Growing up with a physical disability, I didn’t just notice that the world wasn’t built for everyone—I felt it. I felt it when I had to think twice before entering a space others walked into without hesitation. I felt it when something as simple as using a product or navigating an environment became a challenge instead of a given. And I felt it most in the moments that mattered to me most—like sports—when passion and ability weren’t always enough to overcome barriers I didn’t choose. Sports have always been a part of who I am. They gave me joy, identity, and a sense of belonging. But as I grew older, I realized that the highly competitive levels I dreamed of weren’t always accessible in the way I needed them to be. That realization was difficult, but it didn’t end my connection to sports. It reshaped it. Instead of walking away, I found a new purpose: to stay in the game by helping change it. At the University of Oregon, where I am studying Business with a focus on Sports Management, I am working toward a future where sports are not just inclusive in words, but in design, leadership, and opportunity. My long-term goal of earning a Doctorate in Business Administration will allow me to lead that change at a systemic level. But my vision goes far beyond sports. I want to challenge the way businesses think about accessibility altogether. Too often, accessibility is treated like an obligation—something added later, if at all. I know what it feels like to be an afterthought, and I am determined to help build a world where no one else has to feel that way. I want to create and influence businesses, products, and services that are intentionally designed for people with disabilities from the beginning. I want accessibility to be expected, not exceptional. My journey is also global. Studying abroad in Costa Rica and Korea will allow me to see how different cultures approach disability, access, and inclusion. I want to listen, learn, and bring those perspectives together to support worldwide change. Because access shouldn’t depend on where you live. My goal is to help create solutions that cross borders and create solutions that recognize dignity, independence, and opportunity as universal rights. The people who inspire me most are those who refuse to accept the limits placed on them, and those who fight for others when systems fall short. My biggest inspiration is my mom. She has been a relentless advocate for the disability community, showing me what it means to turn love into action and barriers into purpose. Through her, I learned that change doesn’t happen by waiting, rather it happens by speaking up, showing up, and building something better. The impact I want to make is deeply personal. I want the next generation of kids with disabilities to walk into spaces—on the field, in stores, online—and feel like they belong without question. I want them to see themselves reflected in the world around them. Through my education and career, I will work to challenge ableism in society, in social media, and in business, creating spaces that are not just accessible, but truly inclusive. This isn’t just a goal for me, it’s a responsibility. And it’s one I am ready to carry forward.

Education has played a defining role in shaping my goals, my sense of direction, and the person I am becoming. As a student pursuing a degree in business, I have come to see education not just as a pathway to a career, but as a tool for understanding the world and creating meaningful change within it. My journey has been shaped by both opportunity and challenge, particularly through my experience growing up with a disability. These experiences have given me a clear purpose: to use my education to make systems, workplaces, and opportunities more accessible and inclusive for others. From an early age, my disability influenced how I experienced school. There were times when I had to advocate for accommodations, navigate environments that were not designed with accessibility in mind, and push through challenges that others did not always see or understand. In addition to these barriers, I have experienced ableism, moments where assumptions or attitudes created additional obstacles. These experiences were not always easy, but they taught me resilience, self-advocacy, and the importance of persistence. More importantly, they helped me recognize that many of the challenges I faced were not due to my abilities, but to the way systems were designed. That realization has stayed with me and continues to shape my goals. Education has also given me opportunities to expand my perspective beyond my immediate experiences. One of the most impactful aspects of my journey has been studying abroad. Last summer, I had the opportunity to study in Costa Rica, where I was exposed to new cultures, ideas, and approaches to accessibility. This summer, I will be studying in South Korea, continuing to build my understanding of how different societies approach inclusion and equity. These experiences have been transformative. They have shown me that while progress is being made globally, there is still significant work to be done. They have also reinforced my belief that accessibility should not be limited by geography, it should be a universal priority. Through my education, I have developed a strong interest in business and its potential to drive change. I have come to understand that businesses have the power to influence not only the economy, but also the way people experience the world. Thoughtful design, inclusive practices, and intentional decision-making can open doors for individuals who have historically been excluded. My goal is to work in business in a way that prioritizes accessibility, ensuring that products, services, and environments are designed with all people in mind. I want to help organizations recognize that accessibility is not just a requirement, it is an opportunity for innovation, growth, and impact. Beyond the classroom, I have sought out ways to contribute to the disability community and to the advancement of knowledge. One of the most meaningful ways I have done this is by participating in clinical research at Columbia University’s Center for Cerebral Palsy Research. By donating the use of my body for research, I am contributing to efforts that aim to improve understanding and treatment for individuals with cerebral palsy. This experience has reinforced my belief in the importance of giving back and being part of something larger than myself. It has also deepened my appreciation for the role that research and education play in creating progress. I have also been fortunate to continue developing my leadership skills through opportunities such as the Disability Belongs Fellowship. Through this experience, I am learning how to conduct access reviews, use inclusive language, and promote professional development that embraces individuals of all abilities. This fellowship aligns closely with my goals and provides me with the tools to become a more effective advocate and leader. It is helping me translate my experiences and education into actionable strategies for creating change in real-world settings. The challenges I have faced have not defined me, but they have shaped my perspective and strengthened my determination. Each barrier I have encountered has reinforced my commitment to creating a future where others do not have to face the same obstacles. Education has given me the knowledge, the skills, and the confidence to pursue that vision. It has helped me understand not only what I want to do, but why it matters. Looking ahead, I hope to use my education to build a career that bridges business and accessibility. I want to be part of organizations that value inclusion and are willing to take meaningful steps toward creating equitable opportunities for all. I also hope to use my voice to educate others about ableism and to promote a greater understanding of the importance of accessibility in every aspect of society. Ultimately, education has given me direction by helping me connect my personal experiences to a larger purpose. It has shown me that the challenges I have faced can become the foundation for meaningful work that benefits others. I am committed to continuing this journey, using what I have learned to create a better, more inclusive future, for myself and for those who will come after me.

What makes me a leader is not just my ability to guide others, but my commitment to creating environments where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. Growing up with a disability has shaped how I understand leadership. It has taught me that leadership is not about being the loudest voice in the room, it is about listening, advocating, and taking action to remove barriers that prevent others from fully participating. My experiences have required me to develop resilience and self-advocacy from a young age. Navigating systems that were not always designed with accessibility in mind pushed me to speak up for myself and find solutions when challenges arose. At the same time, I have experienced ableism, both subtle and direct, which has deepened my understanding of how exclusion can impact individuals. These experiences have shaped my belief that leaders have a responsibility to challenge those barriers and create more inclusive spaces. I carry that mindset into everything I do, and it drives me to lead with empathy, awareness, and purpose. I also lead through action and service. One of the most meaningful examples of this is my participation in clinical research at Columbia University’s Center for Cerebral Palsy Research, where I donate the use of my body to support advancements in understanding and treatment. This experience reflects my belief that leadership includes contributing to something larger than yourself. It is not always about recognition, but about making an impact that can improve the lives of others. My leadership has also been shaped by my academic and global experiences. Studying abroad in Costa Rica and preparing to study in South Korea have expanded my perspective and strengthened my ability to adapt, communicate, and collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds. These experiences have shown me that leadership requires cultural awareness and the ability to navigate different environments while staying grounded in your values. I have learned to observe, listen, and engage thoughtfully, which allows me to build meaningful relationships and work effectively within teams. As a business student at the University of Orego, , I am particularly interested in how leadership can influence systems and organizations. I want to lead in a way that prioritizes accessibility and inclusion, ensuring that people with disabilities are not overlooked in decision-making processes. I believe strong leaders think beyond short-term outcomes and consider the long-term impact of their choices on people and communities. My goal is to be someone who not only recognizes gaps in accessibility, but actively works to close them. I am continuing to grow as a leader through opportunities like the Disability Belongs Fellowship, where I am developing skills in access reviews, inclusive communication, and promoting equitable professional practices. This experience is helping me become a more intentional and informed leader who can drive meaningful change across different sectors. Ultimately, what makes me a leader is my ability to turn my experiences into action. I lead by advocating for inclusion, building connections, and working toward solutions that benefit others. My disability has given me a unique perspective, but it is my commitment to using that perspective to create change that defines my leadership.

I am a business student with a strong interest in accessibility, inclusion, and global perspectives. Growing up with a disability has shaped both my educational journey and my career goals in meaningful ways. It has challenged me at times, but more importantly, it has given me a clear sense of purpose and direction. I am driven to create a future where individuals with disabilities are fully considered in the design of workplaces, products, and opportunities. My disability has had a direct impact on my schooling. There have been times when I needed to approach learning differently, advocate for accommodations, or work harder to navigate systems that were not designed with accessibility in mind. In addition to these challenges, I have also experienced ableism, both subtle and overt, which has shaped my understanding of how societal attitudes and assumptions can create barriers just as significant as physical ones. These experiences have taught me persistence, problem-solving, and self-advocacy, but they have also given me a deeper commitment to educating others. I want to help people recognize ableism, understand its impact, and actively work to combat it in schools, workplaces, and communities. My academic journey has also been shaped by opportunities to learn beyond the classroom. Last summer, I studied abroad in Costa Rica, where I gained a broader understanding of culture, business, and accessibility in a global context. This summer, I will be studying abroad in South Korea, continuing to expand my perspective and deepen my understanding of how different countries approach inclusion. These experiences have been transformative, allowing me to see both the progress that has been made and the work that still needs to be done. They have strengthened my desire to work in business in a way that prioritizes accessibility and equity on a global scale. In addition to my studies, I am committed to contributing to the disability community through research. I donate the use of my body for clinical trials at Columbia University’s Center for Cerebral Palsy Research. This experience has reinforced my belief in the importance of advancing knowledge and improving outcomes for individuals with disabilities. It is one way that I can give back and be part of meaningful progress. Looking ahead, I plan to build a career in business where I can influence how organizations think about accessibility and inclusion. I want to help companies design products, services, and environments that are usable by all people. I believe that accessibility is not only a matter of equity, but also a driver of innovation and success. I also hope to use my voice and experiences to educate others about ableism and promote more inclusive mindsets, helping to create environments where people with disabilities are not only accommodated, but valued. Additional funding would play a critical role in helping me continue this journey. Financial support would ease the burden of pursuing higher education and allow me to fully engage in opportunities that support my academic and career goals. Specifically, it would help make it possible for me to pursue an internship abroad, where I could gain hands-on experience in a global business environment. This type of experience is invaluable in developing the skills, knowledge, and perspective needed to create inclusive practices across cultures and industries. Ultimately, my disability has shaped my path in ways that have made me more determined, empathetic, and focused. I am committed to using my education and experiences to create a more accessible and inclusive world, and additional support will help me continue moving toward that goal.

