I had walked into the X-Ray room about ten times before for routine check-ups, and I believed that this time was no different. The routine was simple: walk into the cold, radiation-filled room, sit down on the small, backless chair behind a clear plastic board, and sit very still. Little did I know that the image produced from this five-minute X-Ray would change my life forever, in more ways than one. When I was four years old, I was diagnosed with Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy. Muscular Dystrophy meant that not only would my body struggle as my muscles deteriorated, but the rest of my life would consist of doing average tasks at a much more difficult level. I never walked normally. I always lacked coordination and balance, experienced muscle pain, fell constantly, could not get up from certain positions, and moved slowly. I would only realize later in life that this was not just a physical ailment - it was an emotional and mental toll that would never fade. I was still, at times, able to live my life in the best way possible. However, that was about to change: I was forced to undergo spinal fusion surgery. I went into surgery calm and optimistic thinking that I would come out of surgery better than ever. I was naive to the fact that my entire body would emerge at a permanent pause - a constant cycle of hurdles, therapy, and pain. I was no longer able to walk. The rod placed in my back had demanded my body to have to hold all of my weight, which it had never done before. Then I came to the debilitating realization: I would have to use a wheelchair for the rest of my life. This change had created major obstacles due to the fact that I had never experienced anything like this before. But it also allowed me to learn how to be more independent and learn different approaches to solving these problems. The reality of my life has forced me to push myself harder than I ever believed I was capable of. As I experienced these hardships, I thought to myself “why me?”. But as I am here today, learning to live with my circumstances, the question I ask myself is “why not me?” Weekly appointments and visits became a second home to me. Being surrounded by people in the medical field has influenced my long-term aspirations. I am constantly motivated by the people who have helped me along my difficult journey, and it has inspired my own passion to help others. I want to be able to effect positive change for someone who is going through something similar. I have always been particularly interested in science and want to apply that devotion and fascination in the medical field. This experience has taught me to persevere. Even though the outcome may not have been what I ever expected or wanted, giving up is not an option. I use what I have learned in my experience by not only working harder but knowing that if you put enough work into what you want to accomplish, you will eventually do it. To be the best possible version of myself is my only option, and this has ultimately translated into my academics. I have worked relentlessly to show what I am academically capable of and know that this is just the beginning. I now roll into that same X-Ray room every 6 months, except these days are different. These days are filled with curiosity, strength, determination, and hope.

I had walked into the X-Ray room about ten times before for routine check-ups, and I believed that this time was no different. The routine was simple: walk into the cold, radiation-filled room, sit down on the small, backless chair behind a clear plastic board, and sit very still. Little did I know that the image produced from this five-minute X-Ray would change my life forever, in more ways than one. When I was four years old, I was diagnosed with Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy. Muscular Dystrophy meant that not only would my body struggle as my muscles deteriorated, but the rest of my life would consist of doing average tasks at a much more difficult level. I never walked normally. I always lacked coordination and balance, experienced muscle pain, fell constantly, could not get up from certain positions, and moved slowly. I would only realize later in life that this was not just a physical ailment - it was an emotional and mental toll that would never fade. I was still, at times, able to live my life in the best way possible. However, that was about to change: I was forced to undergo spinal fusion surgery. I went into surgery calm and optimistic thinking that I would come out of surgery better than ever. I was naive to the fact that my entire body would emerge at a permanent pause - a constant cycle of hurdles, therapy, and pain. I was no longer able to walk. The rod placed in my back had demanded my body to have to hold all of my weight, which it had never done before. Then I came to the debilitating realization: I would have to use a wheelchair for the rest of my life. This change had created major obstacles due to the fact that I had never experienced anything like this before. But it also allowed me to learn how to be more independent and learn different approaches to solving these problems. The reality of my life has forced me to push myself harder than I ever believed I was capable of. As I experienced these hardships, I thought to myself “why me?”. But as I am here today, learning to live with my circumstances, the question I ask myself is “why not me?” Weekly appointments and visits became a second home to me. Being surrounded by people in the medical field has influenced my long-term aspirations. I am constantly motivated by the people who have helped me along my difficult journey, and it has inspired my own passion to help others. I want to be able to effect positive change for someone who is going through something similar. I have always been particularly interested in science and want to apply that devotion and fascination in the medical field. This experience has taught me to persevere. Even though the outcome may not have been what I ever expected or wanted, giving up is not an option. I use what I have learned in my experience by not only working harder but knowing that if you put enough work into what you want to accomplish, you will eventually do it. To be the best possible version of myself is my only option, and this has ultimately translated into my academics. I have worked relentlessly to show what I am academically capable of and know that this is just the beginning. I now roll into that same X-Ray room every 6 months, except these days are different. These days are filled with curiosity, strength, determination, and hope.

