My name is Joel Andrews, and I have Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1). I had my first surgery at four months old, due to a large fibromas in my cervical spine. I was unable to walk until nearly four years old. I wore a large neck brace for an extended time, which further delayed my physical and emotional development. I have picture of me in preschool wearing the brace and not being able to play with other kids. There were three other surgeries during this time. The doctor tried to remove some of the tumor and I had a spinal fusion. At age five, I began three years of a clinical trial with Selumetinib. I fell further behind at school because I missed so many days for doctor appointments and then the side effects were really bad. Around that same time, I was diagnosed with autism. My mother strongly believed the delays were linked to NF1 and not autism, but the diagnosis stuck for years. The school didn't understand NF1 and the learning issues that go with it. I didn’t want to be “the kid with autism.” That label made me feel even more weird and lonely. In elementary school, I had an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and needed occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, and academic support in reading and math. I had an aide sitting next to me in the classroom. I felt embarrassed and even more singled out having someone help me all the time. I did like to learn and read books and I finished elementary school. I pushed back on the aide in middle school, and was determined not to have anyone sit with me or embarrass me. I needed extra tutoring with teachers and at home but I didn't want to be embarrassed at school. My mom got me a waiver for PE because I couldn't keep up with the sports. I can't participate in most of them and I was slow and not coordinated. She enrolled me in Tae Kwon Do and my teachers helped me so much. They gave me extra attention and I got my black belt during those years. I also went to Boy Scouts and got my Eagle Scout rank at 15 years old. The merit badges were hard but I pushed through because I really liked the camping and finally having friends on the weekend. I had to study extra hard for many of the badges but I made it. In high school, I had a good group of friends from marching band. They didn't care that I had an autism diagnosis. But, I stood up for myself in an IEP meeting and my mom and me got the autism diagnosis removed and I qualify under "Other Health Impairment." This meant a lot because NF1 isn't autism and I didn't like being identified with something I don't have. History is my favorite subject and I have always liked looking at maps and paper currency from other countries. I bring my money collection to my doctor appointments and show the doctor and nurses. I want to go to college and study history, then be a lawyer or a college professor. Math is still tough and I need help in math and English classes. My ACT and PSAT scores are low, but I keep my GPA up. Receiving this scholarship would help me achieve my next goal, a college degree. Thank you reading this.