My experience growing up with a disability has shaped how I see the world, how I connect with others, and what I want to do with my future. It has taught me that accessibility is not something extra, it is essential. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to understand that inclusion doesn’t just happen naturally; it requires intention, advocacy, and leadership. These beliefs have guided both my academic path and my personal goals. As a business student, I am especially interested in how organizations can create more accessible and inclusive environments. My perspective is shaped not only by my lived experience, but also by opportunities I’ve had to engage with the world in meaningful ways. Last summer, I studied abroad in Costa Rica, and this summer I will be studying in South Korea. These experiences have allowed me to see how different cultures approach disability and accessibility. In some places, I’ve seen progress and thoughtful design, while in others, I’ve encountered barriers that made participation more difficult. These experiences have reinforced my belief that accessibility should be a global priority, and they have motivated me to be part of creating that change. My disability has also influenced my relationships in powerful ways. I’ve learned how to advocate for myself while also understanding the importance of collaboration and mutual respect. I try to approach others with empathy because I know what it feels like to face challenges that are not always visible or understood. These experiences have helped me become a stronger communicator and teammate, and they’ve shaped my approach to leadership. I believe good leaders listen, adapt, and create space for everyone to contribute. One of the most meaningful ways I’ve been able to contribute is through my participation in clinical research at Columbia University’s Center for Cerebral Palsy Research. By donating the use of my body for research, I am helping advance understanding and potential treatments for people with cerebral palsy. This is something I take seriously because I know how important research is for improving quality of life. It’s my way of giving back and being part of something bigger than myself. Looking ahead, I want to work in business with a focus on accessibility and inclusion. I believe companies have the power to make a significant impact by designing products, services, and systems that work for everyone. Accessibility is not just the right thing to do, it also leads to better innovation and broader reach. I want to be in a position where I can influence those decisions and help organizations think more intentionally about inclusion. I am excited to be a Disability Belongs Fellow, where I will continue to build the skills needed to create meaningful change. Through this experience, I will learn how to conduct access reviews, use inclusive language, and promote professional development that embraces all individuals. I am especially motivated by the fellowship’s focus on developing workplace champions who can drive accessibility, inclusion, and authentic representation across different sectors. My experience with disability has not held me back, it has given me purpose. It has shaped me into someone who is driven to make a difference, and I am committed to using my experiences to help create a more inclusive world.

Growing up in a blended family shaped many of the values and goals I carry with me today. My family was also an active-duty Army family, which meant our lives were constantly changing. We moved frequently, had to adjust to new schools and communities, and sometimes spent long periods of time apart when one of my parents was away for military duties. Those experiences were not always easy, but they taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of supporting the people around you. Being part of a blended family meant learning early on how to build relationships, communicate, and understand different perspectives. Like many blended families, we had to figure out how to make our family structure work in a way that supported everyone. Over time, I learned that family is not just about the situation you are born into—it is about the effort people make to care for and support one another. That lesson has had a lasting impact on how I approach relationships, teamwork, and leadership in my own life. Life in a military family added another layer of complexity. Frequent moves meant leaving behind friends and familiar routines and starting over in new places. While that could be difficult, it also taught me how to adapt quickly and connect with new communities. I learned how to step outside of my comfort zone and build friendships with people from many different backgrounds. Those experiences helped me develop confidence and independence at a young age. Another important part of my journey has been living with cerebral palsy. Having a physical disability meant that many aspects of life required extra effort, whether that was participating in sports, managing physical challenges, or navigating environments that were not always designed with accessibility in mind. At times, this made life more complicated, especially within the already demanding lifestyle of a military family. However, it also helped me develop perseverance and empathy for others who face challenges of their own. Because of my experiences growing up in both a blended family and a military household, I have seen firsthand how important support systems are. Military families often face unique pressures—frequent relocations, long deployments, and the emotional strain that comes with uncertainty. Through the Army community, I have had opportunities to volunteer with organizations that support Soldiers and their families. These experiences have allowed me to give back to a community that has played such an important role in my life. One of the ways I try to help is by sharing my knowledge and experiences related to sports, strength training, and living with a disability. Athletics have been an important part of my life, and I understand how powerful sports can be for building confidence, relieving stress, and creating a sense of belonging. By working with military families and young athletes, especially those who may be dealing with injuries or disabilities, I hope to encourage others to stay active and believe in their abilities. Looking toward the future, I i want to work in business and I want to make an impact on the disability world. I want to use my experiences, talents, and knowledge to support others, particularly within military communities and among individuals with disabilities. My goal is to help create opportunities, build supportive environments, and encourage people to see their potential even when life presents challenges. Growing up in a blended military family taught me that resilience and support can make a huge difference in people’s lives. Because of those lessons, I hope to spend my future helping others overcome obstacles and find the strength to pursue their own goals.

One of the people who has shaped my life the most is my dad, who has served in the Army for 26 years. Growing up in a military family meant learning about discipline, resilience, and commitment from an early age, but the most important lesson my dad ever taught me was to never let limits define what I could become. I was born with cerebral palsy, and while that diagnosis could have easily led to a life of lowered expectations, my dad never allowed me to see myself that way. From the time I was young, my dad encouraged me to challenge myself physically. While he understood that my body worked differently than others, he believed that strength—both physical and mental—could be developed through effort and persistence. Instead of focusing on what I could not do, he focused on what I could improve. That mindset became a foundation for how I approached sports, school, and life in general. One of the ways my dad helped me build that mindset was by introducing me to weight training at a young age. For many kids, the gym is something they discover later in life, but for me it became part of my routine early on. My dad would take me with him and show me how to train safely while also pushing myself to get stronger. At the time, I didn’t fully realize how important those moments were. Looking back now, I see that he wasn’t just teaching me how to lift weights - he was teaching me discipline, consistency, and confidence. Like many athletes, I loved competitive sports growing up. Being part of a team and competing pushed me in ways that were exciting and meaningful. However, as I got older, my body began to struggle to keep up with the physical demands of high-level competition. That was a difficult realization, because sports had always been such an important part of my life. What made the difference during that time was my dad’s perspective. Instead of letting me feel like I was losing something, he helped me see that I could still stay connected to athletics in a different way. His encouragement to continue focusing on strength training gave me a new outlet. Weight training allowed me to keep building strength, stay healthy, and manage stress, all while remaining involved in something I loved. It also gave me a sense of independence and control over my own progress. Every workout became an opportunity to push myself just a little further, something my dad had always believed I could do. Now that I am in college, that habit has stayed with me. One of the first things I do every day is go to the gym. It has become the way I start my mornings, just like my dad starts his days with physical training in the Army. In many ways, it connects me to him and to the lessons he taught me growing up. The discipline, consistency, and belief in pushing past limits that he modeled throughout his military career are the same values I carry with me each time I step into the gym. When I think about my dad’s 26 years of service, I am incredibly proud. But beyond his service to the country, I am grateful for the way he served as a role model in my life. Because of him, I learned that strength is not defined by what challenges you face, but by how you choose to face them.

Growing up as an athlete, sports have always been more than just games to me. They represent community, opportunity, and the chance to push beyond perceived limits. As someone who has a disability and has spent countless hours in therapy and training, athletics have also been a place where I learned resilience and confidence. These experiences are what inspire me to pursue a career in sports management while studying business administration at the University of Oregon. I want to help shape a sports industry where everyone, especially individuals with disabilities, has equal access to participate, spectate, and belong. My personal experiences as an athlete with a disability have shown me both the power of sports and the barriers that still exist. Sports have the ability to bring people together regardless of background or ability. They teach teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. However, I have also seen how many sports environments, products, and services are not fully designed with accessibility in mind. From stadium layouts to training equipment, and from youth programs to marketing strategies, there are still gaps that can unintentionally exclude athletes and fans with disabilities. These observations motivate me to pursue a career in sports business where I can help create meaningful change. By combining my passion for athletics with my studies in business administration and sports management, I hope to influence how sports organizations think about accessibility and inclusion. Businesses in the sports world have enormous influence, and with the right leadership they can design programs, facilities, and experiences that welcome everyone. Accessibility should not be an afterthought, it should be built into the foundation of how sports organizations operate. One of my goals is to help ensure that sports facilities and events are designed with universal accessibility in mind. This includes everything from seating and navigation within stadiums to sensory-friendly environments for fans with disabilities. I am also interested in how sports equipment and merchandise can be designed to better serve athletes with different physical needs. Innovation in sports products can open doors for many individuals who might otherwise feel excluded from athletic participation. Another area where I hope to make a difference is in youth sports. For many young people, sports are their first opportunity to feel part of a team and discover their strengths. Unfortunately, children with disabilities are often underrepresented in youth athletics due to limited resources or inclusive programming. I want to work with organizations and businesses that create opportunities for all kids to experience sports in ways that meet their needs and celebrate their abilities. Ultimately, my inspiration comes from the belief that sports should be a place where everyone can thrive. As an athlete who understands both the challenges and the opportunities that come with disability, I bring a unique perspective to the field of sports management. Through thoughtful leadership and inclusive business practices, I hope to contribute to a sports industry that values accessibility, equity, and opportunity for all athletes and fans.

My desire to pursue a career focused on accessibility and inclusion is deeply rooted in both my personal experiences with disability and my relationship with my step-brother, Tyler, who has Down syndrome and an intellectual disability. Growing up alongside Tyler has profoundly shaped how I view equity, opportunity, and the role that systems, especially businesses, play in determining who gets to live a full and meaningful life. From an early age, I saw how often Tyler was underestimated, excluded, or overlooked simply because of his disability. He is kind, capable, and eager to participate in the world, yet many environments were not designed with him in mind. Whether it was limited employment opportunities, inaccessible products, or low expectations placed on him, it became clear to me that these barriers were not caused by his disability, but by ableism embedded in systems and practices. I want Tyler, and others like him, to have access to meaningful work, independence, and full participation in their communities. In addition to being a sibling to someone with an intellectual disability, I also live with cerebral palsy and Goldenhar syndrome. These disabilities affect my mobility, physical endurance, and medical needs, and they have given me firsthand experience navigating spaces that are often inaccessible or unaccommodating. I have learned that ableism does not always appear as overt discrimination; more often, it shows up quietly, in business practices that assume one way of moving, communicating, or producing is the “standard.” These assumptions exclude disabled people from employment, leadership, and even from being considered valued consumers. These experiences inspired me to pursue a career supporting the intellectual disability community through the lens of business and accessibility. I am studying business with the goal of helping companies design products, services, and practices that are inclusive by default, not as an afterthought. Businesses have enormous influence over who is included in society. From hiring practices and workplace culture to product design and customer access, businesses can either reinforce ableism or actively dismantle it. My relationship with Tyler has strongly influenced my educational goals. I want him to grow up in a world where businesses recognize the value of people with intellectual disabilities, not just as recipients of services, but as employees, consumers, and contributors. I want him to have access to workplaces that accommodate different learning styles, products that are easy to use and understand, and communities that see his strengths rather than his limitations. Living with my own disabilities has further reinforced the urgency of this work. I know how exhausting it is to constantly adapt to systems that were not designed for you. I also know how powerful it is when accessibility is built in from the start. Combating ableism requires naming it, challenging it, and redesigning systems that have long excluded disabled people. Through my education and future career, I hope to make a difference by helping businesses shift their perspective, away from compliance-based inclusion and toward genuine accessibility and equity. My goal is to help create a world where people like Tyler, and people like me, are not forced to fight for access, but are welcomed as valued members of society. This work is deeply personal, and it is the foundation of the career I am committed to building.

