I was three laps into the two-mile race of the state track championships when I noticed dark areas starting to form in the periphery of my vision; they steadily got worse for the next several laps. By the time I started going around the turn into the last lap, I couldn’t see anything at all and my legs seemingly disappeared from underneath me. I staggered to the end of the curve and then collapsed into the infield, wondering what was wrong with me. The events of that day pushed me to learn more about the human body, specifically my human body. I was introduced to the world of medicine, as well as the frustration of pathology when things go wrong. The next several months of testing and doctor consultations introduced me to the medical field. My healthcare journey piqued my interest so strongly that now my career goal is to go into the medical field and develop skills to help others who might fall into a situation similar to what I went through. I was eventually diagnosed with a degenerative neurological condition, pediatric multiple sclerosis, and my life changed. My vision improved after several weeks without running, reading, or driving, but there are still permanent complications. My doctor warned me about both the mental and physical effects of MS, which I experience, for example, when my vision starts to fade as my body temperature goes up. That fading peripheral vision forced me to give up playing on the varsity basketball team. While I lost that opportunity, I was able to continue training for distance running outside through the colder winter months where controlling body temperature is a much simpler process. Eventually, I earned All-State recognition in track and cross-country, including 2nd in cross-country and 2nd in the track two-mile one year after the initial flare up. Fluctuations in vision are a constant reminder to me that I have to take care of my body physically if I want to be successful mentally. I set up a daily routine to help me be successful by balancing sleep, school, exercise and proper nutrition. I am involved in my school and community through service as the class president, NHS, and through our school’s service club. My diagnosis of MS doesn’t define me. I have a medical struggle that most people don’t have to experience, but I’ve learned to grow in spite of those limitations. My experiences introduced me to a crossroad where academics and science meet up with practical applications directly affecting my life. I want to explore the same medical crossroads and use knowledge to help others.

I was three laps into the two-mile race of the state track championships when I noticed dark areas starting to form in the periphery of my vision; they steadily got worse for the next several laps. By the time I started going around the turn into the last lap, I couldn’t see anything at all and my legs seemingly disappeared from underneath me. I staggered to the end of the curve and then collapsed into the infield, wondering what was wrong with me. At it's worst, my vision deteriorated to the point where I couldn't read, and I required a lot of assistance to finish the last few weeks of my sophomore year. The events of that day pushed me to learn more about the human body, specifically my human body. I was introduced to the world of medicine, as well as the frustration of pathology when things go wrong. The next several months of testing and doctor consultations introduced me to the medical field. My healthcare journey piqued my interest so strongly that now my career goal is to go into the medical field and develop skills to help others who might fall into a situation similar to what I went through. I was eventually diagnosed with a degenerative neurological condition called pediatric multiple sclerosis, and my life changed. My vision improved after several weeks without running, reading, or driving, but there are still permanent complications. My doctor warned me about both the mental and physical effects of MS, which I experience, for example, when my vision starts to fade as my body temperature goes up. That fading peripheral vision forced me to give up playing on the varsity basketball team. While I lost that opportunity, I was able to continue training for distance running outside through the colder winter months where controlling body temperature is a much simpler process. Eventually, I earned All-State recognition in track and cross-country, including 2nd in cross-country and 2nd in the track two-mile one year after the initial flare up. Throughout my whole season, and especially in the end, I was able to appreciate small things in a new way. Completing a quick run, finishing a homework assignment, playing the piano, and even just driving to school are constant reminders of how many things I can do. Its easier to appreciate the little things when I've experienced life without them. Fluctuations in vision are a constant reminder to me that I have to take care of my body physically if I want to be successful mentally. I set up a daily routine to help me be successful by balancing sleep, school, exercise and proper nutrition. I have grown as a person My diagnosis of MS doesn’t define me. I have a medical struggle that most people don’t have to experience, but I’ve learned to grow in spite of those limitations. My experiences introduced me to a crossroad where academics and science meet up with practical applications directly affecting my life. I am eager to explore the same medical crossroads and use knowledge to help others; I see myself as a doctor who can prove to an anxious teen that adaptation and success are possible, even with medical problems.

