0 the past three semesters of high school and recently received the Presidential Service Award for completing over 100 hours of service to my local Humane Society. I am also involved in several clubs at my high school (ECO club, FFA and theater) and I was a cheerleader for three years at my high school. I was also awarded an environmental internship last summer and have held a part-time job since I was 15 years old. I plan to study environmental science at the University of Colorado in Boulder and have a career as an environmental consultant on pollution and forestry. My autoimmune disease has also ironically opened many doors and contributed towards my goals by helping me realize how I can create change, be more confident, and be an effective leader. I have therefore turned my struggle into a strength! And while diabetes is always going to be a part of my life, I have found strength, determination, and the positives in how I deal with it. Until there's a cure, I will continue to advocate, educate, and lead by example.

My plan to further my education beyond high school is to study environmental sciences at Colorado University, Boulder. Specifically, my educational goals are to study forestry, carbon emissions, and sustainability and I was accepted to the Environmental Studies program at Colorado. My high school AP Environmental Science class field trip to northern Wisconsin was an eye-opening learning experience for me to study the environment. This trip was the pivotal moment in my high school education to discover exactly what I want to pursue for my future education and career. Driven by curiosity, I enrolled in every environmental course at my school. I engaged in research projects, such as an in-depth study on Amazon deforestation, secured an environmental internship, conducted self-guided research on local rivers, and dedicated over 100 hours to volunteering. What I hope to accomplish, after I graduate is to have a future as either a consultant and advisor on environmental issues that affect various companies with waste emissions, air quality, and sustainability or possibly as a teacher in the environmental field. I see myself making contributions to environmental science and sustainability through research and increasing environmental awareness and I expect to achieve my goals through my hard work, determination and resilience to my college studies. I also plan to achieve my goals through continued service within my college community. I'll continue to advocate for Type 1 diabetes research through my volunteering with JDRF and volunteering at local animal shelters, where I just received the Presidential Service Award in November 2023.. I'm requesting this scholarship because I have Type 1 Diabetes, which not only requires a constant monitoring and control of my glucose, but it adds an excessive and life-long financial burden. This scholarship will assist me in achieving my academic goals, as it's one of the few disability scholarships that directly assist students like myself, who have the extra burdens, responsibilities, and medical expenses of living with a chronic disability. The financial burden of needing insulin to survive, the medical devices, doctors, testing, and life-long complications is extensive and expensive. My disability is further complicated with my developmental disabilities of of my stunted growth and height of 5'1" and also being left-handed. My struggles and perseverance in living with a chronic life-threatening condition affects every aspect of my life, every single day. Type 1 Diabetes is where one’s pancreas has been attacked by one’s own autoimmune system, so that the pancreas can no longer produce insulin. My medical needs are receiving insulin injections for the rest of my life, for every time I eat or drink, and also with long-lasting insulin to control my glucose. My basal rates are constantly changing, whether I'm stressed, studying, working out, cold, hot, happy or sad. The toll of constant monitoring of basal and bolus rates is exhausting and the physical aspects are the risks of highs and lows, literally. If my glucose falls too low, hypoglycemia, my brain becomes foggy, my legs are weak and I can lose consciousness. If my glucose goes too high, hyperglycemia, then damage is done to my blood vessels, heart, limbs, eyes, and more. I also have the additional complications of PCOS and insulin resistance that complicate my disease. The mental aspects are always planning and worrying about having my insulin, my medical supplies, needles, and snacks everywhere I ever go. Therefore, receiving this scholarship will greatly assist my academic success by helping to reduce my financial stress. As an out of state student, I want to focus on my courses and academic studies and future, not worry about the added financial stress of excessive loans.

