Mental health is a global crisis touching most people on some level. Most of us know someone who suffers from mental illness or have, ourselves, been affected by depression, anxiety, and other issues. Individuals with mental illness deserve the same compassion and respect as others suffering from medical or physical maladies; yet, the stigma of mental health makes many live in denial or refuse to receive necessary treatment. The mental health crisis is often compounded by inadequate community resources and supports to help its victims access the treatment they need. Awareness and treatment for mental health are important to me because I have witnessed the struggles of my step brother as he has battled borderline personality disorder. My brother is a highly intelligent and talented young man, but many of his relationships and opportunities have been destroyed through his sometimes aggressive, delusional, and paranoid thinking. Many family events have been disrupted by his behavior, including this past Christmas, because he becomes very argumentative, believes everyone is out to get him, and resorts to threatening others or self-harm. Watching my stepbrother's battle with mental illness is a tragedy because I know his full potential and what he is capable of. I have seen him jump into traffic in attempt to be hit by a car, threaten physical violence toward my parents, demonstrate obsessive behavior (e.g. calling someone repeatedly for hours on end just to yell at them), and shut himself away in his room for days refusing to bathe or interact with others. When he is compliant with treatment, he is humorous, performs highly in his hobbies and academics, and is very likeable. The problem is that we often don't know which version of him we will get, and my whole family is traumatized by what he has put us through. As much as we love him and want to have a relationship with him, we are fearful of his presence. My brother deserves better, both from my family and the mental health system. Of course, the success of any treatment he engages in will be most successful with his buy-in to the process, which he is sometimes willing to do. At times, he avoids seeking help because or the limited availability to what he needs through our insurance and available services. I know there's also a part of him that is not willing to accept that he has a problem and he would rather blame everyone else for whatever goes wrong in his life. Such is the stigma of mental health. Few are willing to accept that they have a mental illness for fear of being labeled "crazy" or insane. Learning about my brother's mental illness has made me aware that more people suffer from some degree of mental health challenges than most may realize. We should see taking care of our mental health as an important component of self-care and be more supportive of the need for ourselves and others to seek help, when needed. Mental illness should not be a source of shame or something to hide. Any of us would encourage a friend to seek treatment for a broken bone, so why not a problem with mental health, which can be just as crippling? My personal brush with mental illness has made me more receptive of these traits in others and more compassionate about the struggles they and their families endure as a result. Rather than judge these individuals, I prefer to see them understood and helped to overcome their burdens. I also have nothing but respect for the mental health professionals who work tirelessly to support people like my brother, and I will do whatever I can to vote for levies to support local mental health and support legislation to increase the availability of treatment to those who need it. To any who suffer, I say "do not resist getting the help you need for fear of judgement because hope and relief exists if you are willing to accept it! Do not suffer alone when there is caring support for you and you can live life to the fullest again!"

Mental health is a global crisis touching most people on some level. Most of us know someone who suffers from mental illness or have, ourselves, been affected by depression, anxiety, and other issues. Individuals with mental illness deserve the same compassion and respect as others suffering from medical or physical maladies; yet, the stigma of mental health makes many live in denial or refuse to receive necessary treatment. The mental health crisis is often compounded by inadequate community resources and supports to help its victims access the treatment they need. Awareness and treatment for mental health are important to me because I have witnessed the struggles of my step brother as he has battled borderline personality disorder. My brother is a highly intelligent and talented young man, but many of his relationships and opportunities have been destroyed through his sometimes aggressive, delusional, and paranoid thinking. Many family events have been disrupted by his behavior, including this past Christmas, because he becomes very argumentative, believes everyone is out to get him, and resorts to threatening others or self-harm. Watching my stepbrother's battle with mental illness is a tragedy because I know his full potential and what he is capable of. I have seen him jump into traffic in attempt to be hit by a car, threaten physical violence toward my parents, demonstrate obsessive behavior (e.g. calling someone repeatedly for hours on end just to yell at them), and shut himself away in his room for days refusing to bathe or interact with others. When he is compliant with treatment, he is humorous, performs highly in his hobbies and academics, and is very likeable. The problem is that we often don't know which version of him we will get, and my whole family is traumatized by what he has put us through. As much as we love him and want to have a relationship with him, we are fearful of his presence. My brother deserves better, both from my family and the mental health system. Of course, the success of any treatment he engages in will be most successful with his buy-in to the process, which he is sometimes willing to do. At times, he avoids seeking help because or the limited availability to what he needs through our insurance and available services. I know there's also a part of him that is not willing to accept that he has a problem and he would rather blame everyone else for whatever goes wrong in his life. Such is the stigma of mental health. Few are willing to accept that they have a mental illness for fear of being labeled "crazy" or insane. Learning about my brother's mental illness has made me aware that more people suffer from some degree of mental health challenges than most may realize. We should see taking care of our mental health as an important component of self-care and be more supportive of the need for ourselves and others to seek help, when needed. Mental illness should not be a source of shame or something to hide. Any of us would encourage a friend to seek treatment for a broken bone, so why not a problem with mental health, which can be just as crippling? My personal brush with mental illness has made me more receptive of these traits in others and more compassionate about the struggles they and their families endure as a result. Rather than judge these individuals, I prefer to see them understood and helped to overcome their burdens. I also have nothing but respect for the mental health professionals who work tirelessly to support people like my brother, and I will do whatever I can to vote for levies to support local mental health and support legislation to increase the availability of treatment to those who need it. To any who suffer, I say "do not resist getting the help you need for fear of judgement because hope and relief exists if you are willing to accept it! Do not suffer alone when there is caring support for you and you can live life to the fullest again!"

