Living with a chronic illness hasn’t been easy. For me, it started with a diagnosis of IgA nephropathy that eventually turned into end stage renal failure and required a kidney transplant. While my friends were worried about things like dances, sports practice, or weekend plans, I was learning how to balance doctor visits, medications, and being hooked up to a dialysis machine every night. For almost two years, I did ten hours of dialysis each night and then woke up the next morning to head to school. It was exhausting, but I refused to let it take away my education or my dreams. School was definitely harder for me than for most people. I missed classes for appointments, and the fatigue made it tough to concentrate. But I found ways to keep going. I stayed in close contact with my teachers, made strict schedules, and worked in whatever little windows of time I could find. Some days I studied during lunch or while waiting for treatment to start. Even though it wasn’t easy, I managed to keep a 4.29 GPA, earn recognition as a National Merit Commended Student, and be named an AP Scholar. To me, those achievements are about more than grades—they show resilience and the fact that I didn’t give up, even when life tried to slow me down. Getting my kidney transplant was a life-changing moment. It gave me back energy and freedom I hadn’t felt in years. One of the best days of my life was stepping onto the soccer field again after transplant. For so long, I’d been the girl on the sidelines, supporting my team however I could. Playing again reminded me that setbacks don’t erase potential—they just give you new ways to show strength. My health journey has also inspired me to help others. I founded One Kid One Kidney, a nonprofit that connects kids going through transplants with someone who understands what they’re facing. I also chair Hugs & Threads, a student-led project where classmates and I sew stuffed animals to give to kids in hospitals and shelters. Both projects are about making sure no one feels alone in their challenges—because I know exactly how isolating it can feel. Receiving this scholarship would mean more than just financial help. It would recognize the hard work it’s taken for me to balance school, sports, and a chronic illness. It would give me the chance to keep focusing on my education and continue serving others without the constant worry about cost. My dream is to attend a college where I can study, play soccer, and prepare for a career that blends service and leadership—maybe through nonprofit work, public policy, or healthcare advocacy. Whatever path I choose, I know the resilience I’ve built will keep guiding me. My illness changed my story, but it also gave me strength, empathy, and purpose. With your support, I’ll keep proving that determination is stronger than any obstacle.