As I contemplate many upcoming life decisions, I find myself drawn to Taylor Swift's Eras Tour and how it's been instrumental in many aspects of my life, my future, and has helped me understand many new things about myself. Here are nine examples of the Eras tour albums that have deeply connected with me. The first album, ‘Taylor Swift,’ is about finding your place in the world and seeing who you really are. Similarly, at seventeen, it can be overwhelming to understand who you are and your future in college. My favorite song is “I'm only me when I’m with you” with the lyrics “I don't try to hide my tears, my secrets or my deepest fears”. Similarly, I've discovered to be true to myself, expressive and face my issues. The Speak Now album celebrates all of the things that one wishes that they'd said or done. The world is often a place where we don’t talk about who we are, our feelings, squeezing ourselves into societal norms or values. However, even as a teenager, I've realized that fear isn't something that I should be scared of. The Folklore album focuses on how it can be hard to look back on your past and how it's shaped you. Sometimes, knowing right from wrong can be hard and even making the best decisions can inflict pain. The Midnights album reveals how to deal with yourself and insecurities. Everyone wants to make a good impression and not be considered ‘weird’, but one of the most important things I've learned is that you can't let others determine your opinion of yourself. Life grows and everyone changes, so don't let anyone hold you back. The Red album is about how to deal with heartbreak and realizing that you are ok as time moves forward. I lost my grandmother when I was only eight years old. She was the person I looked up to, having survived a stroke. I've learned that as I get older, it's important to spend a lot of time with my mom and family. The Reputation album is about taking revenge, discovering yourself, and finding love within darkness. Although not revenge, I can say that I've learned how to cope with jealousy. The lyrics from “Look what you made me do” are about revenge, regret and reforming oneself. I take pride in discovering myself and making sure that no matter how dark things may seem, I am always proud. The Lover album is allowing yourself to recover and work on relationships to better yourself. As we grow, friends come and go. I've had my share of fights and friend groups dismantling. However, I always learn to prioritize everyone and make sure that their feelings are heard. The Fearless album represents the past and seeing who you grow into from your childhood. As a child I was shy, but stood up for what was right. I once stood up for a new classmate (because I had been a new student the year before) and I knew that frightening feeling of being new. This feeling of fearlessness stuck with me as I've become older and I've found my place within my friends and I’ve made sure they felt safe with my warmth and personality. The album 1989 is about youth and freedom and how you should embrace yourself. One of my greatest strengths is that I make sure that I'm proud. I've learned throughout social media standards and what young girls face today is that you need to love yourself first. No matter what you look like or believe in, you are important!

Stares, ignorance, and whispers are some of the many things that I have grown accustomed to over the years. When I wear a short-sleeved shirt, exposing one of my medical devices, I’m often met with stares and whispers. There have been moments in my life when I worried that people would judge me. I’ve even been called a robot before! I have often been asked, “What’s that on your arm? Does it hurt? Are you sure you can eat that? What’s your number?” These are a few of the questions that youth like me are commonly asked. You see, I’m considered rare, at least medically speaking. I often wonder, “Why me? Why do I have to live with these challenges, the constant monitoring, and a chronic autoimmune disease that may never go away? Why do so many people not know about the differences between Type 1 diabetes and Type 2?” Perhaps the reason is when you search for “Type 1 Diabetes,” it boldly states that it is rare and that every year only around 200,000 people are diagnosed. I was counted in that number on December 23, 2016. Now, nearly seven years later, diabetes has become an everyday part of my life. Sometimes I even forget that I had a different life before being diagnosed since my autoimmune disease has shaped who I am today. Although it’s considered a disability by the ADA, I don’t see myself as disabled. In fact, I see myself as extremely successful and confident in everything that I do. When you’re forced to take on the complexities of insulin to carbohydrate dosing at the age of ten for survival, you learn very quickly how to be responsible and determined. You also learn that you can still do everything that anyone else can do. I’ve never considered myself “rare or special”. In fact, some of my closest friends don’t even know about my passion for diabetes activism. Most people don’t know that I have given dozens of speeches, including my speech to hundreds of employees and players at the iconic Wrigley Field in Chicago. I’ve raised over $15,000 alone for JDRF, organized community fundraisers, and volunteered at JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) Galas where millions of dollars have been raised. Nor do most people know that I was one of 20 youths chosen for the State of Illinois’ Inaugural JDRF Youth Ambassador Program, where I served two terms spanning over four years. Most have no idea that I was selected to represent, lead, fundraise, and support autoimmune disease research and education throughout Illinois for years. Despite being faced head-on with the reality of needles jabbing me every day and being told, “I could never do that!” or “Wow, you are so brave,” I have persevered. I have never thought of myself as brave; instead, I see myself as determined and resilient. The worries have lessened as I’ve gotten older, and I’ve learned to adapt and thrive. Until my dream for a cure comes true, I'll continue to wish for just one day when I don't have diabetes. My autoimmune disease has also ironically opened many doors and made me realize how I can create change, be more confident, and be an effective leader. I have therefore turned my struggle into a strength! And while diabetes is always going to be a part of my life, I have found strength, determination, and the positives in how I deal with it. Until there's a cure, I will continue to advocate, educate, and lead by example.