When I was very young I was diagnosed with Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic purpura. Which means I have low levels of platelets in my blood which prevents bleeding. It affected me the worst in kindergarten as I missed so much school because I had to stay in the hospital getting transfusions. I missed so much school that year I had to repeat kindergarten so i’ve always been a year older than everyone in my class. My biggest embarrassment was the fact I had to repeat kindergarten such an easy grade. Although it was out of my control I still felt like I was so behind as people the same age as me were graduating but I was still stuck behind. Once I got to high school I decided it was time to stop feeling bad for myself. Many people called me names like “stupid” or “dumb” for being so old which did hurt my feelings. But then I thought about it and I realized I was the first person in my class to drive and I could even vote. Being the first person to get my license made me feel almost like a leader. Believe or not this really was my epiphany that I am strong despite my blood disorder. I began doing multiple community service drives in my school which I all lead myself. Each of my community service drives were very successful and I was able to give back a lot to the community. I realized I really enjoyed giving back and helping others. When I applied for college I choose the business major in which I want to dabble into real estate. In real estate you’re your own boss and you also help people find the perfect house. I applied to this scholarship because I believe I perfectly fit the description and I really need financial help to help me in college.

A community to me is a group of people who share similar characteristics in common. In this community people work together to create a place everyone feels welcomed and heard. Throughout high school i’ve lead four donation drives that gave back to several shelters in Miami. I accumulated over 1,000 diapers, 300 pairs of shoes, 100 Christmas toys and 500 toiletries for people in need. I am a kind hearted, thoughtful, bright and determined young women. No one in my family has gone to college and received a bachelor’s so I would like to be the first. The only thing that prohibits me from going to college is my financial situation. However, i’m very set on going and will explore all my options to make possible. I want to pursue a business major possibly marketing. Once, I work a little in the field I would like to move my way up as the boss or owner of my own business. When I am comfortable enough I will work on getting my real estate license which is a dream of mine. Real estate from what I’ve seen isn’t always successful that’s why I would like to start it further in my career when i’m already successful and financially stable. Community service is one of my passions so of course I will continue to give back to people in need.

My name is Madalynn Cruz, I was born and raised in Miami, and I turn 19 years old this year. I'm a senior in High School; when I graduate, I plan to go to college and major in business. I think of myself as a leader; I don't sit back and let people walk all over me or others. Something that makes me unique is my condition called Misophonia, in which I experience intense anger when I hear sounds like chewing. Misophonia profoundly affects how I function; however, this disorder has become part of me and made me very independent.