Living with disabilities has shaped every aspect of how I navigate the world. I am neurodiverse and disabled, living with cerebral palsy, Goldenhar syndrome, and selective mutism. These conditions affect how I move, communicate, and interact with others, but they have also shaped how I understand access, equity, and systemic exclusion. From an early age, I learned that many environments are not built with disabled people in mind, and that exclusion is often unintentional, normalized, and deeply rooted in ableist assumptions about competence, productivity, and communication. Cerebral palsy affects my physical coordination and stamina, meaning I often have to work harder to complete everyday tasks. Goldenhar syndrome has impacted my physical appearance and required ongoing medical care, leading to moments where I was treated as different or less capable before anyone knew me. Selective mutism, an anxiety-based communication disability, has often been the most isolating. I want to participate, ask questions, and build relationships, yet there are situations where speaking feels impossible. My silence is frequently misinterpreted as disinterest or inability, reinforcing ableist narratives that equate verbal communication with intelligence or engagement. Navigating education with these intersecting disabilities has required persistence, adaptability, and self-advocacy. I have learned to recognize ableism when it shows up subtly, in lowered expectations, inaccessible systems, or assumptions about what I can or cannot do. Calling out ableism is difficult work. It often means speaking up when it is uncomfortable, correcting misconceptions, or advocating for access in spaces that were not designed to include disabled people. However, it is also essential work, because silence allows inequity to continue unchallenged. These experiences are why I am pursuing higher education in business with a minor in disability studies. I believe ableism is especially prevalent in business environments, where productivity, communication style, and physical ability are often narrowly defined. When businesses operate from these assumptions, they exclude disabled people from employment, leadership, and even basic customer access. Through my education, I aim to challenge these norms and help reshape business practices to be more inclusive and accessible by design. My goal is to use my education to support underserved communities by actively identifying, naming, and combating ableism in business policies, workplace culture, and customer-facing practices. This includes advocating for inclusive hiring, accessible workspaces, flexible communication methods, and decision-making processes that value diverse ways of thinking and contributing. My background in disability studies allows me to pair lived experience with academic knowledge, ensuring that inclusion is intentional rather than performative. Representation matters, and I want to be visible in spaces where disabled individuals are often excluded or overlooked. By pursuing higher education and entering the business world, I hope to model what is possible and push institutions to do better. Combating ableism is not easy work, but it is necessary work. My disabilities have given me insight into systemic inequities, and my education will give me the tools to challenge them and help build more equitable, inclusive communities.

Selective mutism has impacted me my entire life in ways that people who are unfamiliar with it often do not understand. From the outside, it can look like shyness or a choice to stay quiet, but for me it has never been a choice. I remember as a young child walking out of my own birthday party when I was expected to thank guests for my gifts. At six years old, I left my neighbor’s house when it was time to sing “Happy Birthday” because I could not bring myself to do it. I hid under my bed and ruined the party as everyone started looking for me. Moments like these are some of my earliest memories of realizing that my inability to speak in certain situations set me apart from others. I am someone who genuinely wants to be social and engage with my peers and professors, but selective mutism creates an invisible barrier that feels impossible to cross at times. Throughout my education, this has affected my ability to participate in class discussions, ask questions, and build relationships with teachers. These challenges have followed me into college. Because I struggle to initiate conversations, I have not been able to form strong connections with professors, which has directly impacted my ability to obtain scholarships that rely on recommendations or personal advocacy. Even when I know I need support, such as attending office hours for a class I am struggling in, the thought of showing up and asking for help feels overwhelming and unbearable. As a result, my academic performance has suffered in some classes, not because I lack motivation or ability, but because my disability makes communication incredibly difficult. In addition to selective mutism, I also experience cerebral palsy. Living with multiple disabilities has shaped the way I navigate the world and how hard I have had to work to accomplish goals that others may take for granted. Pursuing higher education is important to me because it represents independence, perseverance, and self-advocacy. College challenges me to confront the limitations that selective mutism and cerebral palsy place on my life, while also teaching me how to adapt, grow, and push beyond what I once believed was possible. I want to be a role model for others who experience disabilities. Growing up, I did not always see people like myself represented in academic or professional spaces. By continuing my education, I hope to show others with disabilities that they can pursue higher education, meaningful careers, and ambitious goals. I want others to know that having a disability does not mean they are incapable or less deserving of opportunities. While I may not always be able to use my voice in the traditional sense, I can still lead through my actions, persistence, and accomplishments. Higher education is not just about earning a degree for me; it is about proving to myself and others that I can succeed despite the challenges I face. It is about creating a future where my disabilities do not define my limitations, but instead highlight my resilience, determination, and strength.

My life has been shaped by disability, service, and persistence. I was born with hemiplegia cerebral palsy and Goldenhar Syndrome, and from the time I came home from the hospital, therapy became a constant part of my life. For more than seventeen years, I participated in physical, occupational, speech, aquatic, and horseback riding therapies, along with clinical trials and specialized medical treatments. By the age of seven, I had undergone seventeen surgeries. These experiences taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of continuing to move forward, even when progress is slow or difficult. Rather than allowing my disability to limit me, I have used it as motivation to serve others and pursue meaningful goals. I am graduating from high school with strong academic achievement and acceptance into multiple universities. My future plans include studying business with the long-term goal of earning a doctorate and working to support or build companies that improve quality of life for people with disabilities. I believe businesses play a powerful role in shaping inclusion, and I want to help ensure that products, services, and workplaces are accessible to all. Volunteer service has been central to my personal growth. I have volunteered with several Army-related organizations, including Know Your Army Day and the JBLM travel basketball team, supporting military families and youth through sports and community engagement. I have also volunteered at my local physical therapy clinic, giving back to the field that played such a critical role in my development. In addition, I participated in clinical trials with Columbia University aimed at improving outcomes for individuals with cerebral palsy. These experiences reinforced my belief that progress happens when people commit their time, skills, and energy to improving systems for others. Athletics has also been an important outlet for service and self-development. Although I was cut from high school athletic teams due to my disability, I redirected that disappointment into personal growth through weight training and fitness. This journey taught me discipline, confidence, and the importance of creating inclusive opportunities in sports. I am passionate about combining business, sports management, and disability advocacy to help organizations become more inclusive and accessible. Looking ahead, I hope to educate families of children with disabilities about civil rights, access, and the importance of pursuing goals without limitation. I want to work alongside businesses: from athletic brands to corporate offices, to ensure their facilities, products, and practices reflect inclusion rather than exclusion. My long-term goal is to be a trusted voice at the intersection of disability studies and business, helping shape policies and practices that allow people with disabilities to fully participate in everyday life. My disability has shaped my perspective, but service has shaped my purpose. This scholarship would support my education and allow me to continue building a future centered on advocacy, inclusion, and meaningful impact. I am committed to using my experiences to do good, for my community, for businesses, and for people with disabilities who deserve to feel that they belong.

My entire life has revolved around my disability. I have hemiplegia cerebral palsy and Goldenhar Syndrome. From the week I came home from the hospital and for the entirety of the last seventeen years of my life, I have been in physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, horseback riding therapy, aqua therapy, and participated in many clinical trials and unique medical treatments so that I can be at the point I am at now. I had 17 surgeries by the time I was seven years old. What did all of this teach me? Persistence accomplishes goals, resiliency is essential to progress, and always looking forward to what’s next is what keeps me focused. I am graduating from high school with excellent grades and have been accepted into many universities. My plans for my future include incorporating all that I have learned from these experiences and combining them with my love for business. I want to eventually obtain my doctorate in business and work to build or support a company that transforms the lives of people with disabilities, as those that came before me did to improve the quality of my life. All parts of our lives should be accessible to those who experience disabilities and I want to work with existing businesses to ensure their products and services are accessible by all. I have persevered through countless obstacles in my journey, overcoming physical limitations and societal barriers. Despite facing numerous surgeries and therapies, I have maintained a steadfast commitment to my education and personal development. Through hard work and determination, I have achieved academic success and earned acceptance into prestigious universities. My experiences have taught me the importance of resilience and perseverance in overcoming challenges, and I am prepared to apply these lessons to my future endeavors in the business world. Part of my goal includes ensuring parents of young children with disabilities are educated on both civil rights and creating and fulfilling their child's dreams and their dreams for their child despite their disability. I want to be an advocate while pursuing my passions in an industry that I enjoy. Despite my own physical disability, I was raised in fully inclusive settings, played sports with my non-disabled peers, and attended all my classes in a general education classroom without ever being segregated because I experience a disability. I want to combine this important aspect with my love of sports and business. I am hoping to partner with companies such as Nike, Adidas, dress shoe companies, mainstream clothing companies, athletic training equipment companies, and even traditional corporate offices to ensure their facilities, products, and presentations are all inclusive for people who experience a range of disabilities. I want to be considered an expert in the fields of disability studies and sports/business management. I would like to be a person who is consulted with in these fields by people who oversee making policies that impact the lives of people who experience disabilities. I want to ensure all people with disabilities have fulfilling lives without being held back by inaccessibility in areas that they shouldn't have to worry about being accessible, their everyday lives and activities. I want everybody to feel like their body belongs and they belong regardless of their differences. In conclusion, all these experiences related to my disability have shaped my childhood and future. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to be considered for this scholarship, and I am committed to making the most of this support to achieve my aspirations and make a positive impact in the world.

