For me, success is not merely about achieving personal goals or reaching milestones. It is about overcoming adversity, making a difference in the lives of others, and contributing positively to the world around me. Living with multiple learning differences and intractable epilepsy, I have learned that success often lies in the ability to adapt, persevere, and inspire. These experiences have shaped my understanding of success, guiding me towards a future where I can use my challenges as stepping stones to help others, particularly those facing similar battles. Success, to me, is completing the Neurodiagnostic Technology program at Cozer-Health and becoming an EEG technician at a pediatric hospital. My journey with epilepsy has instilled in me a profound interest in neuroscience and a desire to make a meaningful impact in the medical field. I envision myself in a role where I can bring comfort and understanding to children and their families during some of their most challenging times. My aspiration is to provide the same kindness, empathy, and expertise that I received from a neurodiagnostic technologist during my stay at NYU Langone. This technician transformed a terrifying experience into one that sparked my career ambition, and I hope to do the same for others. Achieving this vision requires more than just determination; it requires substantial financial support. A scholarship would be pivotal in helping me achieve my goals, alleviating the financial burden that weighs heavily on my family. Over the past eight years, my family has invested significantly in my education, ensuring I received the specialized support necessary for my learning differences. This investment, while invaluable for my academic and personal growth, has led to considerable financial strain, with tuition costs accumulating on various credit cards and lines of credit. A scholarship would ease this financial pressure, allowing me to focus on my studies and clinical training without the constant worry about how to afford it. It would provide the stability and security needed to pursue my dreams and further my education in neurodiagnostic technology. This support would enable me to continue my journey towards becoming an EEG technician, equipping me with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in this field. Moreover, a scholarship would affirm my belief in the value of persistence and resilience. It would serve as a testament to the idea that despite the challenges one faces, there is always a way forward with the right support. This opportunity would not only empower me to achieve my goals but also inspire others who are facing similar struggles. It would highlight the importance of community and support systems in helping individuals reach their full potential, regardless of the obstacles in their path. In the broader scope of my life, success is also about giving back and making a lasting impact. As an EEG technician, I hope to advocate for children with epilepsy and raise awareness about the importance of empathetic care in medical settings. My experiences have shown me how crucial it is for medical professionals to be not only skilled but also compassionate and understanding. I aim to be a trailblazer in this regard, setting a standard for care that prioritizes the emotional and psychological well-being of patients alongside their physical health. In conclusion, success for me is defined by overcoming personal challenges, achieving professional goals, and making a positive impact on others. A scholarship would be instrumental in helping me reach these aspirations by alleviating the financial burden of my education and allowing me to focus on my training and future career. It would enable me to turn my experiences into a force for good, inspiring and supporting others as they navigate their own journeys. With this support, I am confident that I can achieve my vision of success and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those around me.

With my favorite subject being science and having a strong passion for gaining a deeper understanding of the brain, my dream job is to work as a Neurodiagnostic technologist. Neurodiagnostic technologist perform various assessments that diagnose problems with the brain as well as explain the testing process, answer questions, and reassures patients and their families. I want to help individuals experiencing neurological symptoms understand their diagnoses and eventually, assist with coping strategies through the diagnoses and symptoms. I experienced my first seizure at age 11 and have been grappling with numerous medical issues with doctors and neurologists. They have worked tirelessly to understand and discover the root cause of my epilepsy. One of my inpatient EEGs was in New York at NYU Langone. It was the technician that prepared the EEG who sparked my desire to want to become a Neurodiagnostic technologist. She was so kind, caring and knowledgeable and made a scary experience more comfortable. Both my family and I appreciated her during that tough time. To me she was like an EEG tech and child life specialist wrapped in one. I can see me at the bedside of children that are for the most part scared and not knowing what to expect, preparing them for their testing while simultaneously calming their fears and sharing my personal experiences. It registers differently when the person helping you has experienced the same thing or similar. My personal experiences with epilepsy has shown me the importance of having skilled, empathetic and invested medical professionals at the bedside and on the team. Qualities that I feel are important in this specific career path are empathy, excellent bedside manner, critical thinking, great judgement, and initiative. Another very important quality is being able to foster a connection with patients. Having trustworthiness with patients is very helpful and at times, crucial. For example, some patients may not want to be touched, feel pressure from doctors and parents or is just simply scared which naturally causes them to resist or become withdrawn. I have learned that initiating conversation and building rapport can help to build a connection and put patients at ease which is all apart of a positive care experience. In my future career search, I believe these qualities will set me apart as a candidate. Drawing from personal experiences, I can articulate the significance of empathy and effective communication in patient care. My commitment to fostering connections and creating a supportive environment aligns with my vision of being an outstanding Neurodiagnostic Technologist. Overall, my dream job reflects a dedication to serving neurology patients and advocating for their well-being, and I am eager to leverage my passion and experiences in this future endeavor.