When I was 11 years old I had my first seizure in my 6th grade history class. That same day I was diagnosed with epilepsy. I did not know what epilepsy or what seizures were. I knew even less how this would impact my life. I quickly learned that life with epilepsy would be a difficult one. From being that "seizure girl" to navigating life with stigmas, treatments, and everything in between. I found myself ashamed and embarrassed to say I have epilepsy so I lived a double life for 20 years. My double life put me in dangerous situations many times. I wasn't taking my anti-convulsant medications as my doctor suggested. I was sneaking out, lying, denying anything associated with seizures even while having a seizure. My denial caused me to injure myself several times putting unnecessary stress and worry on my single mother and family. I had low self-esteem and believed I wasn't enough to be loved by anyone. I was told by someone who claimed they love me that, "No one would love me because no one would want to deal with my seizures," and I believed them. This belief kept me in a toxic relationship, accepting the bare minimum and thinking it was enough. I also believed I was a burden to my loved ones. This led to depression and anxiety that no one knew I was dealing with. I felt very alone in my struggle. I didn't believe anyone could ever understand what I was dealing with. People believed my seizures were caused by a demon and even performed an exorcism on me. No matter what combination of medications I tried nothing seemed to help not even my neurologist. My mom and I were often dismissed when we expressed concerns about the correlation between my seizures and hormones. Even though medication didn't work for me that was the only treatment ever suggested to me. Forcing me to look for alternatives and spending thousands of dollars my family and I didn't have. Anything to help prevent me from consistently having seizures. For 20 years I hated myself, my epilepsy, and what it did to my family. It wasn't until a conversation with my older brother that made me viewed epilepsy in a new light. Rather than see epilepsy as my curse I realized that it was my blessing. I was meant to help others in the epilepsy community through their journey. That is why I started using social media as a way to not only bring awareness to epilepsy but also to help those in the community. I wanted others to not feel alone as I did for so long. What made life with epilepsy even more difficult was I didn't know anyone else with epilepsy. Just in the U.S., about 3 million people are living with epilepsy. One in twenty-six will develop epilepsy in their lifetime. Epilepsy isn't a rare condition but it is a hidden one. Like me most in the epilepsy do not feel comfortable letting others know they have epilepsy. Whether it is due to stigmas, societal treatment, low self-esteem, etc. epilepsy continues to be in the shadows. With my education, I plan on continuing to help this overlooked community.

Success is a deeply personal and multifaceted concept that varies from individual to individual. To me, success is the harmonious alignment of personal fulfillment, professional achievement, and societal contribution. It is not a fixed destination but a journey characterized by growth, resilience, and the continuous pursuit of goals that resonate with my values and passions. Success is about making a meaningful impact on my own life and the lives of others, and this scholarship opportunity plays a crucial role in helping me realize that vision. At the heart of success lies personal fulfillment—the sense of contentment and satisfaction that comes from living a life aligned with one’s values, passions, and purpose. For me, personal fulfillment is achieved through continuous self-improvement, emotional well-being, and a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunities and experiences that life offers. It’s about nurturing my curiosity, pursuing my passions, and embracing challenges as opportunities for growth. Success in the professional realm is defined by the ability to set and achieve meaningful career goals, contribute positively to the workplace, and find satisfaction in one’s work. For me, professional success is not just about climbing the corporate ladder or accumulating wealth; it’s about making a difference in my chosen field, leading with integrity, and continuously striving for excellence. It’s about using my skills and knowledge to solve problems, innovate, and inspire others. Success, in my view, is incomplete without a commitment to societal contribution. True success transcends personal and professional achievements; it involves making a positive impact on the lives of others and contributing to the greater good. This can take many forms, from community service and advocacy to mentorship and philanthropy. I believe that with privilege comes responsibility, and success should be measured not only by what I accomplish but also by what I give back. I am deeply committed to helping the epilepsy community by raising awareness, advocating for better resources, and supporting those affected by this condition. My goal is to use my education and experiences to become a knowledgeable advocate who can drive meaningful change. I plan to collaborate with organizations that focus on epilepsy research and support, helping to educate the public about the challenges faced by individuals living with epilepsy. Additionally, I aim to provide direct support through volunteering, mentorship, and eventually contributing to research that seeks to improve treatment options and quality of life for those affected. By leveraging my skills and passion, I hope to make a lasting, positive impact on the epilepsy community, ensuring that those living with the condition have the resources, understanding, and support they need to thrive. This scholarship is more than just financial support; it is a gateway to achieving the vision of success that I have outlined. The education and experiences that this scholarship will make possible will serve as the foundation upon which I build my future. It will provide me with the knowledge, skills, and network necessary to excel in my chosen field and make meaningful contributions to society. Moreover, this scholarship will give me the freedom to focus on my studies and extracurricular activities without the constant worry of financial strain. It will allow me to immerse myself fully in the academic experience, take advantage of opportunities for growth and leadership, and pursue internships and projects that align with my career goals. In conclusion, success to me is a journey of personal fulfillment, professional achievement, and societal contribution. This scholarship represents a crucial stepping stone on that journey, providing the support and opportunities I need to realize my potential and make a lasting impact. With this scholarship, I am confident that I will not only achieve my own vision of success but also contribute to the success and well-being of others.

