On February 11, 2015, my family’s lives changed forever. My mom lost her sister to breast cancer, a devastating blow not long after losing her mother to heart failure. Having a family member die from a terminal illness is incredibly difficult and painful. Watching my mom grieve for her sister made me realize how fragile life is and how hard it is to lose loved ones. Losing my aunt hit home for me in a personal way, as I, too, have faced a battle with cancer. At just 18 months old, I was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma, an aggressive childhood cancer. Doctors found a cancerous tumor attached to my spine, and in addition, I developed a rare neurological condition called opsoclonus myoclonus, which typically emerges before a tumor’s discovery—but in my case, it appeared afterward. Opsoclonus myoclonus syndrome (OMAS) is an inflammatory neurological disorder that can disrupt eye movement, motor skills, behavior, sleep, and language. Although my cancer was diagnosed at stage 1, OMAS greatly affected my early development. As a toddler, I stopped walking and talking and couldn’t hold a cup or toy due to uncontrollable motor difficulties. Throughout elementary school, I received physical, speech, and occupational therapy, and I was labeled as disabled and placed in special education programs. Throughout these challenges, my faith has been a source of strength and comfort. When I felt discouraged or overwhelmed by the obstacles in my path, my faith reminded me that I was not alone. Praying and holding onto hope helped me persevere, even when others doubted my potential. My faith kept me grounded and motivated me to push forward, believing that my struggles had a purpose and that I could overcome them. Being in special classes often made me feel underestimated by others. Some people didn’t think I would be able to attend college, and I was sometimes teased in high school for being in special education. It was hard not to feel discouraged, but I remained determined to prove myself. I pushed myself to overcome every obstacle, always with a clear vision of my future—I wanted to become a physical therapist. Having been through my own challenges with mobility and coordination, I felt driven to help others facing similar obstacles, to see them walk, run, and smile again. I am thrilled to have been accepted into the University of Michigan on a scholarship program. However, the program doesn’t cover all my expenses, leaving me to find ways to cover the remaining costs. My mom does her best to support me, but with other financial responsibilities, paying for college is a struggle. Receiving this scholarship would ease the financial burden, allowing me to focus on my studies and fulfill my dream. I aspire to show others facing adversity that they can overcome their challenges too, inspiring them to never give up on their own goals and futures. This scholarship would bring me one step closer to making that impact.

On February 11, 2015, my family’s lives changed forever. My mom lost her sister to breast cancer, a devastating blow not long after losing her mother to heart failure. Having a family member die from a terminal illness is incredibly difficult and painful. Watching my mom grieve for her sister made me realize how fragile life is and how hard it is to lose loved ones. Losing my aunt hit home for me in a personal way, as I, too, have faced a battle with cancer. At just 18 months old, I was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma, an aggressive childhood cancer. Doctors found a cancerous tumor attached to my spine, and in addition, I developed a rare neurological condition called opsoclonus myoclonus, which typically emerges before a tumor’s discovery—but in my case, it appeared afterward. Opsoclonus myoclonus syndrome (OMAS) is an inflammatory neurological disorder that can disrupt eye movement, motor skills, behavior, sleep, and language. Although my cancer was diagnosed at stage 1, OMAS greatly affected my early development. As a toddler, I stopped walking and talking and couldn’t hold a cup or toy due to uncontrollable motor difficulties. Throughout elementary school, I received physical, speech, and occupational therapy, and I was labeled as disabled and placed in special education programs. Being in special classes often made me feel underestimated by others. Some people didn’t think I would be able to attend college, and I was sometimes teased in high school for being in special education. It was hard not to feel discouraged, but I remained determined to prove myself. I pushed myself to overcome every obstacle, always with a clear vision of my future—I wanted to become a physical therapist. Having been through my own challenges with mobility and coordination, I felt driven to help others facing similar obstacles, to see them walk, run, and smile again. I am thrilled to have been accepted into the University of Michigan on a scholarship program. However, the program doesn’t cover all my expenses, leaving me to find ways to cover the remaining costs. My mom does her best to support me, but with other financial responsibilities, paying for college is a struggle. Receiving this scholarship would ease the financial burden, allowing me to focus on my studies and fulfill my dream. I aspire to show others facing adversity that they can overcome their challenges too, inspiring them to never give up on their own goals and futures. This scholarship would bring me one step closer to making that impact.

