Living with spinocerebellar ataxia, a rare progressive neurological disorder, has shaped both my personal and academic journey. Ataxia affects the cerebellum—the part of the brain that controls balance and coordination—resulting in difficulties with walking, fine motor skills, speech, and even tasks like writing or using technology. Although ataxia is not classified as a developmental disability because it typically appears later in childhood or adolescence, many of the symptoms I experience mirror those seen in developmental conditions. Like individuals with developmental disabilities, I face physical and social barriers every day that require constant adaptation, support, and resilience. Navigating school with a physical disability that affects my motor control and coordination has been challenging, especially in environments not always designed with accessibility in mind. I’ve had to advocate for accommodations, explain my condition to peers and teachers, and find creative ways to complete tasks that are simple for others. The coordination challenges of ataxia often lead to misunderstandings—people may assume cognitive delays because my speech is slower or my movements are unsteady. This overlap in perception is something individuals with developmental disabilities also encounter, and it's made me more aware of how society needs more understanding, not assumptions. Through these experiences, I’ve grown into someone who values empathy, inclusion, and mental health support, especially for students who feel overlooked or misunderstood. This is why I plan to study psychology in college, with the goal of becoming a school or medical psychologist. Mental health support has been a vital part of my success, and I want to offer the same guidance to others navigating disability, chronic illness, or emotional struggles. Two school psychologists in particular helped me understand my self-worth beyond my physical challenges. They inspired me to pursue a career that focuses on supporting others, especially students with disabilities who may struggle with confidence, anxiety, or belonging. In the future, I hope to use my degree to improve school mental health services, advocate for inclusive practices, and make sure no student feels invisible because of how they move, speak, or learn. Whether working in a school setting or clinical environment, I want to be someone who sees the whole person, not just their diagnosis. My lived experience gives me insight into the emotional and practical challenges of disability, and I plan to use that perspective to create a lasting impact in my community. Thank you for considering my application and supporting students like me who are working hard to turn our experiences into purpose.

Living with Ataxia, a neurological condition that affects my coordination and balance, has shaped me in ways I never expected. As a full-time wheelchair user, I face daily challenges that most people don't even think about—simple tasks like walking or holding objects can be difficult. However, my disability has taught me resilience, empathy, and a determination to succeed despite the obstacles that stand in my way. Ataxia has not only impacted my physical abilities but also influenced my approach to life and my academic journey. Over the years, I’ve undergone multiple surgeries, including three spinal operations to manage the curvature of my spine due to the condition. These surgeries meant extended hospital stays, missed classes, and long periods of recovery. Despite these setbacks, I worked closely with my teachers, completed assignments from my hospital bed, and maintained a 3.8 GPA. These experiences taught me time management, self-advocacy, and the importance of staying focused on my long-term goals, no matter how difficult the journey may be. My disability has also shaped my career aspirations. The emotional and psychological challenges I’ve faced throughout my life, along with the support I received from school psychologists, inspired me to pursue a career in psychology. I want to be able to offer the same guidance and support that helped me navigate the difficulties of living with Ataxia. My experiences have shown me the power of empathy and the difference it can make in someone’s life, especially when dealing with invisible struggles. I hope to help others facing physical, emotional, or mental challenges and provide them with the tools to overcome their own obstacles. In addition to academic growth, my disability has influenced how I interact with others. I’ve learned the importance of building a support network and the value of meaningful connections. While I’ve faced moments of isolation due to misunderstandings about my condition, I’ve also formed friendships with people who see beyond my disability and support me unconditionally. These experiences have deepened my empathy and strengthened my desire to give back to others. Looking ahead, my goal is to become a medical or school psychologist, using my personal experiences to help others facing their own challenges. I hope to work with young kids who are dealing with chronic illness or disabilities, providing them with the emotional and psychological support they need to thrive. This scholarship would help me focus more on my studies by easing some of the financial burden that comes with attending college and living independently with a disability. Thank you for considering my application. Your support would make a significant difference in helping me achieve my educational and career goals.

As a student living with Ataxia and preparing to attend California State University, Fullerton as a psychology major, I am both excited and deeply aware of the unique challenges ahead. Ataxia is a rare neurological condition that affects the part of the brain that controls coordination, balance, and fine motor skills. It causes difficulty with walking, speech, and daily physical tasks, and it worsens over time. Because of this, I use a wheelchair full-time and require ongoing medical support. Living away from my parents for the first time will be a major transition, and one that comes with significant financial burdens due to my medical needs. Navigating a large college campus as a full-time wheelchair user presents challenges that many of my peers won’t face. To maintain my independence and ensure I can attend classes, participate in campus life, and manage daily activities, I require specialized, often expensive equipment. A reliable motorized wheelchair is essential not only for getting around safely and efficiently, but also for preserving my energy and reducing physical strain. Additionally, I will need personal care support to assist with tasks like transferring, dressing, and other daily routines that most students take for granted. These needs go far beyond typical college expenses. Unlike textbooks or dorm supplies, the costs of medical equipment and support services are recurring and are often not covered by insurance. My family has already shouldered significant expenses due to my condition—three spinal surgeries, ongoing rehabilitation, daily medical management, and now preparing for college will add another layer of financial strain. My disability has deeply shaped both my education and career path. Ataxia affects my coordination and balance, and as a result, I have had to approach school differently than most of my peers. Hospitalizations, recovery periods, and fatigue made it difficult at times to physically be present in the classroom. I had to complete coursework from my hospital bed and work closely with my teachers to stay on track. Despite these hurdles, I maintained a 3.8 GPA and developed an unwavering commitment to my education. The challenges I’ve faced taught me time management, self-advocacy, and the value of persistence. This scholarship would not only ease the financial burden of my transition to college but also represent an investment in my ability to live, learn, and contribute independently. Your support would help ensure that the barriers I face physically do not limit the potential I’ve worked so hard to reach. Thank you for your consideration.