Not many people can say that they're one in a million, but I truly am! I was born with a rare congenital condition that makes me stand out from others in ways that are not always pleasant or comfortable for me. I can be physically awkward and clumsy, my speech is difficult for others to understand, and I may appear strange to others because my face is paralyzed, meaning that I cannot smile or make other impressions. I can attest that it is not fun to not fit in or feel completely accepted by my peers of society; therefore, I am more sensitive to how others in similar situations may feel when they do not always have the same rights and power as others. From my perspective, I can share that everyone, no matter their ethnic background, gender, religion, sexuality, age, or disability status has something to offer and is deserving of respect and fair and equal treatment. Diversity is important because each individual and each group has strengths and wisdom to share that benefit everyone. Diversity adds strength to the fiber of a society rather than weakening it, and when society treats each of its members with equality, everyone is able to participate in its growth and progress. As a person with a disability and a member of an often marginalized group, I contend that equality is necessary because every person has value and each life matters. Our society can be stronger and more successful by fully including all of its members. Being sidelined or left on mute only promotes disharmony and resentment, which begins to tear away at the strength of a community. Allowing every citizen a voice allows for awareness of issues, promotes understanding and inclusion, and contributes to the overall wellbeing and success of all!

I’ve learned to never take anything for granted. From birth, I've had to work extra hard to accomplish every milestone. I was born with a rare disorder called Moebius Syndrome, which literally makes me one in a million! As a result, I was born with paralysis of my cranial nerves. I was over a year old before I could sit up, and nearly three before I could walk. This nerve paralysis also prevents me from making any kind of facial expression (that’s right, no smiles!) and has made my speech difficult to understand. Sign language was my primary means of communication as a toddler. Like most others with Moebius, I also have limb abnormalities. I was born with clubfeet, requiring many surgeries, casts, and leg braces. I fell down all the time as a young child, but I always got back up and never stopped trying! This has become my philosophy in life. I recognize that I have had many obstacles compared to most, but I never let it get me down and I won’t let Moebius or anything else hold me back I can’t always depend on my body to do the things I want to do, so I have focused on what I can do with my heart and my mind. From the time I could hold a book, I couldn’t get enough of reading! Now I am just as passionate about writing and I imagine a career in writing or journalism. I have the unique perspective of understanding what it is to have a disability while also having the ability to communicate about it. I hope to use my voice to create awareness, promote opportunities, and inspire change for others with special needs. I feel compelled to write and want to use my ability for something important.

