I have been through many health challenges in my life. I was born with a genetic disorder called Neurofibromatosis type 1. I’ve met with doctors and specialists and had several surgeries to remove tumors. Two years ago, after experiencing increased back pain, I was diagnosed with Scoliosis. Over time, my pain and my curve got severely worse. This past summer, I had spinal fusion surgery to help with this. The healing process after surgery was the hardest thing I’ve ever been through. I was in a lot of pain while I recovered in the hospital. When I got home, everything hurt. It was hard to even move or sleep. To get better, I went for walks even when it was uncomfortable to build up my strength. When school started, I couldn’t carry a book bag and it took me longer to walk to my classes. I didn’t like the feeling of not being able to do things. So, I started going to physical therapy and I worked on my exercises. Most recently, I was in a car accident and had to be taken to the hospital. Although my scans didn't show major trauma, my back pain has returned and I am in weekly physical therapy. I share all of this because it is the reason why I keep going. The unseen barriers of having a rare disease like NF 1 and a physical disability like Scoliosis have meant surgeries, pain and discomfort possibly the rest of my life. But it’s taught me how to advocate for myself, be responsible and find the strength to face my challenges. In school it’s no different. I work hard every day to get good grades and stay on top of my work. I have a Specific Learning Disability in Math and Auditory Processing Disorder, which affects the way I hear and process information, but I don’t let these challenges stop me. I work with tutors, intervention specialists, therapists and my teachers, ask for help when I need it and do all the things I need to do to be successful. This fall I will be attending the University of Cincinnati. Although I have many interests, I’ve decided to pursue Exploratory Studies. This is another example of how my experiences have inspired me. I’m not afraid to try new paths or set new goals for myself. Additional funds from this scholarship would help with the high costs of attending college. I am committed to doing everything I can do to support my dreams. There are going to be obstacles in life. When you have a rare disease, disability and other challenges, it makes it tougher - but it doesn’t make it impossible. My positive attitude and determination have made me stronger, more empathetic and a harder worker. I push myself to meet my goals and do my best. With this positive attitude and determination, there is nothing I can’t accomplish.

A movie that has had the greatest impact on my life is Good Will Hunting starring Matt Damon and Robin Williams. Matt Damon's character, Will, is really smart and talented but due to his legal troubles and lack of education, he works as a night janitor at MIT. Even though he has no formal family, he has close friends who love and look out for him. One day a professor discovers that the complicated math problem he wrote on the board that no one can understand has surprisingly been solved - by Will. At first, he doesn't believe it but once he sees Will solving other difficult math problems, he thinks he's discovered the next Einstein! As he gets to know Will, he discovers that Will has emotional issues and requires him to see to his old college friend, Sean (played by Robin Williams) who is now a therapist. One of the best scenes of the movie are Will and Sean's sessions. Their interactions are like a battle of the minds - who can outsmart who. After awhile, Will starts to become more comfortable and let Sean get closer to him...until one night when he completely breaks down because Sean has discovered the abuse that Will dealt with when he was younger. The stand out scene when Sean comforts him and tells him "it's not your fault" was so real and emotional. Throughout the movie, Will gets more comfortable with demonstrating his talents. He goes out with his friends one night and meets a British exchange student named Skylar who is funny and nice to him. As they start dating, Will starts to drop the mask and become more comfortable with himself. He likes this feeling but it also terrifies him because it makes him feel vulnerable. He doesn't want to get hurt again, maybe not physically but emotionally. But thanks to Sean, he helps him work through these issues and by the end of the movie, he helps Will choose love and happiness and "go see about a girl!" There are so many relatable things about this movie. As a society, we underestimate people and make assumptions about them based on socioeconomic status, educational background and appearances. Will's character is a genius yet he's never attended college and has a criminal record. He works at night where symbolically no one can see his abilities. The real him is hidden until he meets Sean and Skylar. It's hard for him to trust people but he finally accepts love from them. They see his pain but also his potential. His friends love him but they also like the version of him that's silly and gets into trouble. There is one friend, Chuckie (ironically played by his real life best friend Ben Affleck) who does support him and finally tells him the truth. Every day, he says he picks him up to drive to their manual labor job. Deep down, Chuckie knows how talented Will is and that he could be using his talents for much more. At the end of the movie, he confesses that "the best part of his day" is knocking on Will's door and hoping that today will be the day that he has finally left and moved on with his life. This movie demonstrates the complexities of love and friendship, the importance of self-acceptance, emotional support, second chances and unlocking your potential. As an incoming college student, I am thankful for those who have supported me and grateful that I get to work towards my dreams. This movie was life changing for me.

I have been through many health challenges in my life. I was born with a genetic disorder called Neurofibromatosis type 1. I’ve developed neurofibromas that started off small and became big and painful enough that I have had multiple surgeries through the years. I have brown café au lait spots all over my body and when I was in elementary school, I was diagnosed with a learning disability in Math. Two years ago, I was also diagnosed with Scoliosis, which is a condition that NF patients have a greater chance of developing. My doctors noticed that my curve was getting worse and I had to meet with an orthopedic surgeon to discuss spinal fusion surgery. This would be major surgery, and the healing process would take several months - I wouldn’t be able to work out at the gym or play sports until I fully healed. I would also have to stay in the hospital for a week after surgery, which was the longest time I had ever spent in the hospital. Despite my disabilities, I am a very active person. I play sports and I work out at the gym all the time. As head cameraman for my high school’s Broadcast Club, I film sports games throughout the year, and I need to move around a lot. I was worried that if I had the surgery, I wouldn’t be able to do those things again. But I didn’t want to have back pain for the rest of my life. After a lot of thought, I decided to go through with two surgeries on the same day – spinal fusion and the removal of a painful neurofibroma on my lip. I experienced a lot of pain while I recovered in the hospital. When I got home, everything hurt. It was hard to even move or sleep. To get better, I went for walks even when it was uncomfortable to build up my strength. I had to find the strength to walk up the stairs again. When school started, it took me longer to walk to my classes. I didn’t like the feeling of not being able to do things. I started going to physical therapy and I worked on my exercises at home. After showing progress, my therapist said I could go back to the gym. Even though I can’t lift the same, run full out or jump the way I used to, I know if I keep working, I will be able to do it all again one day. My life experiences with NF, Scoliosis and a learning disability have taught me a lot. I appreciate the uniqueness of my body – tumors, café au lait spots and even pain. I’m a stronger person mentally and physically. I do my best in school and understand I learn some things differently. I’ve learned to advocate for myself and trust my instincts. I don’t give up when something is hard. Instead, I keep pushing myself to meet my goals and I accept myself for who I am. I always wanted to go to college. I will major in Media Production and continue to film sports games. After graduation, I want to work as a cameraman for a professional sports team. Although my disabilities are part of me, they don’t define me. I know there is no limit to what I can accomplish if I keep working hard, set goals and have the right supports to help me! Thank you for considering me for the Dylan's Journey Memorial Scholarship. If I am selected, I promise to make you proud!