Mast cell disease, specifically MCAS, has shaped nearly every part of my life in ways I could never have imagined. While many people hear about the medical symptoms—flushing, swelling, fatigue, and anaphylaxis—what’s not often discussed is how the condition affects you on a deeply personal level, from relationships to dreams for the future. For me, the impact has been profound, not only on my physical health but also on my education, my family, and the way I look at the world. Because of my chronic illness, I’ve had to adjust to a life that’s different from what I expected as a teenager. I couldn’t attend school regularly, and the physical toll often left me too exhausted to keep up with classwork. My parents, who were already balancing their jobs, had to take time off to fly me to the Mayo Clinic for specialized treatment. Every doctor’s visit was a new challenge, a new hurdle to clear, but it also added a financial strain that only deepened our already difficult situation. With my condition, I need my parents close by, so they’ve had to adjust their lives around mine. They worry constantly about leaving me alone, unsure of what might happen when I’m not in their care. This has made it impossible for me to live away from home for college, as I need the safety and support of being near my family. One of the most challenging aspects of living with mast cell disease has been the need for a surgically implanted port for my weekly infusions. The procedure itself was necessary to manage my condition, but it has also introduced a new layer of risk and insecurity, especially as a teenage girl. The idea of having a foreign device embedded in my body was daunting, and as I navigate adolescence, there’s a natural fear of how others perceive me. It can be difficult to accept something that feels so different, yet it’s an essential part of my treatment. I often feel vulnerable and self-conscious, especially during a time in my life when fitting in and feeling “normal” can seem so important. The port, while helping me manage my illness, is also a reminder of the constant battle I face, one that I wish I didn’t have to fight. To accommodate my illness and its unpredictable flare-ups, I’ve had to take a unique approach to my education. I’ve transitioned to online learning for part of my schooling, and even then, I have to be mindful of how much I take on at once. To make sure I don’t overwhelm myself, I’ve opted to take summer classes and spread out my workload, allowing for more flexibility when my health isn’t at its best. It’s not easy, and it’s not the college experience I once imagined, but it’s the only way for me to keep moving forward while still managing my condition. The toll this disease has taken on my family and me has been immense. Despite all these challenges, I’m determined to keep moving forward. Mast cell disease has taught me resilience and the importance of perseverance. I’ve learned how to prioritize my mental health, to adjust my goals when necessary, and to find purpose in the struggle. My health may dictate much of my life, but it doesn’t define who I am or what I can achieve. Even with all the obstacles, I’ve found ways to continue my education and pursue my dreams. The path ahead is uncertain, but I’m committed to walking it with purpose, knowing that every step, no matter how small, is progress.

Balancing academic responsibilities with personal life is always a challenge, but as a female college student, mental health has had an even more significant impact on how I navigate these experiences. As women, we often face unique pressures—societal expectations, academic stress, and the constant juggling of multiple roles—that can deeply affect our mental well-being. These pressures are intensified for students like me, who also deal with chronic health conditions. Managing both my health and academic workload has been overwhelming at times, but it has also reinforced the importance of making mental health a priority. In my academic life, the stress and anxiety that come with being a woman can be paralyzing. As I work to meet academic expectations, I often find myself struggling to balance my studies with the emotional weight of societal pressures. There is a constant expectation to be successful, well-rounded, and perfect, all while dealing with personal struggles. For me, this pressure can lead to anxiety, making it harder to concentrate, retain information, and meet deadlines. These struggles affect my personal life as well. Anxiety and stress cause me to withdraw from friends and family, even when I need them most. There are days when I feel disconnected from my support network, and the weight of everything becomes too much. As a woman, I also feel the added pressure to always be “on”—always taking care of others and pushing through discomfort. This can be emotionally draining, and I have to remind myself that taking care of my mental health is not a sign of weakness but rather a necessity for my overall well-being. The financial strain of college tuition and medical bills only amplifies this stress, making it harder to focus on anything other than how to make ends meet. Despite these challenges, I’ve taken intentional steps to prioritize my mental health. First and foremost, I’ve learned to recognize that I’m allowed to take breaks and ask for help. As a female student, I’ve learned not to measure my worth by the number of things I can accomplish at once or how perfect my results are. Allocating time for both studying and self-care has been essential in maintaining my mental health. Physical activity, like taking walks or doing yoga, is another important part of my routine, helping me manage stress and clear my mind. Self-care is another important part of my mental health strategy. As a woman who is often expected to do it all, I sometimes forget to make time for the things that truly recharge me. Whether it’s reading a book, watching a movie, or simply resting, I make self-care a non-negotiable part of my routine. I also prioritize mental health by practicing mindfulness techniques, like journaling and meditation. This helps me maintain the energy I need to perform academically and emotionally. By actively prioritizing my mental health, I’ve seen improvements in both my academic performance and personal life. I’m able to focus more, complete tasks with greater efficiency, and maintain stronger relationships. This scholarship would alleviate some of the financial burdens I face, allowing me to continue prioritizing my mental health while pursuing my dream of becoming a pediatric ICU nurse. It would be an incredible honor to be recognized for my commitment to mental wellness, and I hope to use my experiences to help other women who face similar challenges in their academic journeys. As women, we deserve to succeed, but we also deserve to thrive mentally and emotionally as we navigate our paths.