I was three laps into the two-mile race of the state track championships when I noticed dark areas starting to form in the periphery of my vision; they steadily got worse for the next several laps. By the time I started going around the turn into the last lap, I couldn’t see anything at all and my legs seemingly disappeared from underneath me. I staggered to the end of the curve and then collapsed into the infield, wondering what was wrong with me. At it's worst, my vision deteriorated to the point where I couldn't read, and I required a lot of assistance to finish the last few weeks of my sophomore year. The events of that day pushed me to learn more about the human body, specifically my human body. I was introduced to the world of medicine, as well as the frustration of pathology when things go wrong. The next several months of testing and doctor consultations introduced me to the medical field. My healthcare journey piqued my interest so strongly that now my career goal is to go into the medical field and develop skills to help others who might fall into a situation similar to what I went through. I was eventually diagnosed with a degenerative neurological condition called pediatric multiple sclerosis, and my life changed. My vision improved after several weeks without running, reading, or driving, but there are still permanent complications. My doctor warned me about both the mental and physical effects of MS, which I experience, for example, when my vision starts to fade as my body temperature goes up. That fading peripheral vision forced me to give up playing on the varsity basketball team. While I lost that opportunity, I was able to continue training for distance running outside through the colder winter months where controlling body temperature is a much simpler process. Eventually, I earned All-State recognition in track and cross-country, including 2nd in cross-country and 2nd in the track two-mile one year after the initial flare up. Throughout my whole season, and especially in the end, I was able to appreciate small things in a new way. Completing a quick run, finishing a homework assignment, playing the piano, and even just driving to school are constant reminders of how many things I can do. Its easier to appreciate the little things when I've experienced life without them. Fluctuations in vision are a constant reminder to me that I have to take care of my body physically if I want to be successful mentally. I set up a daily routine to help me be successful by balancing sleep, school, exercise and proper nutrition. I have grown as a person My diagnosis of MS doesn’t define me. I have a medical struggle that most people don’t have to experience, but I’ve learned to grow in spite of those limitations. My experiences introduced me to a crossroad where academics and science meet up with practical applications directly affecting my life. I am eager to explore the same medical crossroads and use knowledge to help others; I see myself as a doctor who can prove to an anxious teen that adaptation and success are possible, even with medical problems. This scholarship will allow me to do that by helping pay for the years of schooling that becoming a medical professional requires.

I was three laps into the two-mile race of the state track championships when I noticed dark areas starting to form in the periphery of my vision; they steadily got worse for the next several laps. By the time I started going around the turn into the last lap, I couldn’t see anything at all and my legs seemingly disappeared from underneath me. I staggered to the end of the curve and then collapsed into the infield, wondering what was wrong with me. At it's worst, my vision deteriorated to the point where I couldn't read, and I required a lot of assistance to finish the last few weeks of my sophomore year. The events of that day pushed me to learn more about the human body, specifically my human body. I was introduced to the world of medicine, as well as the frustration of pathology when things go wrong. The next several months of testing and doctor consultations introduced me to the medical field. My healthcare journey piqued my interest so strongly that now my career goal is to go into the medical field and develop skills to help others who might fall into a situation similar to what I went through. I was eventually diagnosed with a degenerative neurological condition called pediatric multiple sclerosis, and my life changed. My vision improved after several weeks without running, reading, or driving, but there are still permanent complications. My doctor warned me about both the mental and physical effects of MS, which I experience, for example, when my vision starts to fade as my body temperature goes up. That fading peripheral vision forced me to give up playing on the varsity basketball team. While I lost that opportunity, I was able to continue training for distance running outside through the colder winter months where controlling body temperature is a much simpler process. Eventually, I earned All-State recognition in track and cross-country, including 2nd in cross-country and 2nd in the track two-mile one year after the initial flare up. Throughout my whole season, and especially in the end, I was able to appreciate small things in a new way. Completing a quick run, finishing a homework assignment, playing the piano, and even just driving to school are constant reminders of how many things I can do. Its easier to appreciate the little things when I've experienced life without them. Fluctuations in vision are a constant reminder to me that I have to take care of my body physically if I want to be successful mentally. I set up a daily routine to help me be successful by balancing sleep, school, exercise and proper nutrition. I have grown as a person My diagnosis of MS doesn’t define me. I have a medical struggle that most people don’t have to experience, but I’ve learned to grow in spite of those limitations. My experiences introduced me to a crossroad where academics and science meet up with practical applications directly affecting my life. I am eager to explore the same medical crossroads and use knowledge to help others; I see myself as a doctor who can prove to an anxious teen that adaptation and success are possible, even with medical problems. This scholarship will allow me to do that by helping pay for the years of schooling that becoming a medical professional requires.