Throughout my life, I’ve faced challenges that many people never have to think about - cerebral palsy, Goldenhar Syndrome, seventeen surgeries, and thousands of hours of therapy. These experiences have shaped the way I move through the world, but one moment stands out as the turning point that defined my academic path and my commitment to making business more accessible. During my sophomore year, I participated in my university’s study abroad and internship program. I was excited, hopeful, and ready for the independence I had worked so hard to achieve. But from the moment I arrived, I realized something that changed me: the program - and the businesses and organizations I interacted with - were not built for people with physical disabilities. Buildings lacked ramps or elevators, transportation was unreliable or inaccessible, and daily tasks that should have been simple became barriers I had to navigate alone. Even in my internship placement, accessibility seemed like an afterthought. While other students could focus entirely on learning, I had to spend energy figuring out how to physically get from place to place or advocating for basic accommodations. It was an isolating and frustrating experience. I knew I was capable - years of therapy, resilience, and problem-solving had taught me that - but the environment around me created limitations that didn’t need to exist. That was the moment something shifted. Instead of seeing accessibility as a personal struggle I had to overcome, I began to see it as a systemic issue that the business world has the power to change. I started paying close attention to the structures, decisions, and priorities within the organizations I interacted with. I noticed how inaccessible design, whether in buildings, products, services, or workplace procedures, was often the result of being overlooked rather than impossible to fix. I realized that accessibility isn’t just a disability issue; it’s a business issue. It affects customers, employees, and entire communities. And it is often ignored until someone speaks up. My study abroad experience, while challenging, became the catalyst for my academic direction. I am now majoring in business because I want to become that voice, someone who helps companies understand what true inclusion looks like, not on paper, but in real practice. I want to design products, workplaces, and systems that don’t just accommodate people with disabilities, but welcome them. My disabilities have taught me resilience, creativity, and problem-solving. The lack of accessibility I experienced abroad taught me purpose. Together, they have shaped the chain reaction that drives me toward a career where business is not just profitable, but equitable, where accessibility is embedded in design, not added as an afterthought.

Sustainability is the way of the future in all business practices. I am currently a business student at the University of Oregon focusing on sustainable business. I had the unique opportunity of studying abroad in Costa Rica this past summer focusing on sustainable business. Costa Rica is proud of their sustainability efforts and hopes to be a leader in this environment going forward so it was an excellent opportunity to engage in classes and participate in an internship at a business focusing on transitioning to more sustainable business practices. This was changed my perception while also developing a passion for sustainable business practices. I am a person who experiences a physical disability, cerebral palsy, which has led my business interests down a path where I want to incorporate business practices with improving the lives of those who experience disability. I have developed a vision for what that might look like, but now I feel that I also need to include sustainability into my plan. Until now, my focus was primarily on accessibility, inclusion, and creating opportunities for people with disabilities in the workplace. However, I now see the need to expand that vision by incorporating sustainability into the products, services, and employment practices I want to develop. For me, sustainability is not only about protecting the environment but also about creating systems that last and benefit everyone. That means designing products that are both environmentally friendly and accessible to people with disabilities. For example, packaging that reduces waste while also being easy to open for people with limited mobility. It also means creating services that meet community needs without leaving people with disabilities behind, such as public transportation systems that are both energy-efficient and fully accessible. In terms of employment practices, I see sustainability as a way to build workplaces that value long-term growth, equity, and inclusion. A truly sustainable business does not just think about profits or the environment but also about people. That includes hiring and supporting employees with disabilities, ensuring they have the accommodations and opportunities they need to succeed, and recognizing their contributions as essential to the success of the business. By tying sustainability to disability inclusion, I can help shift the conversation so that accessibility is not treated as a separate issue but as a core part of building businesses that are resilient and future-focused. My studies in sustainable business and my lived experience with disability are shaping me to think differently about the future of work. I want to be part of creating a world where sustainability and accessibility are not separate goals but interconnected values. By combining these two areas, I believe we can build businesses that not only protect the environment but also empower people with disabilities to participate fully in the economy and society.

I am an athlete. I am an athlete who experiences a significant physical disability, cerebral palsy, who has taken the disappointment of being cut from athletic teams due to my disability and turned the negative experience into what has been a life changing experience by focusing on my own personal development, both physically and mentally through weight training. I turned to weight training as a way to stay active and improve my physical and mental health. This personal journey has shown me that there are always alternative paths to achieving our goals. I have and want to continue to share this passion with others who are interested in changing the lives of people with disabilities. I am passionate about business and sports management, and I want to combine both business and sports management with disability advocacy work to support businesses in becoming more inclusive for people who experience disabilities. I want to show them that similar to my weight training endeavors where I took my passion for athleticism and turned it into a “me versus myself” sport, every person who has a disability has a strength that can be developed and become a passion that can make them feel good about themselves. Attending the University of Oregon will allow me to major in Business Administration and Disability Studies, which are crucial for understanding how businesses operate and manage resources. By gaining this knowledge, I will be better equipped to influence corporate policies and practices toward inclusivity. I also plan to study Management and Public Relations to learn how to lead teams and effectively communicate the importance of accessibility to both internal and external stakeholders. Growing up in a military family, I have learned the value of service and dedication. I have seen firsthand how important it is to have accessible facilities and services, especially on military bases. Volunteering with the Joint Base Lewis-McChord high school travel basketball team and Know Your Army Days has shown me how teamwork and community support can make a difference. These experiences have inspired me to pursue a career where I can advocate for and implement changes that benefit people with disabilities. My own experience with cerebral palsy has given me a unique perspective on the challenges faced by people with disabilities. Volunteering at Elevate Physical Therapy and participating in clinical trials at the Columbia University Center for cerebral palsy research have reinforced my commitment to improving accessibility. These experiences have also taught me the importance of perseverance and adaptability. This summer, I had the opportunity to study abroad in Costa Rica. Costa Rica is a developing nation that does not make accommodations for people with disabilities. I was able to work with a sustainable business to help develop plans for incorporating people with disabilities both into their product development thought process as well as their employment practices. I hope to use this scholarship to continue to grow my own abilities to support companies this way and continue studying abroad to work to improve the lives of people with disabilities around the world.

I am an athlete. I am an athlete who experiences a significant physical disability, cerebral palsy, who has taken the disappointment of being cut from athletic teams due to my disability and turned the negative experience into what has been a life changing experience by focusing on my own personal development, both physically and mentally through weight training. I turned to weight training as a way to stay active and improve my physical and mental health. This personal journey has shown me that there are always alternative paths to achieving our goals. I have and want to continue to share this passion with others who are interested in changing the lives of people with disabilities. I am passionate about business and sports management, and I want to combine both business and sports management with disability advocacy work to support businesses in becoming more inclusive for people who experience disabilities. I want to show them that similar to my weight training endeavors where I took my passion for athleticism and turned it into a “me versus myself” sport, every person who has a disability has a strength that can be developed and become a passion that can make them feel good about themselves. Attending the University of Oregon will allow me to major in Business Administration and Disability Studies, which are crucial for understanding how businesses operate and manage resources. By gaining this knowledge, I will be better equipped to influence corporate policies and practices toward inclusivity. I also plan to study Management and Public Relations to learn how to lead teams and effectively communicate the importance of accessibility to both internal and external stakeholders. Growing up in a military family, I have learned the value of service and dedication. I have seen firsthand how important it is to have accessible facilities and services, especially on military bases. Volunteering with the Joint Base Lewis-McChord high school travel basketball team and Know Your Army Days has shown me how teamwork and community support can make a difference. These experiences have inspired me to pursue a career where I can advocate for and implement changes that benefit people with disabilities. My own experience with cerebral palsy has given me a unique perspective on the challenges faced by people with disabilities. Volunteering at Elevate Physical Therapy and participating in clinical trials at the Columbia University Center for cerebral palsy research have reinforced my commitment to improving accessibility. These experiences have also taught me the importance of perseverance and adaptability. This summer, I had the opportunity to study abroad in Costa Rica. Costa Rica is a developing nation that does not make accommodations for people with disabilities. I was able to work with a sustainable business to help develop plans for incorporating people with disabilities both into their product development thought process as well as their employment practices. I hope to use this scholarship to continue to grow my own abilities to support companies this way and continue studying abroad to work to improve the lives of people with disabilities around the world.

This summer I had the incredible opportunity to study abroad in a sustainable business program in the beautiful country of Costa Rica. I am a student at the University of Oregon and this opportunity was one that I had dreamed of. As I navigated life in a developing country with no accommodations for people who experience disabilities, my world view changed immensely. Though in the United States people with disabilities have to fight against ableism and access constantly, the means for the access is typically available. This is not the case in developing countries. I have always had a focus and desire in business of helping companies to incorporate supporting people with disabilities through product design and employment opportunities. This was my opportunity to share my passion in a country that doesn't yet consider this need. I arrived in Costa Rica to live with a host family in a home that did not have an accessible shower and I had to walk up several flights of unstable stairs to get to where I would sleep at night. Costa Rica also does not use addresses for their homes. This prevented use of transportation aides such as Uber because I also did not speak the language well enough to explain directions to a driver. I had to walk to the university each day on broken or no sidewalks, climb through steep storm gutters to cross streets, and access buildings with no elevators to get to top floors where my classes were being held. My program arranged for multiple excursions to hike to waterfalls, see volcanoes, tromp through coffee farms, and see how chocolate is made and grows. Accommodations for someone with a physical disability were never considered. I fell in the mud multiple times in front of my classmates and peers. I ruined my clothing bringing it home to a home that did not have a washer and dryer and my clothes had to hand washed and hung to dry. I struggled each week taking my clothes off the clothes line as my fine motor skills are very poor. I spent two months living in Costa Rica with cerebral palsy. The experiences and memories I gained were priceless but so was the perspective. I did not see other people with visible disabilities as I traveled around this country. There were many areas that it would not have been possible for a wheelchair user to experience basic access, even in tourist areas. I hope that I have the financial means to study abroad again, which is one of the many reasons this scholarship would help me. In doing so, I hope work with my university's study abroad program to ensure accessibility is considered in these programs and when there is limited accessibility due to the nature of the country, details should be presented to the students in advance so they can make informed decisions. As part of my sustainable business internship in Costa Rica, I worked with a company to incorporate employment of people who experience disabilities into their workplace and develop products with accessibility in mind. I hope that my input changes the lives of people who experience disability both in Costa Rica, and also at my university and I hope to be able to continue to work with companies in the United States and abroad to make these changes for people who experience disabilities.