Mental health is a global crisis touching most people on some level. Most of us know someone who suffers from mental illness or have, ourselves, been affected by depression, anxiety, and other issues. Individuals with mental illness deserve the same compassion and respect as others suffering from medical or physical maladies; yet, the stigma of mental health makes many live in denial or refuse to receive necessary treatment. The mental health crisis is often compounded by inadequate community resources and supports to help its victims access the treatment they need. Awareness and treatment for mental health are important to me because I have witnessed the struggles of my step brother as he has battled borderline personality disorder. My brother is a highly intelligent and talented young man, but many of his relationships and opportunities have been destroyed through his sometimes aggressive, delusional, and paranoid thinking. Many family events have been disrupted by his behavior, including this past Christmas, because he becomes very argumentative, believes everyone is out to get him, and resorts to threatening others or self-harm. Watching my stepbrother's battle with mental illness is a tragedy because I know his full potential and what he is capable of. I have seen him jump into traffic in attempt to be hit by a car, threaten physical violence toward my parents, demonstrate obsessive behavior (e.g. calling someone repeatedly for hours on end just to yell at them), and shut himself away in his room for days refusing to bathe or interact with others. When he is compliant with treatment, he is humorous, performs highly in his hobbies and academics, and is very likeable. The problem is that we often don't know which version of him we will get, and my whole family is traumatized by what he has put us through. As much as we love him and want to have a relationship with him, we are fearful of his presence. My brother deserves better, both from my family and the mental health system. Of course, the success of any treatment he engages in will be most successful with his buy-in to the process, which he is sometimes willing to do. At times, he avoids seeking help because or the limited availability to what he needs through our insurance and available services. I know there's also a part of him that is not willing to accept that he has a problem and he would rather blame everyone else for whatever goes wrong in his life. Such is the stigma of mental health. Few are willing to accept that they have a mental illness for fear of being labeled "crazy" or insane. My personal brush with mental illness has made me more receptive of these traits in others and more compassionate about the struggles they and their families endure as a result. Rather than judge these individuals, I prefer to see them understood and helped to overcome their burdens. I also have nothing but respect for the mental health professionals who work tirelessly to support people like my brother, and I will do whatever I can to vote for levies to support local mental health and support legislation to increase the availability of treatment to those who need it. To any who suffer, I say "do not resist getting the help you need for fear of judgement because hope and relief exists if you are willing to accept it! Do not suffer alone when there is caring support for you and you can live life to the fullest again!"

Independence probably has a different meaning for me than many of my peers. I imagine that others preparing to graduate from high school and go to college have always assumed that they will one day do everything for themselves: make their own decisions, live in their own home, and not need anyone else's support or approval to do all of these things and more. I desire all of these things, as well; however, I prize independence on the level of being able to make a phone call without someone's help, accessing any building that I choose without fear of falling on the steps, or completing all of my own daily self-care tasks by myself. I’ve learned to never take anything for granted. From birth, I've had to work extra hard to accomplish every milestone. I was born with Moebius Syndrome. As a result, I was born with paralysis of my cranial nerves. As an infant, I had great difficulty eating because I couldn’t suck from a bottle. I was over a year old before I could sit up, and nearly three before I could walk. This nerve paralysis also prevents me from making any kind of facial expression (that’s right, no smiles!) and has made my speech difficult to understand. Like most others with Moebius, I also have limb abnormalities. I was born with clubfeet, requiring many surgeries, casts, and leg braces. Tasks like driving, opening a package, or carrying a box up stairs are monumental achievements for me that I probably appreciate more than the average person because I have had to battle so much harder to master them. Having overcome what I have has made me treasure my continued progress and savor every bit of my personal independence. I've never assumed, I have just never given up!

My name is Harrison Plessinger, and I will soon be graduating from Greenville High School in Greenville, Ohio with plans to attend Ohio State University in the fall. This is a huge accomplishment for me considering that no one really knew what to expect from me when I was born. My parents were unsure if I would ever walk, talk, or live independently, so the fact that I am going to a college is a victory! College is a tremendous opportunity to grow as an adult and develop necessary skills to engage in the best paying and most exciting careers; however, the prospect of enrolling in college and the massive debts that follow is daunting! I, and many students in my same position, am very concerned about what it will mean for my future to pull the weight of student loans behind me as I try to establish my life outside of my parent's home. Going to college seems the most sensible thing to do to find the kinds of jobs that I will find most interesting and fulfilling while allowing me to support myself, but I also have to wonder if I can afford this venture? The current U.S economy doesn't allow much room for workers only earning minimum or non-degree holding wages, yet the burden of student loan debt doesn't seem much better! My first steps to preparing for college and what this will mean to my future financial security is to educate myself about student loans, credit, and how best to make decisions and protect my interests. I am avoiding things like credit cards, which could create more debt for myself. I am working closely with my mom and my school's financial aid office to make the wisest possible choices about what kind of loans to pursue so that I don't get in over my head, and I took as many college credit classes as possible in high school to help give myself a jump start on the credits I need to earn without adding onto my final bill. I am also working hard to find ways I can close the gap on what I need to pay to attend school and minimize my overall debt. It has become evident to me that I will need to use a multi-pronged approach to address this need because no one avenue can solve this issue for me. My mom is doing all that she can to help me, but I am one of six kids and as of fall 2022, three of us will be in college. Because I have a disability, it has been harder for me to get a job, as compared to my siblings; so, I am working with Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities to obtain the supports I will need for work (mainly with my verbal communication, fine motor skills, and specialized driving instruction) so that I can work during college to earn money. I am also applying for as many grants and scholarships as possible. I am committed to making smart choices when it comes to purchases, selecting housing (my college has no on campus housing), and even how I will eat and meet my other basic needs while in school. I do not want to suffer during my time in college, but I also know this is not a time for extravagance or splurging the little money I have. I understand that my time in college may be a leaner existence than I would like, but it is all part of the investment I am making for myself in the future.