I was three laps into the two-mile race of the state track championships when I noticed dark areas starting to form in the periphery of my vision; they steadily got worse for the next several laps. By the time I started going around the turn into the last lap, I couldn’t see anything at all and my legs seemingly disappeared from underneath me. I staggered to the end of the curve and then collapsed into the infield, wondering what was wrong with me. At it's worst, my vision deteriorated to the point where I couldn't read, and I required a lot of assistance to finish the last few weeks of my sophomore year. The events of that day pushed me to learn more about the human body, specifically my human body. I was introduced to the world of medicine, as well as the frustration of pathology when things go wrong. The next several months of testing and doctor consultations introduced me to the medical field. My healthcare journey piqued my interest so strongly that now my career goal is to go into the medical field and develop skills to help others who might fall into a situation similar to what I went through. I was eventually diagnosed with a degenerative neurological condition called pediatric multiple sclerosis, and my life changed. My vision improved after several weeks without running, reading, or driving, but there are still permanent complications. My doctor warned me about both the mental and physical effects of MS, which I experience, for example, when my vision starts to fade as my body temperature goes up. That fading peripheral vision forced me to give up playing on the varsity basketball team. While I lost that opportunity, I was able to continue training for distance running outside through the colder winter months where controlling body temperature is a much simpler process. Eventually, I earned All-State recognition in track and cross-country, including 2nd in cross-country and 2nd in the track two-mile one year after the initial flare up. Throughout my whole season, and especially in the end, I was able to appreciate small things in a new way. Completing a quick run, finishing a homework assignment, playing the piano, and even just driving to school are constant reminders of how many things I can do. Its easier to appreciate the little things when I've experienced life without them. Fluctuations in vision are a constant reminder to me that I have to take care of my body physically if I want to be successful mentally. I set up a daily routine to help me be successful by balancing sleep, school, exercise and proper nutrition. I have grown as a person My diagnosis of MS doesn’t define me. I have a medical struggle that most people don’t have to experience, but I’ve learned to grow in spite of those limitations. My experiences introduced me to a crossroad where academics and science meet up with practical applications directly affecting my life. I am eager to explore the same medical crossroads and use knowledge to help others; I see myself as a doctor who can prove to an anxious teen that adaptation and success are possible, even with medical problems.