This summer I had the incredible opportunity to study abroad in a sustainable business program in the beautiful country of Costa Rica. I am a business major at the University of Oregon and this opportunity was one that I had dreamed of. As I navigated life in a developing country with no accommodations for people who experience disabilities, my world view changed immensely. Though in the United States people with disabilities have to fight against ableism and access constantly, the means for the access is typically available. This is not the case in developing countries. I arrived in Costa Rica to live with a host family in a home that did not have an accessible shower and I had to walk up several flights of unstable stairs to get to where I would sleep at night. Costa Rica also does not use addresses for their homes. This prevented use of transportation aides such as Uber because I also did not speak the language well enough to explain directions to a driver. I had to walk to the university each day on broken or no sidewalks, climb through steep storm gutters to cross streets, and access buildings with no elevators to get to top floors where my classes were being held. My program arranged for multiple excursions to hike to waterfalls, see volcanoes, tromp through coffee farms, and see how chocolate is made and grows. Accommodations for someone with a physical disability were never considered. I fell in the mud multiple times in front of my classmates and peers. I ruined my clothing bringing it home to a home that did not have a washer and dryer and my clothes had to hand washed and hung to dry. I struggled each week taking my clothes off the clothes line as my fine motor skills are very poor. I spent two months living in Costa Rica with cerebral palsy. The experiences and memories I gained were priceless but so was the perspective. I did not see other people with visible disabilities as I traveled around this country. There were many areas that it would not have been possible for a wheelchair user to experience basic access, even in tourist areas. I hope that I have the financial means to study abroad again, which is one of the many reasons this scholarship would help me. In doing so, I hope work with my university's study abroad program to ensure accessibility is considered in these programs and when there is limited accessibility due to the nature of the country, details should be presented to the students in advance so they can make informed decisions. As part of my sustainable business internship in Costa Rica, I worked with a company to incorporate employment of people who experience disabilities into their workplace and develop products with accessibility in mind. I hope that my input changes the lives of people who experience disability both in Costa Rica, and also at my university.

Cerebral palsy has had an influences on nearly all facets of my life in both positive and negative ways. Through 18 years of physical and occupational therapy, I became more resilient and independent. Through 22 surgeries, I learned how to make comebacks and comeback stronger than I was before. I learned the importance of taking care of my body through building muscle, eating healthy, and exercising regularly to help with the anxiety that often comes with brain injuries. I chose to push myself this summer and study abroad in Costa Rica for a sustainable business program. Just this weekend, the students in our program went to go visit waterfalls and volcanoes. For others, they were excited to see the beauty and get close to nature. For me, it brought great deal of anxiety. As others walked down to the waterfall to get up close and touch the water, I stayed up high and watched on as my balance is poor and I feared falling in front of all of my peers. As the others hiked quickly up the volcano, I was very slow and methodical with my steps as one misstep would have resulted in injury to me. At nineteen years old, I found myself wishing I had someones hand to reach out for for stability. There wasn't one nearby. The program did not clearly advertise the physical complexities of excursions that are required, but that is because the world is not built for people with disabilities. I notified them that I have cerebral palsy and requested simple housing accommodations but that did not trigger the program to create some clarity around other physical requirements. I look at this as a growing point for both myself and the program and I hope to work with them in the future to ensure the spaces are disability friendly or at least thorough communication is made with all regarding accessibility. At the University of Oregon, I am majoring in Business Administration and Disability Studies. Having a disability is such an integral part of my life and I was taught to be a strong advocate throughout my life for people with disabilities, that I want to be able to incorporate it into my future employment and business practices. I want to work to ensure businesses are inclusive in their products, presentations, and work spaces. I want to ensure people that I work with and around are not practicing ableism and I want to work to train others on ableism and its impact on the disability community. I only want to make our communities inclusive for each of us to work, play, and socialize in any capacity that we choose.

I am a proud Oregon Duck, who happens to have cerebral palsy. I am going into my sophomore year in college with even more energy than I did my freshman year. I am majoring in business with a minor in disability studies. My first year of college led me through a wealth of soul searching and deepened my interests to continue to pursue both of these interests. My disability studies classes taught be to speak up and combat ableism each time that I see it. It taught me that even though I have a disability, I am no less of a person than anybody else. It taught me to address people when they address me with comments such as "you're so strong" or telling my mom "you were chosen to be his mom because God knew you could handle it" by making it clear that disability is just a natural part of the human experience. I'm not special because of my disability. I learned to look at my self from a strengths based perspective rather than a deficit based perspective, which growing up and going through school I was always looked at from a deficit base. My business program has peaked my interest in several areas. Sports business has always been an area of interest and I think the disabled community needs representation in this space. I also found a great deal of interest in sustainable business. As I write this I am studying in Costa Rica for the summer and interning at a local sustainable business. I look forward to implementing what I learn during this time into my future business endeavors. I hope that in the future, I will be able to study abroad for additional terms. It is an area of academia that people who experience disabilities are often left out of because it becomes complex to provide appropriate accommodations for the student. I don't want that to hold me back and I want my university to have to work through some of these struggles with me in order to open the door for others who experience disability, especially physical disabilities to navigate their way through study abroad programs. Additional funds would assist me in continuing my desire to study business abroad in London next year and continue to be able to focus on areas that I am very passionate about, disability studies and business. It would also help me to live as independently as possible while in college.

My life has been shaped by my disability. I have hemiplegia cerebral palsy and Goldenhar Syndrome. From the week I came home from the hospital and for the past seventeen years, I’ve participated in physical, occupational, speech, horseback riding, and aquatic therapies. I’ve also taken part in clinical trials and undergone unique medical treatments to help me progress. By the time I was seven, I had already had 17 surgeries. Through it all, I’ve learned that persistence achieves goals, resilience drives progress, and staying focused on the future keeps me motivated. I am proud to be graduating high school with excellent grades and admission offers from several universities. These accomplishments are the result of hard work and a deep commitment to overcoming both physical limitations and social barriers. Education has always been a priority, and I’ve never allowed my disability to limit my goals. Looking forward, I plan to combine what I’ve learned from my life experiences with my love of business. My long-term goal is to earn a doctorate in business and help build or support a company that transforms the lives of people with disabilities—just as others have done to improve mine. I believe every aspect of life should be accessible to all, and I want to work with companies to ensure their products, services, and environments are inclusive. I am also an athlete. Although I was cut from high school athletic teams due to my disability, I didn’t let that define me. Instead, I focused on personal development through weight training, which helped me grow both physically and mentally. That experience inspired me to pursue a career that merges business, sports management, and disability advocacy. I’m passionate about helping businesses and sports organizations become more inclusive. I want to support efforts that ensure people with disabilities are not excluded from opportunities in sports, fitness, or business simply because of inaccessible designs or outdated thinking. Another important goal of mine is to help educate parents of children with disabilities. I want to ensure they understand their child’s rights and know that their child’s dreams are possible. I’ve lived a fully inclusive life—attending general education classes, playing sports with non-disabled peers, and never being segregated because of my disability. That experience fuels my belief in the power of inclusion and accessibility. I hope to partner with companies such as Nike, Adidas, athletic equipment manufacturers, and corporate brands to promote universal design across their products and facilities. Accessibility should not be an afterthought—it should be part of how we design everything from shoes to gym equipment to office spaces. I want to become an expert in disability studies, business, and sports management. I hope to be someone that companies and policymakers consult when making decisions that affect people with disabilities. I want to help shape policies and design standards that ensure all people with disabilities can live fulfilling lives, participate fully in their communities, and never be held back by inaccessibility. Ultimately, I want everyone to feel like their body belongs—that they belong—regardless of their differences. All these experiences have shaped not just my childhood, but my goals for the future. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be considered for this scholarship. With your support, I will continue working toward my goals and strive to make a lasting impact in the world through advocacy, inclusion, and innovation.

When you're born with a disability, your background, passions, aspirations, and experiences are often all incorporated into the disability world. Your education revolves around your disability. Your involvement in sports revolves around your disability. Your after-school activities revolve around your disability. Your relationships revolve around your disability. Your access to buildings, information, and activities revolve around your disability. Cerebral palsy and Goldenhar Syndrome have shaped my life - but not in the way most would expect. I had a strong advocate in my life, my mom, who taught me to be a strong advocate for myself, which has changed the direction of my life for the better. Though I spent my hours after school in physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy most of my life while my friends enjoyed their friends and sports; I learned lessons I needed to push through this life in my therapy sessions. I learned how to push through until I reached success at tasks that were difficult for me. While recovering from nineteen surgeries over my summer and school breaks over the years, I learned how to come back stronger from set-backs. When I was cut from my high school basketball team my sophomore year because I could no longer keep up with the fast pace and aggressive nature of the sport, I took that disappointment and put my energy into something that I could use to support my body and health for the rest of my life - strength training - a sport where I can just compete against myself. I am an athlete. Part of my goal includes ensuring parents of young children with disabilities are educated on both civil rights and creating and fulfilling their child's dreams and their dreams for their child despite their disability. I want to be an advocate while pursuing my passions in an industry that I enjoy. Despite my own physical disability, I was raised in fully inclusive settings, played sports with my non-disabled peers, and attended all my classes in a general education classroom without ever being segregated because I experience a disability. I want to combine this important aspect with my love of sports and business. I am hoping to partner with companies to ensure their facilities, products, and presentations are all inclusive for people who experience a range of disabilities. My plans for my future include incorporating all that I have learned from these experiences and combining them with my love for business. I want to eventually obtain my doctorate in business and work to build or support a company that transforms the lives of people with disabilities, as those that came before me did to improve the quality of my life. I want to be considered an expert in the fields of disability studies and sports/business management. I would like to be a person who is consulted with in these fields by people who oversee making policies that impact the lives of people who experience disabilities. I want to ensure all people with disabilities have fulfilling lives without being held back by inaccessibility in areas that they shouldn't have to worry about being accessible, their everyday lives and activities. I want everybody to feel like their body belongs and they belong regardless of their differences.