I’ve learned to never take anything for granted. From the day I was born, I've had to work extra hard to accomplish every task and milestone. I was born with a rare neurological disorder called Moebius Syndrome, which literally makes me one in a million! As a result, I was born with paralysis of the nerves in my face. I was over a year old before I could sit up, and nearly three before I could walk. This nerve paralysis also prevents me from making any kind of facial expression (that’s right, no smiles!) and has made my speech difficult to understand. Sign language was my primary means of communication as a toddler. Like most others with Moebius, I also have limb abnormalities. I was born with clubfeet, requiring many surgeries, casts, and leg braces. I fell down all the time as a young child, but also always got back up and never stopped trying! This has become my philosophy in life. I recognize that I have had many obstacles compared to most, but I never let it get me down and I won’t let Moebius or anything else hold me back! Most people don’t give a second thought to such tasks as hand-writing a note, carrying a box up stairs, driving, or opening a package. These activities are difficult for me because my eyes don’t move side-to-side to allow me hand-eye coordination. I have made massive gains in my strength and balance over the years, but I still need a lot of help. I owe more than I can express to my family and my dedicated speech, occupational, and physical therapists who have helped me to become as independent as I am today! I can’t always depend on my body to do the things I want to do, so I have focused on what I can do with my mind and my heart. Books became my portal to other worlds, to friends, and to adventure. From the time I could hold a book, I couldn’t get enough of reading! Now, I am just as passionate about writing and I also enjoy politics and learning about world governments. I imagine all of the things I can do for a career in writing, journalism, or analyzing politics. I have come to realize that life truly is what you make of it. We don’t always get an easy path to follow, but we can turn adversity into a strength and always keep getting back up when we fall down! I feel honored to be able to graduate from high school and have the opportunity to pursue a degree at Ohio State University. No one knew what to expect from me when I was born. My parents worried that my life would be nothing but struggle, pain, and loneliness; but I have exceeded everyone’s expectations and forged a path for myself that I find meaningful. Perhaps I can inspire other children born with differences to keep pursuing their dreams. Difference is not tragic or undesirable. Difference is a gift when you choose to look at it the right way! College brings me one step closer to being able to use my voice to help others with disabilities who do not have a way to express their needs and desires. I understand what it means to be born different and to have to fight harder for every accomplishment, but I know that I am also very blessed to have my mind and the ability to communicate. I am compelled to write for a reason and want to do something important with my words.

My personal heroes are Judith Heumann, James LeBrecht, Larry Allison, Stephen Hoffman, and Denise Sherer Jacobson. Like me, each of these individuals was born with a disability. This group of people first met and bonded at Camp Jened (also known as “Crip Camp”), a camp for individuals with disabilities. Through the friendship they formed and lessons they learned about self-advocacy, independence, and their value as humans, they became major founding members of the disability rights movement. Their efforts brought about nationwide awareness of disability issues, and their activism inspired important accessibility legislation. The changes and awareness for disability rights that were advanced by the “Crip Camp” alumni have benefitted me as a student who has been on an IEP and received special education services since preschool. Without their strength and dedication to the disability movement, I would not have been able to attend school in an accessible building and access such things as speech, occupational, physical therapy, or inclusion with my peers to help me become as independent as I am today. They have also inspired me to seek ways to use my talents to impact society for continued progress and change for myself and future generations of individuals with disabilities. I will use my voice to help others with disabilities who do not have a way to express their needs and desires. I understand what it means to be born different and to have to fight harder for every accomplishment, but I know that I am also very blessed to have my mind and the ability to communicate. Perhaps I can inspire some other child who was born different from his or her peers to keep pursuing their dreams. I stay committed to speak my mind to honor the legacies of my heroes and to keep their dream alive.