I was three laps into the two-mile race of the state track championships when I noticed dark areas starting to form in the periphery of my vision; they steadily got worse for the next several laps. By the time I started going around the turn into the last lap, I couldn’t see anything at all and my legs seemingly disappeared from underneath me. I staggered to the end of the curve and then collapsed into the infield, wondering what was wrong with me. At it's worst, my vision deteriorated to the point where I couldn't read, and I required a lot of assistance to finish the last few weeks of my sophomore year. The events of that day pushed me to learn more about the human body, specifically my human body. I was introduced to the world of medicine, as well as the frustration of pathology when things go wrong. The next several months of testing and doctor consultations introduced me to the medical field. My healthcare journey piqued my interest so strongly that now my career goal is to go into the medical field and develop skills to help others who might fall into a situation similar to what I went through. I was eventually diagnosed with a degenerative neurological condition called pediatric multiple sclerosis, and my life changed. My vision improved after several weeks without running, reading, or driving, but there are still permanent complications. My doctor warned me about both the mental and physical effects of MS, which I experience, for example, when my vision starts to fade as my body temperature goes up. That fading peripheral vision forced me to give up playing on the varsity basketball team. While I lost that opportunity, I was able to continue training for distance running outside through the colder winter months where controlling body temperature is a much simpler process. Eventually, I earned All-State recognition in track and cross-country, including 2nd in cross-country and 2nd in the track two-mile one year after the initial flare up. Throughout my whole season, and especially in the end, I was able to appreciate small things in a new way. Completing a quick run, finishing a homework assignment, playing the piano, and even just driving to school are constant reminders of how many things I can do. Its easier to appreciate the little things when I've experienced life without them. Fluctuations in vision are a constant reminder to me that I have to take care of my body physically if I want to be successful mentally. I set up a daily routine to help me be successful by balancing sleep, school, exercise and proper nutrition. I have grown as a person My diagnosis of MS doesn’t define me. I have a medical struggle that most people don’t have to experience, but I’ve learned to grow in spite of those limitations. I appreciate the little things more now My experiences introduced me to a crossroad where academics and science meet up with practical applications directly affecting my life. I am eager to explore the same medical crossroads and use knowledge to help others; I see myself as a doctor who can prove to an anxious teen that adaptation and success are possible, even with medical problems.

I was three laps into the two-mile race of the state track championships when I noticed dark areas starting to form in the periphery of my vision; they steadily got worse for the next several laps. By the time I started going around the turn into the last lap, I couldn’t see anything at all and my legs seemingly disappeared from underneath me. I staggered to the end of the curve and then collapsed into the infield in terror, wondering what was wrong with me. The events of that day pushed me to learn more about the human body, specifically my human body. I was introduced to the world of medicine, as well as the frustration of pathology when things go wrong. The next several months of testing and doctor consultations introduced me to the medical field. My healthcare journey piqued my interest so strongly that now my career goal is to go into the medical field and develop skills to help others who might fall into a situation similar to what I went through. I was eventually diagnosed with a degenerative neurological condition, pediatric multiple sclerosis, and my life changed. My vision improved after several weeks without running, reading, or driving, but there are still permanent complications. My doctor warned me about both the mental and physical effects of MS, which I experience, for example, when my vision starts to fade as my body temperature goes up. That fading peripheral vision forced me to give up playing on the varsity basketball team. While I lost that opportunity, I was able to continue training for distance running outside through the colder winter months where controlling body temperature is a much simpler process. Eventually, I earned All-State recognition in track and cross-country, including 2nd in cross-country and 2nd in the track two-mile one year after the initial flare up. Fluctuations in vision are a constant reminder to me that I have to take care of my body physically if I want to be successful mentally. I set up a daily routine to help me be successful by balancing sleep, school, exercise and proper nutrition. So far I have maintained a 4.0 gpa while taking as many advanced classes as I can. I am involved in my school and community through service as the class president, NHS, and through our school’s service club. My diagnosis of MS doesn’t define me. I have a medical struggle that most people don’t have to experience, but I’ve learned to grow in spite of those limitations. My experiences introduced me to a crossroad where academics and science meet up with practical applications directly affecting my life. I plan to study physics in college, and eventually enroll in medical school I am eager to explore the same medical crossroads and use knowledge to help others.

