I have always wanted to go to college since I was young, as I knew it would provide such amazing opportunities for my future. College has always been considered a luxury as a first-generation college student in my family. Receiving this scholarship would help me get the education that I need to have a better future. I do live with multiple chronic illnesses that affect me physically. I have been diagnosed with Amplified Musculoskeletal Pain Syndrome (AMPS)/fibromyalgia, chronic pain syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Dysautonomia, Scoliosis, chronic inflammation, abdominal migraines, and gluten sensitivity. These conditions impact my mobility and my ability to regulate my heart rate, temperature, and blood pressure. My abdominal migraines can be debilitating, and some days, my flare-ups are hard to deal with, which makes it hard to get my day started. Some days are spent doing physical therapy before dance and recovering from flare-ups. My mom is a single, disabled mom with limited resources, which has affected my ability to do many things. Once again, I strive to have a better future and want to be successful. Despite my health challenges, I’ve remained committed to my education and my passion for dance as well—and in many ways, they’ve made me even more determined to succeed. In addition to managing my health, I have faced significant financial hardship. My mom and I are considered to live at the poverty level, and affording college has always felt more like a dream than a guarantee. We’ve had to make difficult choices when it comes to housing, food, education, and dance. Thankfully, I have been blessed by my dance academy. Although these realities have required me to be resourceful and proactive. I know what it means to fight for opportunities and work for what I want and this would help me pay that off. I am looking forward to college and getting a good education to have a bright future to support my future family. Graduating at 16 this June and turning 17 in July while being close to my AA already has shown me how much I appreciate school and learning. This all relates to my interest in psychology, as I want to work in a field where I can help others feel seen, heard, and supported. Whether through traditional therapy or a more creative approach like movement therapy—where my passion for dance intersects with healing. The road ahead will still have its challenges, especially financially, but I am hopeful that going to college will help me in my future.