        I had walked into the X-Ray room about ten times before for routine check-ups, and I believed that this time was no different. The routine was simple: walk into the cold, radiation-filled room, sit down on the small, backless chair behind a clear plastic board, and sit very still. Little did I know that the image produced from this five-minute X-Ray would change my life forever; in more ways than one.  When I was four years old, I was diagnosed with Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy.         Muscular Dystrophy meant that not only would my body struggle as my muscles deteriorated, but the rest of my life would consist of doing average tasks at a much more difficult level. I never walked normally - I always lacked coordination and balance, experienced muscle pain, fell constantly, could not get up from certain positions, and moved slowly. I would only realize later in life that this was not just a physical ailment - it was an emotional and mental toll that would never fade.          I was still, at times, able to live my life in the best way possible. However, that was about to change: I was forced to undergo spinal fusion surgery. I went into surgery calm and optimistic thinking that I would come out of surgery better than ever. I was naive to the fact that my entire body would emerge at a permanent pause - a constant cycle of hurdles, therapy, and pain. I tthen came to the debilitating realization: I would have to use a wheelchair for the rest of my life. This change had created major obstacles due to the fact that I had never experienced anything like this before. But, it also allowed me to learn how to be more independent and learn different approaches to solving these problems.           The reality of my life has forced me to push myself harder than I ever believed I was capable of. As I experienced these hardships, I thought to myself, “why me?”. But as I am here today, learning to live with my circumstances, the question I ask myself is “why not me?” Weekly appointments and visits became a second home to me. Being surrounded by people in the medical field has influenced my long-term aspirations. I am constantly motivated by the people who have helped me along my difficult journey, and it has inspired my own passion to help others. I want to be able to effect positive change for someone who is going through something similar. I have always been particularly interested in science and want to apply that devotion and fascination in the medical field.          This scholarship will help me pay for books and other expenses like lab fees. It will assist me in pursuing a career in medicine which I have dreamed of doing my entire life.         This entire experience that I have had with Muscular Dystrophy has developed me into the person that I am today. In the future, I will continue to work hard in hopes of walking again. I will use the knowledge that I have learned to not give up when things become hard and keep pushing. To be the best possible version of myself is my only option, and this has ultimately translated into my academics. I have worked relentlessly to show what I am academically capable of and know that this is just the beginning.

When I was four years old, I was diagnosed with Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy. Muscular Dystrophy meant that not only would my body struggle as my muscles deteriorated, but the rest of my life would consist of doing average tasks at a much more difficult level. I never walked normally - I always lacked coordination and balance, experienced muscle pain, fell constantly, could not get up from certain positions, and moved slowly. I would only realize later in life that this was not just a physical ailment - it was an emotional and mental toll that would never fade.           The reality of my life has forced me to push myself harder than I ever believed I was capable of. As I experienced these hardships, I thought to myself, “why me?”. But as I am here today, learning to live with my circumstances, the question I ask myself is “why not me?” Weekly appointments and visits became a second home to me. Being surrounded by people in the medical field has influenced my long-term aspirations. I am constantly motivated by the people who have helped me along my difficult journey, and it has inspired my own passion to help others. I want to be able to effect positive change for someone who is going through something similar. I have always been particularly interested in science and want to apply that devotion and fascination in the medical field.    By pursuing a career in neuroscience, I will be able to fulfill my passion to help others. The neuroscience major plays a role in my long time goals because I would like to go to medical school and believe that the neuroscience major will allow me to learn about interesting topics while taking the required courses for medical school. The neuroscience major will also provide me with the basis of knowledge that I need to graduate medical school and become a physician.         This entire experience that I have had with Muscular Dystrophy has developed me into the person that I am today. In the future, I will continue to work hard in hopes of walking again. I will use the knowledge that I have learned to not give up when things become hard and keep pushing. To be the best possible version of myself is my only option, and this has ultimately translated into my academics. Going into the STEM field will ultimately allow me to reach my goals. I have worked relentlessly to show what I am academically capable of and know that this is just the beginning.