I was three laps into the two-mile race of the state track championships when I noticed dark areas starting to form in the periphery of my vision; they steadily got worse for the next several laps. By the time I started going around the turn into the last lap, I couldn’t see anything at all and my legs seemingly disappeared from underneath me. I staggered to the end of the curve and then collapsed into the infield in terror, wondering what was wrong with me. The events of that day pushed me to learn more about the human body, specifically my human body. I was introduced to the world of medicine, as well as the frustration of pathology when things go wrong. The next several months of testing and doctor consultations introduced me to the medical field. Inspiring professionals provided crucial information and advice during the rough time in between onset and diagnosis. My healthcare journey piqued my interest so strongly that now my career goal is to go into the medical field and develop skills to help others who might fall into a situation similar to what I went through. I was eventually diagnosed with a degenerative neurological condition, pediatric multiple sclerosis, and my life changed. My vision improved after several weeks without running, reading, or driving, but there are still permanent complications. My doctor warned me about both the mental and physical effects of MS, which I experience, for example, when my vision starts to fade as my body temperature goes up. That fading peripheral vision forced me to give up playing on the varsity basketball team. While I lost that opportunity, I was able to continue training for distance running outside through the colder winter months where controlling body temperature is a much simpler process. Eventually, I earned All-State recognition in track and cross-country, including 2nd in cross-country and 2nd in the track two-mile one year after the initial flare up. Fluctuations in vision are a constant reminder to me that I have to take care of my body physically if I want to be successful mentally. I set up a daily routine to help me be successful by balancing sleep, school, exercise and proper nutrition. So far I have maintained a 4.0 gpa while taking as many advanced classes as I can. I am involved in my school and community through service as the class president, NHS, and through our school’s service club. My diagnosis of MS doesn’t define me. I have a medical struggle that most people don’t have to experience, but I’ve learned to grow in spite of those limitations. My experiences introduced me to a crossroad where academics and science meet up with practical applications directly affecting my life. I am eager to explore the same medical crossroads and use knowledge to help others. I want to be that neurologist who provides crucial information in an emergency situation, who assists an ageing patient to improve their life, and who comforts a teen adjusting to a new normal.

I was three laps into the two-mile race of the state track championships when I noticed dark areas starting to form in the periphery of my vision; they steadily got worse for the next several laps. By the time I started going around the turn into the last lap, I couldn’t see anything at all and my legs seemingly disappeared from underneath me. I staggered to the end of the curve and then collapsed into the infield in terror, wondering what was wrong with me. The events of that day pushed me to learn more about the human body, specifically my human body. I was introduced to the world of medicine, as well as the frustration of pathology when things go wrong. The next several months of testing and doctor consultations introduced me to the medical field. My healthcare journey piqued my interest so strongly that now my career goal is to go into the medical field and develop skills to help others who might fall into a situation similar to what I went through. I was eventually diagnosed with a degenerative neurological condition, pediatric multiple sclerosis, and my life changed. My vision improved after several weeks without running, reading, or driving, but there are still permanent complications. My doctor warned me about both the mental and physical effects of MS, which I experience, for example, when my vision starts to fade as my body temperature goes up. That fading peripheral vision forced me to give up playing on the varsity basketball team. While I lost that opportunity, I was able to continue training for distance running outside through the colder winter months where controlling body temperature is a much simpler process. Eventually, I earned All-State recognition in track and cross-country, including 2nd in cross-country and 2nd in the track two-mile one year after the initial flare up. Fluctuations in vision are a constant reminder to me that I have to take care of my body physically if I want to be successful mentally. I set up a daily routine to help me be successful by balancing sleep, school, exercise and proper nutrition. So far I have maintained a 4.0 gpa while taking as many advanced classes as I can. I am involved in my school and community through service as the class president, NHS, and through our school’s service club. My diagnosis of MS doesn’t define me. I have a medical struggle that most people don’t have to experience, but I’ve learned to grow in spite of those limitations. My experiences introduced me to a crossroad where academics and science meet up with practical applications directly affecting my life. I am eager to explore the same medical crossroads and use knowledge to help others.