Faith has been the cornerstone of my journey, guiding me through life’s challenges and victories. As a person with cerebral palsy and Goldenhar Syndrome, my path has been filled with obstacles that required resilience, perseverance, and an unwavering trust in God’s plan. I have undergone 19 surgeries and spent thousands of hours in therapy, working diligently to gain skills that others might take for granted. Each step of progress, no matter how small, has been a testament to the power of faith and determination. Growing up in an active-duty military family, I have experienced the constant change that comes with military life—frequent moves, new schools, and the ever-present uncertainty of deployments. Through it all, my faith has provided stability when everything else seemed uncertain. It has been my source of strength when I had to rebuild friendships, adjust to new environments, and navigate the emotional toll of separation from loved ones. My faith reminds me that I am never alone, that God’s plan is greater than any challenge I face. One of the biggest tests of my faith came when I transitioned to college at the University of Oregon. While this was an exciting new chapter in my life, it also presented numerous challenges. Living independently on campus required extra effort, from arranging accommodations to ensuring accessibility in my daily routine. The additional work needed to advocate for myself and navigate college life sometimes felt overwhelming, but my faith kept me grounded. I relied on prayer and trust in God’s guidance to push through moments of doubt and exhaustion. Over time, I found a support system, adapted to the demands of college life, and gained a new level of independence that reinforced my belief in perseverance and faith. The triumphs I have achieved are not just about physical milestones but also about the perseverance and character I have developed along the way. I have learned to embrace my differences as strengths rather than limitations. I have used my experiences to advocate for inclusivity and to inspire others facing their own battles. My faith has taught me that every challenge is an opportunity for growth and every struggle can lead to a greater purpose. Looking ahead, I plan to utilize my faith as a guiding force in reaching even greater heights. I aspire to continue advocating for individuals with disabilities, ensuring that they have access to opportunities that allow them to thrive. My faith will remain at the heart of my journey, empowering me to push boundaries, break barriers, and uplift others in the process. I know that with God by my side, there is no limit to what I can achieve, and I am ready to embrace the future with unwavering trust in His plan.

My stepfather’s 25-year (and counting) active-duty military service has been a cornerstone of my upbringing, shaping my educational and career aspirations in profound ways. Beyond his dedication to the Army, he has also demonstrated a relentless commitment to the military community by operating an AAU basketball program at little to no cost for military children. Watching him balance both his service to the nation and his passion for providing opportunities to young athletes has inspired me to dedicate my own time and efforts to serving my community in meaningful ways. His entrepreneurial spirit, combined with his sense of duty, has instilled in me the importance of leadership, resilience, and service—values that guide my academic and professional ambitions. As someone with cerebral palsy, I have faced additional challenges beyond the typical hardships of a military child, such as frequent moves and transitions. I have undergone 19 surgeries, each presenting a new set of obstacles to overcome. However, my stepfather’s unwavering perseverance and dedication to both his military career and his passion project have been a source of motivation for me. His ability to push through adversity and create positive change in the lives of others has encouraged me to approach my own challenges with the same determination. Instead of allowing my disability to hold me back, I have chosen to channel my experiences into opportunities for growth and service. The military lifestyle has not only shaped my perspective but has also fueled my desire to give back. I actively volunteer for military programs whenever I can, including assisting with the AAU basketball program, the Soldier Athlete program, and Know Your Army Days. These experiences have reinforced my belief in the power of mentorship and community support. Whether it’s coaching young athletes, helping Soldiers families, or supporting those who are educating others about military careers, I have found fulfillment in serving others, just as my stepfather has. Ultimately, my stepfather’s journey—both as a soldier and as an entrepreneur—has been a guiding light in my educational and career goals. His ability to lead, adapt, and make an impact has inspired me to pursue a path that allows me to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Whether through education, advocacy, or community engagement, I strive to embody the same principles of resilience and service that he has demonstrated throughout his career. I plan to use my education to begin a business ensuring people with disabilities are included and supported in the workplace so they can lead meaningful, self-fulfilling lives.

From Disability Visibility by Alice Wong: I'm nervous at night when I take off my leg. I wait until the last moment before sleep to un-tech because I am a woman who lives alone and has been stalked and so I don't feel safe in my home on crutches. How would I run? How would I fight back? Instead of taking Klonopin, I read The Economist. The tone is detached. There is war, but always elsewhere. I pick up new words from them, which is critical, because in this year, 2018, when I am generally coded as "disabled" rather than "cyborg". The passage explores the intersection of disability, gender, and societal perception, illustrating how vulnerability is both a physical and social construct. Through deliberate language choices and structural shifts, Wong highlights the tension between fear and resilience, demonstrating how technology, past trauma, and societal coding shape the speaker’s experience of identity and autonomy. The paragraph begins with a hard admission: "I'm nervous at night when I take off my leg." The phrase “take off my leg” signals a literal un-teaching, emphasizing the speaker’s dependence on technology for mobility. The phrase "I wait until the last moment before sleep to un-tech" suggests a deliberate hesitation, revealing a deep-seated fear of being physically vulnerable. The choice of "un-tech" instead of "remove" highlights the connection between disability and technology, challenging traditional notions of the human body and independence. The following sentence, "I am a woman who lives alone and has been stalked and so I don’t feel safe in my home on crutches," layers this vulnerability with gendered violence. The conjunction “and so” directly links past trauma (being stalked) to the present fear, illustrating how personal history informs daily decisions. The rhetorical questions - “How would I run? How would I fight back?”—underscore the speaker’s physical limitations in a moment of crisis, emphasizing the intersection of disability and gender in the context of personal safety. The transition to "Instead of taking Klonopin, I read The Economist." shifts the focus from physical vulnerability to intellectual resilience. Klonopin, a medication used for anxiety, represents one way of coping, yet the speaker chooses reading as an alternative. The Economist—a publication known for its detached, global perspective—becomes a form of escape. The statement “The tone is detached. There is war, but always elsewhere.” reflects an emotional distance, perhaps mirroring the speaker’s attempt to disengage from personal anxieties. The idea that war is “always elsewhere” suggests that while global conflicts are reported with neutrality, the speaker’s personal battles—disability, safety, societal perceptions—are immediate and pressing. The final sentences demonstrate the power of language in shaping perceptions of disability: “I pick up new words from them, which is critical, because in this year, 2018, when I am generally coded as ‘disabled’ rather than ‘cyborg,’ my words are often assumed disabled, too.” The phrase “coded as ‘disabled’ rather than ‘cyborg’” suggests a shift in societal perception—where once the speaker may have been viewed as technologically enhanced (a cyborg), they are now seen primarily through the lens of disability. This distinction matters because the latter often carries assumptions of deficiency. The idea that their “words are often assumed disabled, too” suggests that language, like the body, is judged and devalued based on perceived ability. This highlights the broader issue of how disabled individuals are often infantilized or assumed to be less articulate. This paragraph is a powerful meditation on vulnerability, identity, and perception. Wong seamlessly weaves personal experience with broader societal commentary, illustrating how disability is not just a physical condition but also a social construct. Through precise word choice and structural shifts, she captures the tension between fear and resilience, detachment and engagement, bodily autonomy and societal coding.

See attached comic on ableism, highlighting the irony of people like me who experience a disability.

College is important to me because it is the first step toward achieving my long-term goal of making the world more accessible for people with disabilities. This is how I plan to make a positive impact on the world. I want to eventually obtain my doctorate in business and combine that with disability studies to work with large corporations to make products, buildings, and services accessible for all who experience a disability. Though the odds have been against me since the day I was born, my faith has kept me going. I am an athlete. I am an athlete who experiences a significant physical disability, cerebral palsy, who has taken the disappointment of being cut from athletic teams due to my disability and turned the negative experience into what has been a life changing experience by focusing on my own personal development, both physically and mentally through weight training. I turned to weight training as a way to stay active and improve my physical and mental health. This personal journey has shown me that there are always alternative paths to achieving our goals. I have and want to continue to share this passion with others who are interested in changing the lives of people with disabilities. I am passionate about business and sports management, and I want to combine both business and sports management with disability advocacy work to support businesses in becoming more inclusive for people who experience disabilities. I want to show them that similar to my weight training endeavors where I took my passion for athleticism and turned it into a “me versus myself” sport, every person who has a disability has a strength that can be developed and become a passion that can make them feel good about themselves. Attending the University of Oregon will allow me to major in Business Administration and Disability Studies, which are crucial for understanding how businesses operate and manage resources. By gaining this knowledge, I will be better equipped to influence corporate policies and practices toward inclusivity. I also plan to study Management and Public Relations to learn how to lead teams and effectively communicate the importance of accessibility to both internal and external stakeholders. Growing up in a military family, I have learned the value of service and dedication. I have seen firsthand how important it is to have accessible facilities and services, especially on military bases. Volunteering with the Joint Base Lewis-McChord high school travel basketball team and Know Your Army Days has shown me how teamwork and community support can make a difference. These experiences have inspired me to pursue a career where I can advocate for and implement changes that benefit people with disabilities. My own experience with cerebral palsy has given me a unique perspective on the challenges faced by people with disabilities. Volunteering at Elevate Physical Therapy and participating in clinical trials at the Columbia University Center for cerebral palsy research have reinforced my commitment to improving accessibility. These experiences have also taught me the importance of perseverance and adaptability. In conclusion, college is important to me because it provides the foundation needed to pursue my dream of making the world more accessible for everyone. By studying Business Administration and Disability Studies at the University of Oregon, I will gain the skills and knowledge necessary to advocate for and implement meaningful changes in the corporate world.

College is important to me because it is the first step toward achieving my long-term goal of making the world more accessible for people with disabilities. I want to eventually obtain my doctorate in business and combine that with disability studies to work with large corporations to make products, buildings, and services accessible for all who experience a disability. Though the odds have been against me since the day I was born, my faith has kept me going. I am an athlete. I am an athlete who experiences a significant physical disability, cerebral palsy, who has taken the disappointment of being cut from athletic teams due to my disability and turned the negative experience into what has been a life changing experience by focusing on my own personal development, both physically and mentally through weight training. I turned to weight training as a way to stay active and improve my physical and mental health. This personal journey has shown me that there are always alternative paths to achieving our goals. I have and want to continue to share this passion with others who are interested in changing the lives of people with disabilities. I am passionate about business and sports management, and I want to combine both business and sports management with disability advocacy work to support businesses in becoming more inclusive for people who experience disabilities. I want to show them that similar to my weight training endeavors where I took my passion for athleticism and turned it into a “me versus myself” sport, every person who has a disability has a strength that can be developed and become a passion that can make them feel good about themselves. My faith is the reason I have been able to continue to push to the next level, even when I have significant setbacks. After each of my 18 surgeries, I went into them knowing I would come out stronger because of my lifelong faith and support system. Attending the University of Oregon will allow me to major in Business Administration and Disability Studies, which are crucial for understanding how businesses operate and manage resources. By gaining this knowledge, I will be better equipped to influence corporate policies and practices toward inclusivity. I also plan to study Management and Public Relations to learn how to lead teams and effectively communicate the importance of accessibility to both internal and external stakeholders. Growing up in a military family, I have learned the value of service and dedication. I have seen firsthand how important it is to have accessible facilities and services, especially on military bases. Volunteering with the Joint Base Lewis-McChord high school travel basketball team and Know Your Army Days has shown me how teamwork and community support can make a difference. These experiences have inspired me to pursue a career where I can advocate for and implement changes that benefit people with disabilities. My own experience with cerebral palsy has given me a unique perspective on the challenges faced by people with disabilities. Volunteering at Elevate Physical Therapy and participating in clinical trials at the Columbia University Center for cerebral palsy research have reinforced my commitment to improving accessibility. These experiences have also taught me the importance of perseverance and adaptability. In conclusion, college is important to me because it provides the foundation needed to pursue my dream of making the world more accessible for everyone. By studying Business Administration and Disability Studies at the University of Oregon, I will gain the skills and knowledge necessary to advocate for and implement meaningful changes in the corporate world.