From birth, I've had to work extra hard to accomplish every milestone. I was born with a rare disorder called Moebius Syndrome, which caused paralysis of my cranial nerves. I was over a year old before I could sit up, and three before I could walk. This nerve paralysis prevents me from forming any facial expression and has made my speech difficult to understand. Like most others with Moebius, I was born with clubfeet, requiring many surgeries, casts, and leg braces. I fell down all the time as a young child, but I always got back up and never stopped trying! This has become my philosophy in life. I recognize that I have many obstacles compared to most, but I never let it get me down and I won’t let Moebius hold me back! Most people don't give a second thought to such tasks as hand-writing a note, carrying a box up the stairs, driving, or opening a package. These activities are difficult for me because my eyes don’t move side-to-side to allow me hand-eye coordination. Even though I have made gains over the years, I still need a lot of help. I owe more than I can express to my family and my dedicated therapists who have helped me to become as independent as I am today! I have come to realize that life is what we make of it. We don’t always get an easy path to follow, but we can turn adversity into a strength and always keep getting back up when we fall down! It's easy to just give up when things become challenging, but then we miss out on all that life has to offer and experiencing all we can from life. Perseverance is power and the only reason I have my amazing life!

A friend of my mom's is going through a divorce. I overheard her and my mom talking and she stated "You can be the whole package and still arrive at the wrong address. When this happens, the person who receives you will mishandle you because they don't know what to do with you and because you were never meant to be there." Although these words of wisdom were intended for a break-up, which I can't personally relate to, this advice still resonated with me. The message that I retained is that even if we're what most would consider "perfect," in the wrong hands we will not find the acceptance or the treatment we deserve. Our great qualities won't always be recognized or appreciated by others, but this does not mean there's something wrong with us, it just means we found the wrong audience! It can be very easy to feel rejected and "not good enough," especially in a world that values physical beauty, athleticism, and strength. My awkwardness and unconventional talents may get in the way of others being able to recognize my value, but this does not mean that I don't have a lot to contribute as a friend, neighbor, or member of society. I need to remind myself of these wise words at times when I feel misunderstood or undervalued because others' reactions to me may be more about who they are than what I represent or have to offer. Their failure to give me what I need doesn't necessarily mean they're bad people, just that I am not meant for them or them for me! In these moments, I need to remember that the people who will love, accept, and appreciate what I have to offer are out there somewhere and I just need to keep looking!

I was born with a rare neurological disorder called Moebius Syndrome, which literally makes me one in a million! As a result, I was born with paralysis of the nerves in my face. I was over a year old before I could sit up, and nearly three before I could walk. This nerve paralysis also prevents me from making any kind of facial expression (that’s right, no smiles!) and has made my speech difficult to understand. Sign language was my primary means of communication as a toddler. Like most others with Moebius, I was born with clubfeet, requiring many surgeries, casts, and leg braces. I fell down all the time as a young child, but also that I always got back up and never stopped trying! This has become my philosophy in life. I recognize that I have had many obstacles compared to most, but I never let it get me down and I won’t let Moebius or anything else hold me back! Most people don’t give a second thought to such tasks as hand-writing a note, carrying a box up stairs, driving a car, or opening a package. These activities are difficult for me because my eyes don’t move side-to-side to allow me hand-eye coordination, and even though I have made massive gains in my strength and balance over the years, I still need a lot of help. I owe more than I can express to my family and my dedicated speech, occupational, and physical therapists who have helped me to become as independent as I am today! I can’t always depend on my body to do the things I want to do, so I have focused on what I can do with my mind and my heart. Books became my portal to other worlds, to friends, and to adventure. From the time I could hold a book, I couldn’t get enough of reading! Now, I am just as passionate about writing and I also enjoy politics and learning about world governments. I imagine all of the things I can do for a career in writing, journalism, or politics. I have come to realize that life truly is what you make of it. We don’t always get an easy path to follow, but we can turn adversity into a strength and always keep getting back up when we fall down! I feel honored to be able to graduate from high school and have the opportunity to pursue a degree. Quite honestly, no one knew what to expect from me when I was born. My parents worried that my life would be nothing but struggle, pain, and loneliness; but I have exceeded everyone’s expectations and forged a path for myself that I find meaningful. Perhaps I can inspire some other child who was born different from his or her peers to keep pursuing their dreams. Difference is not tragic or undesirable. Difference is a gift when you choose to look at it the right way! With the opportunity to be accepted for this scholarship, I hope to be one step closer to being able to use my voice to help others with disabilities who do not have a way to express their needs and desires. I understand what it means to be born different and to have to fight harder for every accomplishment, but I know that I am also very blessed to have my mind and the ability to communicate. I am here and ready to give a voice to those who cannot speak because I know what it feels like to be on the margin.

