I was sitting with my friends at lunch in the second grade and my friends noticed something on me. Gabby, what are those spots on your body, they asked? I knew I had these spots but I never really paid attention to them, I didn't know how to respond so I just said they were something I was born with. Even though the NF spots on my body never bothered me in the past, that moment made me self conscious of something that is out of my control. I told my mom about it on the car ride home from school and she told me that my NF spot are kisses from heaven and they are work of art. That made me feel somewhat better but I was still hyper conscious of what is on my body. Growing up as a child with NF, comprehending my school subjects was difficult. It took a while for me to process information that others would be able to comprehend quickly. I have to work ten times harder than the rest of my peers to understand the same material. I had to learn strategies that would help me succeed in school as well as use my 504 plan to my advantage. Due to the NF I struggled with word acquisition. I knew what I wanted to say but did not know how to say it. But through learning strategies I have acquired, my word acquisition became better. I slowed down with my thoughts and understood that it is ok to not be the same as everyone else. Besides the learning factors that came along with NF, there were other factors that have been in my life because of the NF. I looked different then my friends, they would ask me what are those brown spots on your arm and why do you have it. I was embarrassed, I knew I was the only one with these NF spots so I was an outcast. Growing up I would have to go to an endocrinologist every year to make sure that the NF spots are not becoming cancerous. The eye doctor appointments even though I don’t wear glasses but the doctors needed to make sure I don’t have any potentially NF spots that can make my vision go blind. A part of NF is the migraines. The migraines I get can be so bad that sometimes I need to go home early from work or leave school early. My education as well as an income is important to me and when my migraines get that bad I hate leaving school or work, I hate it. My motivation for pursuing an education is proving that just because I have NF that does not make me less capable than others. Me along with everyone else who has NF is more than capable of pursuing their education and chasing their dreams. I am aware that I am very lucky as someone who has NF because I do have my vision and I don’t have any cancerous tumors. I would be the best candidate for this scholarship because no matter what I am willing to work hard for what I earn. As a person with NF I strive everyday to educate people on what NF is and what the side affects of NF are.