Living with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) has been one of the defining aspects of my life. Diagnosed with Type 2 as a child, I was one of the "brave 24" who participated in the first-ever research study for SMA. After years of involvement, I was reclassified to Type 3, and Spinraza, the treatment I helped develop, finally became a reality. While the physical challenges of SMA are significant, the societal challenges have been just as difficult to navigate. From inaccessible public spaces to the lack of understanding about disabilities, I’ve often been overlooked or underestimated. Despite these barriers, I’ve remained determined to pursue higher education and make a difference for students like myself. Attending Miami Dade College’s Honors program has allowed me to develop the confidence and skills I need to become an advocate for disability rights. My experiences, both inside and outside the classroom, led me to co-found the Disability Pride Club at my college. Through this initiative, I’ve worked to create spaces where students with disabilities feel seen, supported, and empowered to achieve their goals. It has been one of my greatest joys to provide a platform for discussions on accessibility and inclusion, and to organize events that highlight the importance of disability pride. My journey hasn’t always been easy. The lack of dedicated resources—such as counselors and disability services—has often made it difficult to navigate academic environments. However, these challenges have only strengthened my resolve to advocate for change. I’ve realized that my disability is not a limitation, but a unique perspective that fuels my passion for justice and equality. I believe that students with disabilities deserve not only the right to access education but also the support to thrive within it. Looking forward, I plan to use my education to continue advocating for underserved communities, particularly students with disabilities. My goal is to work toward creating more inclusive environments in academic institutions by promoting accessibility, raising awareness, and pushing for better resources. I want to help dismantle the barriers that prevent students with disabilities from pursuing their education, just as I’ve had to do throughout my journey. This scholarship would provide me with the financial means to further my education and continue my advocacy work. With it, I can build on the foundation I’ve already started and contribute even more to the fight for disability rights and justice. I’m committed to making a lasting impact on underserved communities, ensuring that every student—regardless of their abilities—has the opportunity to succeed.

I didn't expect to live past 8th grade. During the worst periods of my life, my brain was consistently asking: Why are we here? It was only when a history teacher, Mr. Quintana, enlightened me with the prospects of research—and how the study of humanity was a viable option to make a living. My brain swelled with enough light to bring me out of the dark. Suddenly I could see it—a future I never thought I deserved. Since the start of 9th grade, I have been compiling observations and information on society—specifically, the internet. I have collected over 260 responses to a survey about internet cults and currently work to convert this into a legible document. One could look to the bigger picture: how society has shifted; however, the internet is so much more because of its intricacies. Through higher education, I believe I can finally explore the theories in my head and tattered notebooks. In middle school, the possibility of my rudimentary hobbies taking me further than show-and-tell at family gatherings felt mindless. Although my life shattered before me, music and theater would help me ease through the pieces. I began an Instagram page to post my original songs and competition excerpts. Through local help and school support, I began to grow some recognition in Miami Springs. For most of my high school career, an organization called Funclusion invited me to model and perform for them. It was a memorable experience that I will never forget. Because of my theater teacher, acting felt less like treading through shark-infested water and more so as if you had a jetpack. My voice soared further than expected and led me to place 4th in the English-Speaking Union's National Shakespeare Competition. As a result of the competition, I developed a love for literature and classics that would lead to a strong understanding of Latin and Hebrew (which I intend to study.) Florida State Thespians became a significant character in my recovery process. The community surrounding the arts engulfs me, and I only wish to continue this admiration wherever life takes me. I dream of elevating theater programs and creating accessible spaces for all. What destroyed my soul throughout the former half of my life was the development of SMA—Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 2. In the early days of my diagnosis, doctors did not understand how to treat my muscle decay. My parents worked tirelessly to find some medication or research study that could aid me; eventually, the name Spinraza began to circulate. Since the age of six, I became one of the "lucky 25" who benefited from the now approved medication, which significantly strengthens our bodies. First-hand experiences with how society treat the disabled pushes me to make my way into the public eye. My tribulations motivate me to strive for equal healthcare and opportunities. If there is one thing I want to accomplish before I die, it's to move our world a centimeter closer through the road of our society. In my younger years, I would not have imagined the opportunities I now enjoy due to my education. University is a step above everything I've known and will only strengthen my knowledge to make myself proud. I see myself for the first time as a human capable of overthrowing any obstacle. My Cuban heritage, my gender transition, my wheelchair—every experience attached- has only strengthened me. The adult world is now in my grasp—and I will live to see my graduation.