When I was 11 years old I had my first seizure in my 6th grade history class. That same day I was diagnosed with epilepsy. I did not know what epilepsy or what seizures were. I knew even less how this would impact my life. I quickly learned that life with epilepsy would be a difficult one. From being that "seizure girl" to navigating life with stigmas, treatments, and everything in between. I found myself ashamed and embarrassed to say I have epilepsy so I lived a double life for 20 years. My double life put me in dangerous situations many times. I wasn't taking my anti-convulsant medications as my doctor suggested. I was sneaking out, lying, denying anything associated with seizures even while having a seizure. My denial caused me to injure myself several times putting unnecessary stress and worry on my single mother and family. I had low self-esteem and believed I wasn't enough to be loved by anyone. I was told by someone who claimed they love me that, "No one would love me because no one would want to deal with my seizures," and I believed them. This belief kept me in a toxic relationship, accepting the bare minimum and thinking it was enough. I also believed I was a burden to my loved ones. This led to depression and anxiety that no one knew I was dealing with. I felt very alone in my struggle. I didn't believe anyone could ever understand what I was dealing with. People believed my seizures were caused by a demon and even performed an exorcism on me. No matter what combination of medications I tried nothing seemed to help not even my neurologist. My mom and I were often dismissed when we expressed concerns about the correlation between my seizures and hormones. Even though medication didn't work for me that was the only treatment ever suggested to me. Forcing me to look for alternatives and spending thousands of dollars my family and I didn't have. Anything to help prevent me from consistently having seizures. For 20 years I hated myself, my epilepsy, and what it did to my family. It wasn't until a conversation with my older brother that made me viewed epilepsy in a new light. Rather than see epilepsy as my curse I realized that it was my blessing. I was meant to help others in the epilepsy community through their journey. That is why I started using social media as a way to not only bring awareness to epilepsy but also to help those in the community. I wanted others to not feel alone as I did for so long. What made life with epilepsy even more difficult was I didn't know anyone else with epilepsy. Just in the U.S., about 3 million people are living with epilepsy. One in twenty-six will develop epilepsy in their lifetime. Epilepsy isn't a rare condition but it is a hidden one. Like me most in the epilepsy do not feel comfortable letting others know they have epilepsy. Whether it is due to stigmas, societal treatment, low self-esteem, etc. epilepsy continues to be in the shadows. With my education, I plan on continuing to help this overlooked community.