I experience a disability. My relationship with cerebral palsy is complex. Has it negatively impacted my physical abilities? Yes. Has it negatively impacted my social relationships? Yes. Has it negatively impacted my self-image and confidence? Yes. Has it negatively impacted my academics? Yes. Has it negatively impacted my ability to participate in extracurricular activities with my peers? Yes. However, it has also taught me to be resilient, creative in my solutions to problems, identify strengths in myself I may have never realized, become a fierce advocate for the disability community, and become a leader amongst my peers. I am an athlete. I am an athlete who experiences cerebral palsy who has taken the disappointment of being cut from athletic teams due to my disability and turned the negative experience into what has been a life changing experience by focusing on my own personal development, both physically and mentally through weight training. I have and want to continue to share this passion with others who are interested in changing the lives of people with disabilities. I am passionate about business and sports management, and I want to combine both business and sports management with disability advocacy work to support businesses in becoming more inclusive for people who experience disabilities. I want to show them that similar to my weight training endeavors where I took my passion for athleticism and turned it into a “me versus myself” sport, every person who has a disability has a strength that can be developed and become a passion that can make them feel good about themselves. This passion has developed into a peer support group. Many of my peers at school come to my home gym that I have built over the years to work on themselves both physically and mentally, the same as I do. The person with the disability, myself, has become the one that they come to for lifting advice because they know I take it seriously and take the time to learn to do the sports correctly. In my own friend group, I have experienced supporting peers going through adverse mental health situations. I have chosen to be the one for them by sharing my own experiences and talking openly about mental health struggles that come with being a teenager with a disability trying to lead the life of a typically developing teenager and share what I have done to help cope and persevere and come out a stronger person. Experiencing a disability exposes you to various forms of trauma related to the disability. I, along with my close friends, have rallied around the person struggling, creating this weight training group in my garage help support each of those struggling as exercise is a positive way to work through mental health conditions as having positive support present regularly lets the person know that they are not alone. I have become an advocate for sharing mental health needs openly with trusted people to help de-stigmatize the experiences. I will also choose to be the one for anyone in need of mental health support. Ultimately, I would like to pursue my doctorate in business administration and work in the sports management industry. I want to combine my previously discussed passion of sports and exercise to work to create more inclusive environments for people who experience disabilities in sports industries to include amateur athletics, professional athletics, athletic clothing and footwear, and sports related industries. Part of my goal includes ensuring parents of young children with disabilities are educated on both civil rights and creating and fulfilling their child's dreams and their dreams for their child despite their disability. I want to be an advocate while pursuing my passions in an industry that I enjoy. Despite having my own physical disability, I was raised in fully inclusive settings, played sports with my non-disabled peers, and attended all of my classes in a general education classroom without ever being segregated simply because I experience a disability. I want to combine this important aspect of my life that has helped develop me into the leader that I am, with my love of sports and business. I am hoping to partner with companies such as Nike, Adidas, dress shoe companies, mainstream clothing companies, athletic training equipment companies, and even traditional corporate offices to ensure their facilities, products, and presentations are all inclusive for people who experience a range of disabilities. I want to be considered an expert in the fields of disability studies and sports/business management. I would like to be a person who is consulted with in these fields by people who are in charge of making policies that impact the lives of people who experience disabilities. I want to ensure all people with disabilities have fulfilling lives without being held back by inaccessibility in areas that they shouldn't have to worry about being accessible, their everyday lives and activities. I want everybody to feel like their body belongs and they belong regardless of their differences.

My relationship with cerebral palsy is complex. Has it negatively impacted my physical abilities? Yes. Has it negatively impacted my social relationships? Yes. Has it negatively impacted my self-image and confidence? Yes. Has it negatively impacted my academics? Yes. Has it negatively impacted my ability to participate in extracurricular activities with my peers? Yes. However, it has also taught me to be resilient, creative in my solutions to problems, identify strengths in myself I may have never realized, become a fierce advocate for the disability community, and become a leader amongst my peers. I am an athlete. I am an athlete who experiences cerebral palsy who has taken the disappointment of being cut from high school athletic teams due to my disability and turned the negative experience into what has been a life changing experience by focusing on my own personal development, both physically and mentally through weight training. I have and want to continue to share this passion with others who are interested in changing the lives of people with disabilities. I am passionate about business and sports management, and I want to combine both business and sports management with disability advocacy work to support businesses in becoming more inclusive for people who experience disabilities. I want to show them that similar to my weight training endeavors where I took my passion for athleticism and turned it into a “me versus myself” sport, every person who has a disability has a strength that can be developed and become a passion that can make them feel good about themselves. Ultimately, I would like to pursue my doctorate in business administration and work in the sports management industry. I want to combine my previously discussed passion of sports and exercise to work to create more inclusive environments for people who experience disabilities in sports industries to include amateur athletics, professional athletics, athletic clothing and footwear, and sports related industries. Part of my goal includes ensuring parents of young children with disabilities are educated on both civil rights, creating and fulfilling their child's dreams and their dreams for their child despite their disability. I want to be an advocate while pursuing my passions in an industry that I enjoy. Despite having my own physical disability, I was raised in fully inclusive settings, played sports with my non-disabled peers, and attended all of my classes in a general education classroom without ever being segregated simply because I experience a disability. I want to combine this important aspect of my life that has helped develop me into the leader that I am, with my love of sports and business. I am hoping to partner with companies such as Nike, Adidas, dress shoe companies, mainstream clothing companies, athletic training equipment companies, and even traditional corporate offices to ensure their facilities, products, and presentations are all inclusive for people who experience a range of disabilities. I want to be considered an expert in the fields of disability studies and sports/business management. I would like to be a person who is consulted with in these fields by people who are in charge of making policies that impact the lives of people who experience disabilities. I want to ensure all people with disabilities have fulfilling lives without being held back by inaccessibility in areas that they shouldn't have to worry about being accessible, their everyday lives and activities. I want everybody to feel like their body belongs and they belong regardless of their differences. This scholarship will help to allow me to continue my education to help change the world for the next generation of people with disabilities.

College is important to me because it is the first step toward achieving my long-term goal of making the world more accessible for people with disabilities. I want to eventually obtain my doctorate in business and combine that with disability studies to work with large corporations to make products, buildings, and services accessible for all who experience a disability. I am an athlete. I am an athlete who experiences a significant physical disability, cerebral palsy, who has taken the disappointment of being cut from high school athletic teams due to my disability and turned the negative experience into what has been a life changing experience by focusing on my own personal development, both physically and mentally through weight training. I turned to weight training as a way to stay active and improve my physical and mental health. This personal journey has shown me that there are always alternative paths to achieving our goals. I have and want to continue to share this passion with others who are interested in changing the lives of people with disabilities. I am passionate about business and sports management, and I want to combine both business and sports management with disability advocacy work to support businesses in becoming more inclusive for people who experience disabilities. I want to show them that similar to my weight training endeavors where I took my passion for athleticism and turned it into a “me versus myself” sport, every person who has a disability has a strength that can be developed and become a passion that can make them feel good about themselves. My own experience with cerebral palsy has given me a unique perspective on the challenges faced by people with disabilities. Volunteering at Elevate Physical Therapy and participating in clinical trials at the Columbia University Center for cerebral palsy research have reinforced my commitment to improving accessibility. These experiences have also taught me the importance of perseverance and adaptability. Thank you for the opportunity to apply for the J.L. Lund Memorial Scholarship. I am honored to be considered to continue Jore's memory and work as hard as he did.

My entire life has revolved around my disability. I have cerebral palsy and Goldenhar Syndrome. From the week I came home from the hospital and for the entirety of the last eighteen years of my life, I have been in a variety of therapies, participated in many clinical trials and unique medical treatments, and experienced nearly two dozen surgeries so that I can be at the point I am at now. This has built me to be extremely resilient as I do not let any of these experience set me back, only make me stronger. My plans for my future include incorporating all that I have learned from these experiences and combining them with my love for business. I want to eventually obtain my doctorate in business and work to build or support a company that transforms the lives of people with disabilities, as those that came before me did to improve the quality of my life. I want to work to create more inclusive environments for people who experience disabilities in sports industries. I want to be considered an expert in the fields of disability studies and sports/business management. I would like to be a person who is consulted with in these fields by people who are in charge of making policies that impact the lives of people who experience disabilities, ensuring all people with disabilities have fulfilling lives without being held back by inaccessibility in areas that they shouldn't have to worry about being accessible, their everyday lives and activities. Everybody should feel like their body belongs and they belong regardless of their differences. Part of my goal includes ensuring parents of young children with disabilities are educated on both civil rights and creating and fulfilling their child's dreams and their dreams for their child despite their disability. I want to be an advocate while pursuing my passions in an industry I enjoy. Despite my own physical disability, I was raised in fully inclusive settings, played sports with my non-disabled peers, and attended all of my classes in a general education classroom without ever being segregated because I experience a disability. In addition to the many life experiences I earned from being born experiencing disability, I am also part of an active-duty military family. This has caused my family to often be split up into different states. My parents are divorced and my stepfather is in the Army. In order to ensure the continuity of my care and the stability of my education, the decision was made that I would not move with them each time that they moved as it was often every year or 18 months. This required me to often live without my primary parent, instilling both independence and discipline in myself. I was not able to work a regular job because I could not leave every school break. This impacted my ability to earn money and save for college. I instead focused on my education and ensuring that I kept my grades up to earn scholarships to assist me in paying for school. I believe that I have lead my life instilling many of the components of leadership. I want to give back to the communities that have given so much to me and my family to include the military and the disability support community. Good leaders give credit to those that support them and make them a better person. Good leaders support and provide guidance to make others better. I want to always embody those components of leadership to model leadership for others who want to lead while living with a physical disability.