I was three laps into the two-mile race of the state track championships when I noticed dark areas starting to form in the periphery of my vision; they steadily got worse for the next several laps. By the time I started going around the turn into the last lap, I couldn’t see anything at all and my legs seemingly disappeared from underneath me. I staggered to the end of the curve and then collapsed into the infield in terror, wondering what was wrong with me. The events of that day pushed me to learn more about the human body, specifically my human body. I was introduced to the world of medicine, as well as the frustration of pathology when things go wrong. The next several months of testing and doctor consultations introduced me to the medical field. My healthcare journey piqued my interest so strongly that now my career goal is to go into the medical field and develop skills to help others who might fall into a situation similar to what I went through. I was eventually diagnosed with a degenerative neurological condition, pediatric multiple sclerosis, and my life changed. My vision improved after several weeks without running, reading, or driving, but there are still permanent complications. My doctor warned me about both the mental and physical effects of MS, which I experience, for example, when my vision starts to fade as my body temperature goes up. That fading peripheral vision forced me to give up playing on the varsity basketball team. While I lost that opportunity, I was able to continue training for distance running outside through the colder winter months where controlling body temperature is a much simpler process. Eventually, I earned All-State recognition in track and cross-country, including 2nd in cross-country and 2nd in the track two-mile one year after the initial flare up. Fluctuations in vision are a constant reminder to me that I have to take care of my body physically if I want to be successful mentally. I set up a daily routine to help me be successful by balancing sleep, school, exercise and proper nutrition. So far I have maintained a 4.0 gpa while taking as many advanced classes as I can. I can play the piano and violin very well, and I play the organ for my church congregation regularly. I am involved in my school and community through service as the class president, NHS, and through our school’s service club. My diagnosis of MS doesn’t define me. I have a medical struggle that most people don’t have to experience, but I’ve learned to grow in spite of those limitations. My experiences introduced me to a crossroad where academics and science meet up with practical applications directly affecting my life. I am eager to explore the same medical crossroads and use knowledge to help others.

I was three laps into the two-mile race of the state track championships when I noticed dark areas starting to form in the periphery of my vision; they steadily got worse for the next several laps. By the time I started going around the turn into the last lap, I couldn’t see anything at all and my legs seemingly disappeared from underneath me. I staggered to the end of the curve and then collapsed into the infield in terror, wondering what was wrong with me. The events of that day pushed me to learn more about the human body, specifically my human body. I was introduced to the world of medicine, as well as the frustration of pathology when things go wrong. The next several months of testing and doctor consultations introduced me to the medical field. My healthcare journey piqued my interest so strongly that now my career goal is to go into the medical field and develop skills to help others who might fall into a situation similar to what I went through. I was eventually diagnosed with a degenerative neurological condition, pediatric multiple sclerosis, and my life changed. My vision improved after several weeks without running, reading, or driving, but there are still permanent complications. My doctor warned me about both the mental and physical effects of MS, which I experience, for example, when my vision starts to fade as my body temperature goes up. That fading peripheral vision forced me to give up playing on the varsity basketball team. While I lost that opportunity, I was able to continue training for distance running outside through the colder winter months where controlling body temperature is a much simpler process. Eventually, I earned All-State recognition in track and cross-country, including 2nd in cross-country and 2nd in the track two-mile one year after the initial flare up. Fluctuations in vision are a constant reminder to me that I have to take care of my body physically if I want to be successful mentally. I set up a daily routine to help me be successful by balancing sleep, school, exercise and proper nutrition. So far I have maintained a 4.0 gpa while taking as many advanced classes as I can. I can play the piano and violin very well, and I play the organ for my church congregation regularly. I am involved in my school and community through service as the class president, NHS, and through our school’s service club. My diagnosis of MS doesn’t define me. I have a medical struggle that most people don’t have to experience, but I’ve learned to grow in spite of those limitations. My experiences introduced me to a crossroad where academics and science meet up with practical applications directly affecting my life. I am eager to explore the same medical crossroads and use knowledge to help others.