1) Do I deserve this scholarship? I would really appreciate this scholarship, but I know there's always someone else smarter, more talented, and more deserving than myself. 2)Seriously, that's a great question. I have many interests and things I think I might be good at or would like to do. Choosing just one career path or major is still difficult for me. I love to read, I think I could be successful at writing, I talk non-stop about world government, and I think film studies sounds fascinating. Now I have the challenge of making the decision of which path will bring me fulfillment and also a career I can support myself with. Let's just say that I will let you know as soon as I decide! 3)Every day is an obstacle for me. I am one of the most uncoordinated people ever. Most of my speech is unintelligible and my hand-writing looks like a pre-schooler's. No, I'm not drunk. I have a rare disorder, Moebius Syndrome, that has paralyzed my cranial nerves, so my eyes can't move laterally and I have limited control over the movement of my mouth and face (that's right, no smiling). But, I'm smart, have an ace sense of humor, and never stop trying!

Knowledge, as they say, is power. I believe knowledge is the key to a brighter future and it is what gives me hope that better times are ahead. We can also refer to knowledge as information or awareness, and it is something that can also be gained through exposure to others and obtaining first-hand knowledge of their experiences. Walls that prevent progress are often constructed from bricks of misinformation, suspicion, ignorance, or the fear of the unknown. Consider that just a generation ago, individuals who shared my diagnosis of Moebius Syndrome were usually relegated to classrooms with other students who had cognitive impairments and multiple medical disabilities. The hallmark traits of one with Moebius Syndrome (inability to form facial expression, difficult to understand speech, and challenges with motor skills) were immediately assumed to mean that these individuals had mental retardation, were anti-social, and disinterested in their surroundings. A fellow Moebian of mine from decades past would have never been recognized for their intelligence or talent, let alone given opportunities to be integrated with their peers or consider college! This isolation and dismissal often promoted depression, dependence, and individuals unable to fulfill their inherent potential. What changed? Information! Persistent parents, therapists, doctors, and the individuals themselves refused to be pigeon-holed and denied opportunities. Although the population of individuals with my specific disorder is still very small, it is now easy enough to learn of adults with Moebius Syndrome who are professionals (e.g. college professors, librarians, TV producers, and city planners, to name a few), married, and who have families of their own. When others learn of these accomplishments, they become aware that even people born with disabilities have value and something to contribute to society. When individuals within the disability community learn of the success of other like them, that knowledge serves to inspire, crush feelings of inadequacy, and provide hope for a bright future. From here, things can only get better! I hope to be a part of that change. I am compelled to write. I recognize that not everyone with a disability has the ability to communicate their thoughts and desires to others; therefore, I am in a unique position to understand what it is like to have a disability and to be "different," and I have the ability to advocate for change and acceptance. I possess the knowledge that I can achieve what I set my mind to, and now I want everyone else to become aware of the rights and needs of the disabled population. Individuals with disabilities deserve respect, opportunities, and love just like everyone else! I have hope that the future will be better because I see increasing numbers of people with disabilities finding meaningful employment and other opportunities and being recognized for their abilities, not just their disabilities! Knowledge is a light that can shine in the darkness to expose obsolete ideas and ways of treating others so that we can all be better at seeing people for who they are and accepting them.