        I had walked into the X-Ray room about ten times before for routine check-ups, and I believed that this time was no different. The routine was simple: walk into the cold, radiation-filled room, sit down on the small, backless chair behind a clear plastic board, and sit very still. Little did I know that the image produced from this five-minute X-Ray would change my life forever; in more ways than one.  When I was four years old, I was diagnosed with Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy.         Muscular Dystrophy meant that not only would my body struggle as my muscles deteriorated, but the rest of my life would consist of doing average tasks at a much more difficult level. I never walked normally - I always lacked coordination and balance, experienced muscle pain, fell constantly, could not get up from certain positions, and moved slowly. I would only realize later in life that this was not just a physical ailment - it was an emotional and mental toll that would never fade.            I was still, at times, able to live my life in the best way possible. However, that was about to change: I was forced to undergo spinal fusion surgery. I went into surgery calm and optimistic thinking that I would come out of surgery better than ever. I was naive to the fact that my entire body would emerge at a permanent pause - a constant cycle of hurdles, therapy, and pain. I was no longer able to walk. The rod placed in my back had demanded my body to have to hold all of my weight, which it had never done before. Then I came to the debilitating realization: I would have to use a wheelchair for the rest of my life. This change had created major obstacles due to the fact that I had never experienced anything like this before. But, it also allowed me to learn how to be more independent and learn different approaches to solving these problems.             The reality of my life has forced me to push myself harder than I ever believed I was capable of. As I experienced these hardships, I thought to myself, “why me?”. But as I am here today, learning to live with my circumstances, the question I ask myself is “why not me?” Weekly appointments and visits became a second home to me. Being surrounded by people in the medical field has influenced my long-term aspirations. I am constantly motivated by the people who have helped me along my difficult journey, and it has inspired my own passion to help others. I want to be able to effect positive change for someone who is going through something similar. I have always been particularly interested in science and want to apply that devotion and fascination in the medical field.          This experience has taught me to persevere. Even though the outcome may not have been what I ever expected or wanted, giving up is not an option. I use what I have learned in my experience by not only working harder but knowing that if you put enough work into what you want to accomplish, you will eventually do it.          This entire experience that I have had with Muscular Dystrophy has developed me into the person that I am today. In the future, I will continue to work hard in hopes of walking again. I will use the knowledge that I have learned to not give up when things become hard and keep pushing. To be the best possible version of myself is my only option, and this has ultimately translated into my academics. I have worked relentlessly to show what I am academically capable of and know that this is just the beginning.           I now roll into that same X-Ray room every 6 months, except these days are different. These days are filled with curiosity, strength, determination, and hope.

        I had walked into the X-Ray room about ten times before for routine check-ups, and I believed that this time was no different. The routine was simple: walk into the cold, radiation-filled room, sit down on the small, backless chair behind a clear plastic board, and sit very still. Little did I know that the image produced from this five-minute X-Ray would change my life forever; in more ways than one.  When I was four years old, I was diagnosed with Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy.         Muscular Dystrophy meant that not only would my body struggle as my muscles deteriorated, but the rest of my life would consist of doing average tasks at a much more difficult level. I never walked normally - I always lacked coordination and balance, experienced muscle pain, fell constantly, could not get up from certain positions, and moved slowly. I would only realize later in life that this was not just a physical ailment - it was an emotional and mental toll that would never fade.          I was still, at times, able to live my life in the best way possible. However, that was about to change: I was forced to undergo spinal fusion surgery. I went into surgery calm and optimistic thinking that I would come out of surgery better than ever. I was naive to the fact that my entire body would emerge at a permanent pause - a constant cycle of hurdles, therapy, and pain. I was no longer able to walk. The rod placed in my back had demanded my body to have to hold all of my weight, which it had never done before. Then I came to the debilitating realization: I would have to use a wheelchair for the rest of my life. This change had created major obstacles due to the fact that I had never experienced anything like this before. But, it also allowed me to learn how to be more independent and learn different approaches to solving these problems.           The reality of my life has forced me to push myself harder than I ever believed I was capable of. As I experienced these hardships, I thought to myself, “why me?”. But as I am here today, learning to live with my circumstances, the question I ask myself is “why not me?” Weekly appointments and visits became a second home to me. Being surrounded by people in the medical field has influenced my long-term aspirations. I am constantly motivated by the people who have helped me along my difficult journey, and it has inspired my own passion to help others. I want to be able to effect positive change for someone who is going through something similar. I have always been particularly interested in science and want to apply that devotion and fascination in the medical field.          This experience has taught me to persevere. Even though the outcome may not have been what I ever expected or wanted, giving up is not an option. I use what I have learned in my experience by not only working harder but knowing that if you put enough work into what you want to accomplish, you will eventually do it.          This entire experience that I have had with Muscular Dystrophy has developed me into the person that I am today. In the future, I will continue to work hard in hopes of walking again. I will use the knowledge that I have learned to not give up when things become hard and keep pushing. To be the best possible version of myself is my only option, and this has ultimately translated into my academics. I have worked relentlessly to show what I am academically capable of and know that this is just the beginning.           I now roll into that same X-Ray room every 6 months, except these days are different. These days are filled with curiosity, strength, determination, and hope.