I was three laps into the two-mile race of the state track championships when I noticed dark areas starting to form in the periphery of my vision; they steadily got worse for the next several laps. By the time I started going around the turn into the last lap, I couldn’t see anything at all and my legs seemingly disappeared from underneath me. I staggered to the end of the curve and then collapsed into the infield in terror, wondering what was wrong with me. The events of that day pushed me to learn more about the human body, specifically my human body. I was introduced to the world of medicine, as well as the frustration of pathology when things go wrong. The next several months of testing and doctor consultations introduced me to the medical field. My healthcare journey piqued my interest so strongly that now my career goal is to go into the medical field and develop skills to help others who might fall into a situation similar to what I went through. I was eventually diagnosed with a degenerative neurological condition, pediatric multiple sclerosis, and my life changed. My vision improved after several weeks without running, reading, or driving, but there are still permanent complications. My doctor warned me about both the mental and physical effects of MS, which I experience, for example, when my vision starts to fade as my body temperature goes up. That fading peripheral vision forced me to give up playing on the varsity basketball team. While I lost that opportunity, I was able to continue training for distance running outside through the colder winter months where controlling body temperature is a much simpler process. Eventually, I earned All-State recognition in track and cross-country, including 2nd in cross-country and 2nd in the track two-mile one year after the initial flare up. Fluctuations in vision are a constant reminder to me that I have to take care of my body physically if I want to be successful mentally. I set up a daily routine to help me be successful by balancing sleep, school, exercise and proper nutrition. So far I have maintained a 4.0 gpa while taking as many advanced classes as I can. I can play the piano and violin very well, and I play the organ for my church congregation regularly. I am involved in my school and community through service as the class president, NHS, and through our school’s service club. My diagnosis of MS doesn’t define me. I have a medical struggle that most people don’t have to experience, but I’ve learned to grow in spite of those limitations. My experiences introduced me to a crossroad where academics and science meet up with practical applications directly affecting my life. I am eager to explore the same medical crossroads and use knowledge to help others.

I was three laps into the two-mile race of the state track championships when I noticed dark areas starting to form in the periphery of my vision; they steadily got worse for the next several laps. By the time I started going around the turn into the last lap, I couldn’t see anything at all and my legs seemingly disappeared from underneath me. I staggered to the end of the curve and then collapsed into the infield in terror, wondering what was wrong with me. The events of that day pushed me to learn more about the human body, specifically my human body. I was introduced to the world of medicine, as well as the frustration of pathology when things go wrong. The next several months of testing and doctor consultations introduced me to the medical field. My healthcare journey piqued my interest so strongly that now my career goal is to go into the medical field and develop skills to help others who might fall into a situation similar to what I went through. I was eventually diagnosed with a degenerative neurological condition, pediatric multiple sclerosis, and my life changed. My vision improved after several weeks without running, reading, or driving, but there are still permanent complications. My doctor warned me about both the mental and physical effects of MS, which I experience, for example, when my vision starts to fade as my body temperature goes up. That fading peripheral vision forced me to give up playing on the varsity basketball team. While I lost that opportunity, I was able to continue training for distance running outside through the colder winter months where controlling body temperature is a much simpler process. Eventually, I earned All-State recognition in track and cross-country, including 2nd in cross-country and 2nd in the track two-mile one year after the initial flare up. Fluctuations in vision are a constant reminder to me that I have to take care of my body physically if I want to be successful mentally. I set up a daily routine to help me be successful by balancing sleep, school, exercise and proper nutrition. So far I have maintained a 4.0 gpa while taking as many advanced classes as I can. I will be a valedictorian at my school. I can play the piano and violin very well, and I play the organ for my church congregation regularly. I am involved in my school and community through service as the class president, NHS, and through our school’s service club. My diagnosis of MS doesn’t define me. I have a medical struggle that most people don’t have to experience, but I’ve learned to grow in spite of those limitations. My experiences introduced me to a crossroad where academics and science meet up with practical applications directly affecting my life. I am eager to explore the same medical crossroads and use knowledge to help others.