Life is a journey filled with unexpected challenges, and my own path has been marked by adversity and triumph. As a cancer survivor, I have faced the daunting specter of illness, but it is the resilience I developed through these experiences that has fueled my determination to pursue and achieve my education goals. Moreover, having navigated the hurdles of being bullied due to a learning disability developed from a condition called Opsoclonus Myoclonus associated with the cancer, I have learned to turn adversity into a source of strength. The Battle with Cancer: The word "cancer" has a weight that is indescribable until you have faced it personally. I became intimately acquainted with its challenges when I was diagnosed as a cancer patient. The journey through treatment was arduous, demanding both physical and emotional strength. Yet, in the midst of this adversity, I discovered an inner resilience that I never knew existed. The battle with cancer taught me the importance of perseverance, the value of each moment, and the strength that can be found in facing one's deepest fears. Overcoming Learning Disabilities and Bullying: I grappled with a learning disability that led me to be enrolled in special education programs. Unfortunately, this circumstance became an unwitting invitation for bullying. Cruel taunts and exclusion from peers became a painful reality. However, rather than succumbing to despair, I used these experiences as a catalyst for personal growth. Adversity as a Driving Force: Adversity has been a driving force in shaping my educational goals. The challenges of my condition, opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome, and the scars of bullying motivated me to pursue a path that would not only defy the odds stacked against me but also empower others facing similar struggles. I recognized that education held the key to breaking free from the limitations imposed by illness and societal prejudices. Education as a Beacon of Hope: My journey toward education became a beacon of hope amid adversity. I refused to let my past define my future. Instead, I channelled the strength gained from surviving cancer and overcoming bullying into a relentless pursuit of knowledge. The supportive environment of educational institutions became a sanctuary where my unique abilities were recognized and nurtured rather than ridiculed. Achieving Educational Goals: Each academic milestone became a testament to my resilience. From earning a high school diploma to pursuing higher education, I transformed my setbacks into stepping stones. The challenges that once seemed insurmountable became the driving force behind my academic success. Today, I stand as a cancer survivor, an advocate for those with learning disabilities, and an embodiment of the transformative power of education. Conclusion: Life's adversities may be inevitable, but the ability to turn them into catalysts for personal growth and achievement is a choice. My journey as a cancer survivor and someone who overcame bullying due to a learning disability has not only shaped my character but has also fueled my passion for education. With each step forward, I carry the lessons of resilience and determination, understanding that adversity, when faced head-on, can become the impetus for realizing dreams and goals.

Making a lasting impact on the lives of individuals and communities is a profound endeavor that requires dedication, empathy, and a genuine desire to create positive change. I found the most powerful means of impacting others within the community is volunteer work with youth. Volunteering with youth in the community is a powerful way I discovered to make a positive impact and contribute to the well-being and development of the next generation. Through the widespread impact on children in the Flint Water Crisis, I gained an understanding of the significant deficiencies in this area. Lead exposure, especially during critical periods of brain development, is known to have detrimental effects on cognitive function, learning, and behavior in children. The Flint Water Crisis exposed thousands of children to elevated levels of lead in their drinking water, posing a significant threat to their overall well-being. I decided to volunteer for tutoring programs that were established to address academic gaps and enhance learning outcomes. As a volunteer working closely with students, I offer personalized attention to help them overcome challenges related to attention difficulties, memory impairments, and other cognitive effects associated with lead exposure. In the realm of public health, volunteering in the aftermath of the Flint Water Crisis offered a chance for me to witness the intersection of environmental factors and health outcomes. By aspiring to work in public health, I could use my experiences to advocate for policies that prioritize clean and safe water access, as well as to one day develop preventive health strategies tailored to communities affected by similar environmental crises. Volunteering also aligns with career goals in community development, as I aspire to create positive and sustainable change at the grassroots level. By actively participating in educational initiatives, I can contribute to the resilience and empowerment of the community, fostering an environment where children affected by lead exposure can overcome adversity and achieve their full potential. The impact of my career-oriented volunteer efforts extends far beyond personal and professional development. By actively contributing to the recovery and growth of my community affected by a crisis like the Flint Water Crisis, individuals like myself are directly influencing the lives of children and families. We become agents of change, working towards a future where the long-term consequences of environmental injustices are mitigated, and communities are better equipped to overcome adversity. In essence, aligning volunteer work with my career goals not only enhances personal growth and professional development but also ensures that the skills and knowledge acquired are applied in ways that have a lasting, positive impact on the lives of others. The synergy between career aspirations and community service creates a pathway for me to make meaningful contributions to both my own future and the well-being of those I serve. In the aftermath of the Flint Water Crisis, children exposed to lead contamination may experience physical health challenges, and addressing these issues requires a comprehensive approach. As a future physical therapist committed to public service, I recognize the importance of integrating my expertise into community development initiatives. Volunteering in education-focused programs offers an opportunity to assess the physical well-being of affected children and implement strategies to support their overall health. In summary, my chosen field of physical therapy aligns with public service goals by contributing to the comprehensive health and well-being of communities affected by environmental challenges like the Flint Water Crisis. Volunteering in education-focused initiatives allows me to integrate physical therapy interventions into a broader framework of community development, ensuring that the principles of health equity, education, and holistic well-being are central to public service efforts.