        I had walked into the X-Ray room about ten times before for routine check-ups, and I believed that this time was no different. The routine was simple: walk into the cold, radiation-filled room, sit down on the small, backless chair behind a clear plastic board, and sit very still. Little did I know that the image produced from this five-minute X-Ray would change my life forever; in more ways than one.  When I was four years old, I was diagnosed with Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy.           Muscular Dystrophy meant that not only would my body struggle as my muscles deteriorated, but the rest of my life would consist of doing average tasks at a much more difficult level. I never walked normally - I always lacked coordination and balance, experienced muscle pain, fell constantly, could not get up from certain positions, and moved slowly. I would only realize later in life that this was not just a physical ailment - it was an emotional and mental toll that would never fade.          I was still, at times, able to live my life in the best way possible. However, that was about to change: I was forced to undergo spinal fusion surgery. I went into surgery calm and optimistic thinking that I would come out of surgery better than ever. I was naive to the fact that my entire body would emerge at a permanent pause - a constant cycle of hurdles, therapy, and pain. The rod placed in my back had demanded my body to have to hold all of my weight, which it had never done before. I was no longer able to walk. This change had created major obstacles due to the fact that I had never experienced anything like this before. But, it also allowed me to learn how to be more independent and learn different approaches to solving these problems.             The reality of my life has forced me to push myself harder than I ever believed I was capable of. As I experienced these hardships, I thought to myself, “why me?”. But as I am here today, learning to live with my circumstances, the question I ask myself is “why not me?” Weekly appointments and visits became a second home to me. Being surrounded by people in the medical field has influenced my long-term aspirations. I am constantly motivated by the people who have helped me along my difficult journey, and it has inspired my own passion to help others. I want to be able to effect positive change for someone who is going through something similar. I have always been particularly interested in science and want to apply that devotion and fascination in the medical field.          This experience has taught me to persevere. Even though the outcome may not have been what I ever expected or wanted, giving up is not an option. I use what I have learned in my experience by not only working harder but knowing that if you put enough work into what you want to accomplish, you will eventually do it.          In the future, I will continue to work hard in hopes of walking again. I will use the knowledge that I have learned to not give up when things become hard and keep pushing. To be the best possible version of myself is my only option, and this has ultimately translated into my academics. I have worked relentlessly to show what I am academically capable of and know that this is just the beginning.  