I’ve learned to never take anything for granted. From birth, I've had to work extra hard to accomplish every milestone. I was born with a rare disorder called Moebius Syndrome, which literally makes me one in a million! As a result, I was born with paralysis of my cranial nerves. I was over a year old before I could sit up, and nearly three before I could walk. This paralysis prevents me from forming facial expression (that’s right, no smiles!) and made my speech difficult to understand. Like most others with Moebius, I was born with clubfeet, requiring many surgeries, casts, and leg braces. I fell down all the time as a young child, but I always got back up and never stopped trying! This has become my philosophy in life. I recognize that I have many obstacles compared to most, but I won’t let Moebius or anything else hold me back! Most people don’t give a second thought to such tasks as hand-writing a note, carrying a box up stairs, driving, or opening a package. These activities are difficult for me because my eyes don’t move side-to-side to allow me hand-eye coordination. Even though I have made gains over the years, I still need a lot of help. I owe more than I can express to my family and my therapists who have helped me to become as independent as I am today! I feel honored to be able to graduate from high school and have the opportunity to pursue a degree. Honestly, no one knew what to expect when I was born, but I have exceeded everyone’s expectations and forged a path for myself that I find meaningful. Difference is not tragic or undesirable. Difference is a gift when you choose to look at it the right way!

My life has been a lesson in persistence. From the day I was born, I've had to work extra hard to accomplish every task and milestone. I was born with a rare disorder called Moebius Syndrome, which literally makes me one in a million! As a result, I was born with paralysis of the nerves in my face. I was over a year old before I could sit up, and nearly three before I could walk. This nerve paralysis also prevents me from making any kind of facial expression (that’s right, no smiles!) and has made my speech difficult to understand. Like most others with Moebius, I was born with clubfeet, requiring many surgeries, casts, and leg braces. I fell down all the time as a young child, but also that I always got back up and never stopped trying! This has become my philosophy in life. I recognize that I have had many obstacles compared to most, but I never let it get me down and I won’t let Moebius or anything else hold me back! I can’t always depend on my body to do the things I want to do, so I have focused on what I can do with my mind and my heart. Books became my portal to other worlds, to friends, and to adventure. From the time I could hold a book, I couldn’t get enough of reading! Now, I am just as passionate about writing and desire a career in writing or journalism. I hope to use my voice to advocate for others with disabilities. I have come to realize that life is what you make of it. We don’t always get an easy path to follow, but we can turn adversity into a strength and always get back up when we fall down!

My strongest quality is perseverance. From the day I was born on July 18,2003, I've had to work extra hard to accomplish every task and milestone. I was born with a rare neurological disorder called Moebius Syndrome, which literally makes me one in a million! As a result, I was born with paralysis of the nerves in my face. I was over a year old before I could sit up, and nearly three before I could walk. This nerve paralysis also prevents me from making any kind of facial expression (that’s right, no smiles!) and has made my speech difficult to understand. Sign language was my primary means of communication as a toddler. Like most others with Moebius, I also have limb abnormalities. I was born with clubfeet, requiring many surgeries, casts, and leg braces. I am told that I fell down all the time as a young child, but also that I always got back up and never stopped trying! This has become my philosophy in life. I recognize that I have had many obstacles compared to most, but I never let it get me down and I won’t let Moebius or anything else hold me back! I know that most people don’t give a second thought to such tasks as hand-writing a note, carrying a box up stairs, driving a car, or opening a package. These activities are difficult for me because my eyes don’t move side-to-side to allow me hand-eye coordination, and even though I have made massive gains in my strength and balance over the years, I still need a lot of help. I owe more than I can express to my family and my dedicated speech, occupational, and physical therapists who have helped me to become as independent as I am today! I can’t always depend on my body to do the things I want to do, so I have focused on what I can do with my mind and my heart. Books became my portal to other worlds, to friends, and to adventure. From the time I could hold a book, I couldn’t get enough of reading! Now, I am just as passionate about writing and I also enjoy politics and learning about world governments. I imagine all of the things I can do for a career in writing, journalism, or analyzing politics. I have come to realize that life truly is what you make of it. We don’t always get an easy path to follow, but we can turn adversity into a strength and always keep getting back up when we fall down! I feel honored to be able to graduate from high school and have the opportunity to pursue a degree at Ohio State University. Quite honestly, no one knew what to expect from me when I was born. My parents worried that my life would be nothing but struggle, pain, and loneliness; but I have exceeded everyone’s expectations and forged a path for myself that I find meaningful. Perhaps I can inspire some other child who was born different from his or her peers to keep pursuing their dreams. Difference is not tragic or undesirable. Difference is a gift when you choose to look at it the right way! Life and my next chapter in college will always bring new challenges my way. I know I can overcome what ever comes next by following my principles of perseverance and never getting up. I'm bound to have successes and to also be knocked down a time or two; but, most importantly, I can never give up!