When I was 11 years old I had my first seizure in my 6th grade history class. That same day I was diagnosed with epilepsy. I did not know what epilepsy or what seizures were. I knew even less how this would impact my life. I quickly learned that life with epilepsy would be a difficult one. From being that "seizure girl" to navigating life with stigmas, treatments, and everything in between. I found myself ashamed and embarrassed to say I have epilepsy so I lived a double life for 20 years. My double life put me in dangerous situations many times. I wasn't taking my anti-convulsant medications as my doctor suggested. I was sneaking out, lying, denying anything associated with seizures even while having a seizure. My denial caused me to injure myself several times putting unnecessary stress and worry on my single mother and family. I had low self-esteem and believed I wasn't enough to be loved by anyone. I was told by someone who claimed they love me that, "No one would love me because no one would want to deal with my seizures," and I believed them. This belief kept me in a toxic relationship, accepting the bare minimum and thinking it was enough. I also believed I was a burden to my loved ones. This led to depression and anxiety that no one knew I was dealing with. I felt very alone in my struggle. I didn't believe anyone could ever understand what I was dealing with. People believed my seizures were caused by a demon and even performed an exorcism on me. No matter what combination of medications I tried nothing seemed to help not even my neurologist. My mom and I were often dismissed when we expressed concerns about the correlation between my seizures and hormones. Even though medication didn't work for me that was the only treatment ever suggested to me. Forcing me to look for alternatives and spending thousands of dollars my family and I didn't have. Anything to help prevent me from consistently having seizures. For 20 years I hated myself, my epilepsy, and what it did to my family. It wasn't until a conversation with my older brother that made me viewed epilepsy in a new light. Rather than see epilepsy as my curse I realized that it was my blessing. I was meant to help others in the epilepsy community through their journey. That is why I started using social media as a way to not only bring awareness to epilepsy but also to help those in the community. I wanted others to not feel alone as I did for so long. What made life with epilepsy even more difficult was I didn't know anyone else with epilepsy. Just in the U.S., about 3 million people are living with epilepsy. One in twenty-six will develop epilepsy in their lifetime. Epilepsy isn't a rare condition but it is a hidden one. Like me most in the epilepsy do not feel comfortable letting others know they have epilepsy. Whether it is due to stigmas, societal treatment, low self-esteem, etc. epilepsy continues to be in the shadows. With my education, I plan on continuing to help this overlooked community.

When I was 11 years old I had my first seizure in my 6th grade history class. That same day I was diagnosed with epilepsy. I did not know what epilepsy or what seizures were. I knew even less how this would impact my life. I quickly learned that life with epilepsy would be a difficult one. From being that "seizure girl" to navigating life with stigmas, treatments, and everything in between. I found myself ashamed and embarrassed to say I have epilepsy so I lived a double life for 20 years. My double life put me in dangerous situations many times. I wasn't taking my anti-convulsant medications as my doctor suggested. I was sneaking out, lying, denying anything associated with seizures even while having a seizure. My denial caused me to injure myself several times putting unnecessary stress and worry on my single mother and family. I had low self-esteem and believed I wasn't enough to be loved by anyone. I was told by someone who claimed they love me that, "No one would love me because no one would want to deal with my seizures," and I believed them. This belief kept me in a toxic relationship, accepting the bare minimum and thinking it was enough. I also believed I was a burden to my loved ones. This led to depression and anxiety that no one knew I was dealing with. I felt very alone in my struggle. I didn't believe anyone could ever understand what I was dealing with. People believed my seizures were caused by a demon and even performed an exorcism on me. No matter what combination of medications I tried nothing seemed to help not even my neurologist. My mom and I were often dismissed when we expressed concerns about the correlation between my seizures and hormones. Even though medication didn't work for me that was the only treatment ever suggested to me. Forcing me to look for alternatives and spending thousands of dollars my family and I didn't have. Anything to help prevent me from consistently having seizures. For 20 years I hated myself, my epilepsy, and what it did to my family. It wasn't until a conversation with my older brother that made me viewed epilepsy in a new light. Rather than see epilepsy as my curse I realized that it was my blessing. I was meant to help others in the epilepsy community through their journey. That is why I started using social media as a way to not only bring awareness to epilepsy but also to help those in the community. I wanted others to not feel alone as I did for so long. What made life with epilepsy even more difficult was I didn't know anyone else with epilepsy. Just in the U.S., about 3 million people are living with epilepsy. One in twenty-six will develop epilepsy in their lifetime. Epilepsy isn't a rare condition but it is a hidden one. Like me most in the epilepsy do not feel comfortable letting others know they have epilepsy. Whether it is due to stigmas, societal treatment, low self-esteem, etc. epilepsy continues to be in the shadows. With my education, I plan on continuing to help this overlooked community.