I was three laps into the two-mile race of the state track championships when I noticed dark areas starting to form in the periphery of my vision; they steadily got worse for the next several laps. By the time I started going around the turn into the last lap, I couldn’t see anything at all and my legs seemingly disappeared from underneath me. I staggered to the end of the curve and then collapsed into the infield in terror, wondering what was wrong with me. The events of that day pushed me to learn more about the human body, specifically my human body. I was introduced to the world of medicine, as well as the frustration of pathology when things go wrong. The next several months of testing and doctor consultations introduced me to the medical field. My healthcare journey piqued my interest so strongly that now my career goal is to go into the medical field and develop skills to help others who might fall into a situation similar to what I went through. I was eventually diagnosed with a degenerative neurological condition, pediatric multiple sclerosis, and my life changed. My vision improved after several weeks without running, reading, or driving, but there are still permanent complications. My doctor warned me about both the mental and physical effects of MS, which I experience, for example, when my vision starts to fade as my body temperature goes up. That fading peripheral vision forced me to give up playing on the varsity basketball team. While I lost that opportunity, I was able to continue training for distance running outside through the colder winter months where controlling body temperature is a much simpler process. Eventually, I earned All-State recognition in track and cross-country, including 2nd in cross-country and 2nd in the track two-mile one year after the initial flare-up. Fluctuations in vision are a constant reminder to me that I have to take care of my body physically if I want to be successful mentally. I set up a daily routine to help me be successful by balancing sleep, school, exercise and proper nutrition. As I adjusted to my new normal, I began seriously considering a career in the healthcare industry. I spoke to several women working in healthcare whom I admire to receive advice on both their careers and their families; including my neurologist. I believe that my status as someone who personally experienced a medical situation and as a motivated woman will help me to earn a degree in healthcare, and find a job where I can make a difference in people lives. My diagnosis of MS doesn’t define me. I have a medical struggle that most people don’t have to experience, but I’ve learned to grow in spite of those limitations. My experiences introduced me to a crossroad where academics and science meet up with practical applications directly affecting my life. I am eager to explore the same medical crossroads and use knowledge to help others.

I was three laps into the two-mile race of the state track championships when I noticed dark areas starting to form in the periphery of my vision; they steadily got worse for the next several laps. By the time I started going around the turn into the last lap, I couldn’t see anything at all and my legs seemingly disappeared from underneath me. I staggered to the end of the curve and then collapsed into the infield in terror, wondering what was wrong with me. In the next several weeks, my symptoms worsened. No reading, running, or driving: three of the most important parts of my life. And, worst of all, I had no idea why. Then, I scheduled an appointment with a medical professional who specializes in cases like mine. I received a diagnosis of pediatric Multiple Sclerosis. Immediately, with access to nearly unlimited information and help, the disease seemed more manageable. That moment inspired me; I want to be the person who helps teens readjust to a new normal. I want to be the person to reassure fears and provide professional advice. I intend to enter the healthcare industry to do just that.

My nice little plan on how my life would easily play out grew slightly more complicated during the end of my sophomore year of high school. I was a teenage student with common worries about my impending future. Then, one morning, I woke up with slightly fuzzy vision and numbness in my hands and feet. While minorly disturbing, I didn't worry too much. The symptoms didn’t mess with the things that made me happy; things like performing well in track meets or scoring high in classes. Soon, everything escalated. Within a month I was forced to end my track season, and my eyes decreased to the point where I could neither drive nor read. After another few weeks of misdiagnosis and, frankly, panic, I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. The disease is a lifelong autoimmune disorder common in middle-aged adults. To say I was shocked is an understatement. Chronic illness was not in my plan. Normally bad things that happened to me were because of something I did. If I scored poorly on a test, I should have studied more. If someone was bothering me, I could have reacted differently, or changed the situation. During that spring, my problems were caused by little confused white blood cells. Big parts of my life were changing, and there wasn't anything that I could do about it. Then, right after I was diagnosed, my grandma gave me a bag of chocolate almonds. They were excellent; the ones with a crispy shell. I ate the whole bag. Even with my mind spinning through all the new changes and struggles that might arise, Multiple Sclerosis couldn't ruin chocolate. The little parts of life are important. My life will never work out precisely the way I want it to. Things go wrong. There are certainly ranges, somedays I stub my toe, other days I go blind, but if I could keep finding joy in the little things, then life would work out no matter what happened. My eyes got better, the numbness faded, and I began to come to terms with the fact that I was 16 and had a life-long illness. I continue to appreciate the simple things: driving, running, reading. My life plans didn't change drastically, they just shifted. My worries over the future eased, because if I could find happiness by eating chocolate on one of the most stressful days in my life, then surely I could be happy despite a worse-than-average test, or not choosing the “perfect” career. In fact, I plan on working in the healthcare industry, a decision that was influenced by the inspiring people I met during my health episode. Hopefully I can help people in the same way that my doctors and nurses helped me.