My relationship with my disability is complex. Has it negatively impacted my physical abilities? Yes. Has it negatively impacted my social relationships? Yes. Has it negatively impacted my self-image and confidence? Yes. Has it negatively impacted my academics? Yes. Has it negatively impacted my ability to participate in extracurricular activities with my peers? Yes. However, it has also taught me to be resilient, creative in my solutions to problems, identify strengths in myself I may have never realized, become a fierce advocate for the disability community, and become a leader amongst my peers. I am an athlete. I am an athlete who experiences cerebral palsy and Goldenhar Syndrome, who has come back from eighteen different surgeries only to have to take the disappointment of being cut from high school athletic teams due to my disability and turned the negative experience into what has been a life changing experience by focusing on my own personal development, both physically and mentally through weight training. I have and want to continue to share this passion with others who are interested in changing the lives of people with disabilities. I am passionate about business and sports management, and I want to combine both business and sports management with disability advocacy work to support businesses in becoming more inclusive for people who experience disabilities. I want to show them that similar to my weight training endeavors where I took my passion for athleticism and turned it into a “me versus myself” sport, every person who has a disability has a strength that can be developed and become a passion that can make them feel good about themselves. Ultimately, I would like to pursue my doctorate in business administration and work in the sports management industry. I want to combine my previously discussed passion of sports and exercise to work to create more inclusive environments for people who experience disabilities in sports industries to include amateur athletics, professional athletics, athletic clothing and footwear, and sports related industries. Part of my goal includes ensuring parents of young children with disabilities are educated on both civil rights and creating and fulfilling their child's dreams and their dreams for their child despite their disability. I want to be an advocate while pursuing my passions in an industry that I enjoy. Despite having my own physical disability, I was raised in fully inclusive settings, played sports with my non-disabled peers, and attended all of my classes in a general education classroom without ever being segregated simply because I experience a disability. I want to combine this important aspect of my life that has helped develop me into the leader that I am, with my love of sports and business. I am hoping to partner with companies such as Nike, Adidas, dress shoe companies, mainstream clothing companies, athletic training equipment companies, and even traditional corporate offices to ensure their facilities, products, and presentations are all inclusive for people who experience a range of disabilities. I want to be considered an expert in the fields of disability studies and sports/business management. I would like to be a person who is consulted with in these fields by people who are in charge of making policies that impact the lives of people who experience disabilities. I want to ensure all people with disabilities have fulfilling lives without being held back by inaccessibility in areas that they shouldn't have to worry about being accessible, their everyday lives and activities. I want everybody to feel like their body belongs and they belong regardless of their differences.

My entire life has revolved around my disability. I have cerebral palsy and Goldenhar Syndrome. From the week I came home from the hospital and for the entirety of the last seventeen years of my life, I have been in physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, horseback riding therapy, aqua therapy, participated in many clinical trials and unique medical treatments, and experienced nearly two dozen surgeries so that I can be at the point I am at now. My plans for my future include incorporating all that I have learned from these experiences and combining them with my love for business. I want to eventually obtain my doctorate in business and work to build or support a company that transforms the lives of people with disabilities, as those that came before me did to improve the quality of my life. I want to work to create more inclusive environments for people who experience disabilities in sports industries to include amateur athletics, professional athletics, athletic clothing and footwear, and sports related industries. Part of my goal includes ensuring parents of young children with disabilities are educated on both civil rights and creating and fulfilling their child's dreams and their dreams for their child despite their disability. I want to be an advocate while pursuing my passions in an industry that I enjoy. Despite my own physical disability, I was raised in fully inclusive settings, played sports with my non-disabled peers, and attended all of my classes in a general education classroom without ever being segregated because I experience a disability. I want to combine this important aspect with my love of sports and business. I am hoping to partner with companies such as Nike, Adidas, dress shoe companies, mainstream clothing companies, athletic training equipment companies, and even traditional corporate offices to ensure their facilities, products, and presentations are all inclusive for people who experience a range of disabilities. I want to be considered an expert in the fields of disability studies and sports/business management. I would like to be a person who is consulted with in these fields by people who are in charge of making policies that impact the lives of people who experience disabilities. I want to ensure all people with disabilities have fulfilling lives without being held back by inaccessibility in areas that they shouldn't have to worry about being accessible, their everyday lives and activities. I want everybody to feel like their body belongs and they belong regardless of their differences. In addition to the many life experiences I earned from being born experiencing disability, I am also part of an active-duty military family. This has caused my family to often be split up into different states. My parents are divorced and my stepfather is in the Army. In order to ensure the continuity of my care and the stability of my education, the decision was made that I would not move with them each time that they moved as it was often every year or 18 months. This caused me to often live without my primary parent, instilling both independence and discipline in myself. I was not able to work a regular job because I could not leave every school break. This impacted my ability to earn money and save for college. I instead focused on my education and ensuring that I kept my grades up to earn scholarships to assist me in paying for school. Additional funds will help me be able to attend college and be the person I aspire to be to expand corporate world-views on people with disabilities.

From birth trauma to disability trauma, divorce trauma, and active-duty military trauma, these experiences have shaped who I am and how I navigate the complexities of life. My journey with mental health has been shaped by a series of traumatic events, each leaving a profound impact on my goals, relationships, and understanding of the world. My journey began with a traumatic birth, where I was born prematurely by emergency caesarean section, leading to cerebral palsy—a brain injury that has defined much of my life. The aftermath of this traumatic birth has been a lifetime of thousands of hours of therapy and seventeen surgeries thus far. Despite the physical challenges, the emotional toll has been equally significant. The fear and anxiety associated with medical settings, a common occurrence with brain injuries, have deeply affected me, making it difficult to seek the care I need. Additionally, being part of an active-duty military family has added another layer of trauma, with long deployments and frequent moves disrupting stability and exacerbating feelings of isolation and uncertainty. However, amidst these challenges, I have emerged as a stronger advocate for myself and my peers. I have recognized the importance of mental health support, especially among friends who may be experiencing similar struggles. In response to these challenges, I have opened up the home gym that I have created to my friends and peers, encouraging them to join me in physical activity as a means of improving mental health. Physical exercise has become my primary resource for coping with anxiety and stress, providing a sense of control and empowerment in times of turmoil. I share my story with others. I try to make the subject one that does not have a stigma attached as I want everyone to feel comfortable opening up about their struggles. Furthermore, my experiences have fueled my passion for advocating for mental health awareness and support. I am committed to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and ensuring that everyone has access to the resources and support they need to thrive. By sharing my story and providing a safe space for others to open up about their struggles, I hope to foster a community of empathy, understanding, and support. Ultimately, my journey with mental health has taught me the importance of resilience, self-advocacy, and compassion. Despite the challenges I have faced, I am determined to continue moving forward, using my experiences to drive positive change and make a difference in the lives of others. As I prepare to embark on the next chapter of my life—college—I am both apprehensive and hopeful, knowing that I have the strength and resilience to overcome whatever challenges may come my way.

I am a sports enthusiast but being born with a physical disability has impaired my ability to continue to play sports at the level that I need to to remain competitive with my peers. I want people who experience disabilities to be educated, live, and work in our communities fully integrated with natural supports in place where needed. I want students with disabilities to grow up in schools that are designed for all students and work for all students. Personally, I have a passion for sports, disability rights, and business. I plan to eventually achieve my doctorate degree in business and work with companies that are committed to being inclusive for people with disabilities to create materials, clothing, footwear, and other products that allow people with disabilities to be able to wear the same shoes and clothes as their peers and be able to put them on with relative ease. I want them to be able to play sports with their non-disabled peers and have them accessible. I want people with disabilities to feel like they belong in all realms of their life and to no longer have to fight for everything they need.

The only free people in the United States that it is still legal to segregate are people with disabilities. Segregation often starts at a very young age when children who experience disabilities are put into "special" preschool classrooms, setting them up for a life of segregation. In turn, setting them up for a life of subpar education with no research showing this model is a successful model, isolation from typically developing peers, and ultimately the highest unemployment rate of any subgroup of people. Being born into this community could have been very much a detriment to my life but I was fortunate to have a mom who has been an advocate for me my entire life and taught me to be a strong advocate fro myself and others who experience a disability. No one wants to live a life of isolation, where the only people that care for you are those that are paid to do so such as physical therapists, occupational therapists, doctors, and caregivers. However, many people with disabilities live in this lonely situation because they were brought up in a segregated setting without natural peers supports. Part of the reason this has continued is often, people in the disability community are unable to advocate for themselves. They do not have a voice in our communities like other marginalized groups so this treatment continues with no consequences. This has changed my world view. I have seen first hand how people, humanity, do not support the disability community like they do other marginalized groups. They do not speak up for those impacted by it, unless they are directly impacted by it such as close family members. I don't want this to continue for generations to come. I want people who experience disabilities to be educated, live, and work in our communities fully integrated with natural supports in place where needed. I want students with disabilities to grow up in schools that are designed for all students and work for all students. Personally, I have a passion for sports, disability rights, and business. I plan to eventually achieve my doctorate degree in business and work with companies that are committed to being inclusive for people with disabilities to create materials, clothing, footwear, and other products that allow people with disabilities to be able to wear the same shoes and clothes as their peers and be able to put them on with relative ease. I want them to be able to play sports with their non-disabled peers and have them accessible. I want people with disabilities to feel like they belong in all realms of their life and to no longer have to fight for everything they need.

I am an athlete. I am an athlete who experiences cerebral palsy who has taken the disappointment of being cut from high school athletic teams due to my disability and turned the negative experience into what has been a life changing experience by focusing on my own personal development, both physically and mentally through weight training. I want to share this passion with others who are interested in changing the lives of people with disabilities. I am passionate about business and sports management, and I want to combine both business and sports management with disability advocacy work to support businesses in becoming more inclusive for people who experience disabilities. Ultimately, I would like to pursue my doctorate in business administration and work in the sports management industry. I want to work to create more inclusive environments for people who experience disabilities in sports industries to include amateur athletics, professional athletics, athletic clothing and footwear, and sports related industries. Part of my goal includes ensuring parents of young children with disabilities are educated on both civil rights and creating and fulfilling their child's dreams and their dreams for their child despite their disability. I want to be an advocate while pursuing my passions in an industry that I enjoy. Despite my own physical disability, I was raised in fully inclusive settings, played sports with my non-disabled peers, and attended all of my classes in a general education classroom without ever being segregated because I experience a disability. I want to combine this important aspect with my love of sports and business. I am hoping to partner with companies such as Nike, Addidas, dress shoe companies, mainstream clothing companies, athletic training equipment companies, and even traditional corporate offices to ensure their facilities, products, and presentations are all inclusive for people who experience a range of disabilities. I want to be considered an expert in the fields of disability studies and sports/business management. I would like to be a person who is consulted with in these fields by people who are in charge of making policies that impact the lives of people who experience disabilities. I want to ensure all people with disabilities have fulfilling lives without being held back by inaccessibility in areas that they shouldn't have to worry about being accessible, their everyday lives and activities. I want everybody to feel like their body belongs and they belong regardless of their differences.