During my senior year of high school, I fractured my fibula. One surgery, a metal plate, and five screws later, my life completely changed. Simple tasks I once did without second thought became the most challenging things I have ever faced. I have not walked in 5 months, and I dread going to new places because I do not know if the facility is accessible. This challenge may be a temporary development in my life, but it has exposed me to the struggles many people with disabilities face every single day. I aspire to advance my education in an effort to help others live their lives comfortably and safely. With the extra free time my injury granted me, I started applying for colleges. I am happy to share that I will be attending Thomas Jefferson University to achieve a bachelor's degree in interior design. I chose this field because I found that I enjoy the mathematical and artistic aspects of architecture. The concepts challenge me intellectually, yet still satisfies my need to create and design. I specifically chose interior design because the interior of spaces are where human interaction occurs. I want to inspire comfort and functionality inside buildings. Additionally, I hope that one day I can help design accessible homes for those who need it. Providing accessibility for those who cannot survive without it gives people the possibility for success and comfort. Everyone deserves an equal opportunity to be exposed to an environment that is safe and practical. People with disabilities should not have to worry if they can access a building. While I am not permanently disabled, the short time that I have been impaired opened my eyes to the challenges other people experience every single day. I had constant anxiety when going to new places because I did not know if the building had stairs and no elevator. I would worry that my mobility devices were in the way, or would not fit. There are so many other factors that needed to be considered when going to new places when physically disabled, and I was blind to them prior to my injury. With an interior design degree, I can help enhance the abilities of those who are disabled while they are inside a building. Whether this be by installing ramps, widening doorways, providing accessible seating, or using alternative signs in braille, any small adjustment may help someone greatly. All people deserve to feel safe and comfortable in their environment. No one should have to worry about accommodations they might need to exist comfortably. The Honorable Shawn Long Memorial Scholarship will help me reach my goal of furthering my education by helping me finance my tuition. In order to reach my ambition of helping others live comfortably, I need to understand the physical and psychological needs of different groups, and learn how to apply that to design. Thomas Jefferson’s CIDA accredited program will prepare me for a professional job within the interior design field. Without financial assistance, I will not be able to participate in this accredited program offered to me. I hope that one day, everyone can exist comfortably, without worrying about accommodations because they are guaranteed.