        I had walked into the X-Ray room about ten times before for routine check-ups, and I believed that this time was no different. The routine was simple: walk into the cold, radiation-filled room, sit down on the small, backless chair behind a clear plastic board, and sit very still. Little did I know that the image produced from this five-minute X-Ray would change my life forever; in more ways than one.  When I was four years old, I was diagnosed with Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy.         Muscular Dystrophy meant that not only would my body struggle as my muscles deteriorated, but the rest of my life would consist of doing average tasks at a much more difficult level. I never walked normally - I always lacked coordination and balance, experienced muscle pain, fell constantly, could not get up from certain positions, and moved slowly. I would only realize later in life that this was not just a physical ailment - it was an emotional and mental toll that would never fade.          I was still, at times, able to live my life in the best way possible. However, that was about to change: I was forced to undergo spinal fusion surgery. I went into surgery calm and optimistic thinking that I would come out of surgery better than ever. I was naive to the fact that my entire body would emerge at a permanent pause - a constant cycle of hurdles, therapy, and pain. I was no longer able to walk. The rod placed in my back had demanded my body to have to hold all of my weight, which it had never done before. Then I came to the debilitating realization: I would have to use a wheelchair for the rest of my life. This change had created major obstacles due to the fact that I had never experienced anything like this before. But, it also allowed me to learn how to be more independent and learn different approaches to solving these problems.           The reality of my life has forced me to push myself harder than I ever believed I was capable of. As I experienced these hardships, I thought to myself, “why me?”. But as I am here today, learning to live with my circumstances, the question I ask myself is “why not me?” Weekly appointments and visits became a second home to me. Being surrounded by people in the medical field has influenced my long-term aspirations. I am constantly motivated by the people who have helped me along my difficult journey, and it has inspired my own passion to help others. I want to be able to effect positive change for someone who is going through something similar. I have always been particularly interested in science and want to apply that devotion and fascination in the medical field.          This experience has taught me to persevere. Even though the outcome may not have been what I ever expected or wanted, giving up is not an option. I use what I have learned in my experience by not only working harder but knowing that if you put enough work into what you want to accomplish, you will eventually do it.          This entire experience that I have had with Muscular Dystrophy has developed me into the person that I am today. In the future, I will continue to work hard in hopes of walking again. I will use the knowledge that I have learned to not give up when things become hard and keep pushing. To be the best possible version of myself is my only option, and this has ultimately translated into my academics. I have worked relentlessly to show what I am academically capable of and know that this is just the beginning.         I now roll into that same X-Ray room every 6 months, except these days are different. These days are filled with curiosity, strength, determination, and hope.

        I had walked into the X-Ray room about ten times before for routine check-ups, and I believed that this time was no different. The routine was simple: walk into the cold, radiation-filled room, sit down on the small, backless chair behind a clear plastic board, and sit very still. Little did I know that the image produced from this five-minute X-Ray would change my life forever; in more ways than one.  When I was four years old, I was diagnosed with Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy.         Muscular Dystrophy meant that not only would my body struggle as my muscles deteriorated, but the rest of my life would consist of doing average tasks at a much more difficult level. I never walked normally - I always lacked coordination and balance, experienced muscle pain, fell constantly, could not get up from certain positions, and moved slowly. I would only realize later in life that this was not just a physical ailment - it was an emotional and mental toll that would never fade.          I was still, at times, able to live my life in the best way possible. However, that was about to change: I was forced to undergo spinal fusion surgery. I went into surgery calm and optimistic thinking that I would come out of surgery better than ever. I was naive to the fact that my entire body would emerge at a permanent pause - a constant cycle of hurdles, therapy, and pain. I was no longer able to walk. The rod placed in my back had demanded my body to have to hold all of my weight, which it had never done before. Then I came to the debilitating realization: I would have to use a wheelchair for the rest of my life. This change had created major obstacles due to the fact that I had never experienced anything like this before. But, it also allowed me to learn how to be more independent and learn different approaches to solving these problems.           The reality of my life has forced me to push myself harder than I ever believed I was capable of. As I experienced these hardships, I thought to myself, “why me?”. But as I am here today, learning to live with my circumstances, the question I ask myself is “why not me?” Weekly appointments and visits became a second home to me. Being surrounded by people in the medical field has influenced my long-term aspirations. I am constantly motivated by the people who have helped me along my difficult journey, and it has inspired my own passion to help others. I want to be able to effect positive change for someone who is going through something similar. I have always been particularly interested in science and want to apply that devotion and fascination in the medical field.            This experience has taught me to persevere. Even though the outcome may not have been what I ever expected or wanted, giving up is not an option. I use what I have learned in my experience by not only working harder but knowing that if you put enough work into what you want to accomplish, you will eventually do it.          This entire experience that I have had with Muscular Dystrophy has developed me into the person that I am today. In the future, I will continue to work hard in hopes of walking again. I will use the knowledge that I have learned to not give up when things become hard and keep pushing. To be the best possible version of myself is my only option, and this has ultimately translated into my academics. I have worked relentlessly to show what I am academically capable of and know that this is just the beginning.         I now roll into that same X-Ray room every 6 months, except these days are different. These days are filled with curiosity, strength, determination, and hope.