When I was 6 months old I was diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1). Neurofibromatosis is a genetic disorder that can cause tumors to form on nerve tissue. These tumors can develop anywhere in the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. Along with the possibility of tumors comes a variety of other “goodies" like learning disabilities, ADHD, and scoliosis. All of which I have. Actually, I graduated from scoliosis, and my curve was maintained through the use of a brace. Currently, the curvature of my back is better than most people who have never been diagnosed. I had to wear a brace for 5 years. It actually came in handy during one of my science research projects. I brought all my braces in and shared them with my classmates. Most of them never knew that I had scoliosis or had to wear a brace! I never let it slow me down or prevent me from doing anything. At that age, I was involved in gymnastics, horseback riding, and snowboarding. I continued to do everything I loved. As for learning disabilities, school was and is hard. I have always had an IEP but never let it get in my way. My IEP addresses difficulties with learning, test-taking, and my ADHD. School has not been easy and I have worked really hard to get here. I guess at this point, I just expect everything to be hard. I currently have a 94 average and am headed off to SUNY DELHI. My course loads have been mainstream classes for the last few years and I got through Covid pretty well. I have been working since I was 14 and am very involved with activities at school. I have been on the bowling team since 9th grade and horseback riding as well. I started my working career at Apple Ridge Orchards in Warwick as an apple ticket collector. When the season was over I worked at Mt. Peter. I then landed at Castle Fun Center and I have been working there for almost 3 years now. I work in a variety of areas there and do party hosting too. At school, I am involved with Yearbook, LEAD, PTA, and Student Leadership. I have had many obstacles along the way and with each obstacle, my family and I have figured out strategies to get through them. Those strategies have stayed in my toolbox and I find I often put them to good use and never give up, always trying to find a way to get over the obstacle. I plan on attending SUNY DELHI in the fall. I will be majoring in their Baking and Pastry Arts Bachelor program. I hope to study abroad and would love to work at Disney. My ultimate goal is to own my own bakery one day. I would love to be an inspiration to everyone with NF and or anyone else with a disability.