For many African American students like myself, being first-generation implies a unique set of challenges. Often navigating unfamiliar academic terrain without the guidance of family members who have gone through the college experience, students like myself, face additional obstacles. Winning a scholarship becomes a beacon of hope, not only alleviating financial burdens but also serving as a testament to my resilience and determination. Financially, this scholarship will opens doors that may have otherwise remained closed. The burden of tuition fees, textbooks, and other educational expenses can be overwhelming for first-generation students like me, potentially limiting their access to quality education. A scholarship not only eases my financial strain but also provides me the freedom to focus more on academic pursuits and extracurricular activities, enhancing the overall college experience. I am struggling with not being able to attend full semesters or only being able to take one or two courses per semester in order to continue my education. Moreover, the impact of winning a scholarship extends beyond the individual. As a representative of my community, the success of an African American, first-generation scholarship recipient becomes a source of inspiration. It challenges stereotypes and breaks down barriers, encouraging others in similar circumstances to aspire to higher education. The ripple effect can lead to increased diversity on college campuses, fostering a more inclusive learning environment. Winning this scholarship can also empower me academically and professionally. With financial stability comes the ability to fully engage in academic pursuits, explore various fields of study, and participate in internships or research opportunities. This, in turn, will enhance my competitiveness in the job market upon graduation. This scholarship becomes an investment in my future, opening doors to career opportunities that may have seemed out of reach. Furthermore, the recognition of academic achievement through a scholarship will boost my self-esteem and confidence. The validation of my hard work and dedication reinforces the belief that I belong in higher education, despite the challenges I may have faced. This newfound confidence can positively impact my academic performance and overall well-being, setting the stage for continued success in my educational journey and beyond. In conclusion, winning this scholarship as an African American, first-generation student is a life-changing event that transcends financial assistance. It empowers me, transforms communities, and contributes to a more diverse and inclusive educational landscape. The effects are far-reaching, influencing not only my immediate academic journey but also shaping my future success and impact of my scholarship.

Cancer can have a profound impact on children, affecting them physically and emotionally. I am a childhood cancer survivor who experienced long-term consequences such as physical and learning disabilities. At the age of 15 months, I was diagnosed with a rare, childhood cancer, Neuroblastoma. Neuroblastoma cancer develops from immature nerve cells most often in infants and young children. My tumor was discovered attached to my spine. In addition, I ended up with a syndrome called Opsoclonus-myoclonus (OMS) which is associated with a neuroblastoma. OMS is very rare and not all children will develop the syndrome. Unfortunately, I was affected by the syndrome which drastically changed the course of my life and education. A brief description of the effects of OMS include motor disturbances, cognitive changes, speech and language problems, fatigue and sleep disturbances. Although my cancer went into remission, I battled my OMS for most of my school-aged years. I learned to speak and walk again with lots of therapy! I was placed in special education in grade school and graduated with minor assistance. Being in a ​special education program in ​grade school can evoke a range of emotions. I know for me it evoked frustration, self-consciousness, hope, resilience, and determination. By high school, I experienced bullies and feelings of depression. Despite the challenges, I was hopeful about my educational journey. I was determined that I would overcome my obstacles and achieve my goals. I had a great support system! Thank goodness for my mother and grandparents! The fear of cancer returning always lingered in the back of my mind. I worried about minor aches and pains, that helped cause anxiety. The anxiety didn't stop my passion and commitment to succeed in school. I can remember my mother wouldn't punish me if I received a grade less than a C because I would punish myself to the point I would get physically ill. With persistence and dedication, I graduated with a 2.9 grade point average. And I was accepted to the University of Michigan-Flint! I was so proud of myself. I am a Physical Therapy Major in pre-medicine. I don't believe I would have picked the field of medicine if I hadn't battled cancer and OMS. Experiencing cancer firsthand had a profound impact on my life. It created a sense of resilience, gratitude, and determination to make the most out of life. Most importantly, it shaped my outlook on academics and my professional goals. It gave me a sense of purpose aimed at making a positive impact on other lives. To win this scholarship would be an incredibly rewarding experience. It would alleviate some of the financial burden and stress, gratitude, validation, excitement and most importantly, hope. Hope for a brighter future and a pathway to continue to pursue my educational goals.