"Why do I have big dreams yet I feel so small?" I often asked myself this question after being diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at ten years old. Being wheeled down hospital halls, realizing I had an incurable chronic illness that I would have to manage forever, was terrifying. I wondered how I would deal with the unknown, knowing it would take years of patience to reach a place of peace. However, as time passed, my fear was replaced by curiosity. This journey of self-discovery, deeply supported by my close-knit family dynamic, ignited my desire to pursue healthcare. I realized that my firsthand experience as a patient gave me a unique perspective, and I developed an intense passion for science and altruism. My decision to study Medical Laboratory Science was solidified by the foundational discipline I developed through my unique background. Being homeschooled required an immense amount of self-discipline, intrinsic motivation, and independent time management. Without the rigid structure of a traditional classroom, I learned to take complete ownership of both my education and my wellness from an early age. This discipline seamlessly translated into my life as a collegiate student-athlete. As a thrower on the track and field team, I discovered that success requires an obsession with technique, patience, and mental toughness. Standing alone in the ring requires absolute focus and accountability. Managing a rigorous training and lifting schedule while balancing a demanding academic load gave me the exact grit needed to face the complexities of the medical field. Now, as an eighteen-year-old entering my sophomore year of college, I am fully committed to mastering biological structures, biogenetics, and diagnostics. This degree program is the essential bridge between my personal history and my professional future, moving me closer to my ultimate goal of becoming an Endocrinologist or Dermatologist. As a woman entering healthcare, I hope to make a tangible difference by combining this analytical precision with deep empathy. Women have a powerful history of resilience and caregiving, yet patients—especially women navigating chronic illnesses—still frequently struggle to feel heard and understood in modern medicine. Having felt small and overwhelmed by my own diagnosis, I want to be a fierce advocate for my patients. I hope to use my position to demystifying chronic conditions, ensuring that those under my care receive not just clinical treatments, but the true representation and understanding they deserve. Furthermore, I want to make a difference by serving as a role model for the next generation of young women. I want to prove that women do not have to choose between being strong competitors and rigorous scientists. By balancing the demands of collegiate athletics with a complex medical major, I hope to inspire young girls—particularly those with chronic conditions or non-traditional educational backgrounds—to pursue leadership roles in STEM. Ultimately, I am the architect of my own journey. By pursuing this education, I plan to uplift my community, providing high-quality care to those who feel as vulnerable as I once did. I am ready to use my voice and my skills to ensure that others with chronic conditions can find the same contentment, strength, and health that I have worked so hard to achieve.

“Why do I have big dreams yet I feel so small?” I often ask myself this as I contemplate the things that matter most to me. My thoughts frequently spiral into a list of possibilities that I call “The Dream Jar.” It is sometimes heavy and not always hopeful, but it holds immense value. Inside, it contains my deepest desires for happiness and health, alongside the memory of the day my life changed forever. At ten years old, I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. As I was wheeled down hospital halls, I realized I had a life-altering chronic illness that I would have to manage forever. I wondered how I would deal with the unknown and the disappointments to come, knowing it would take years of patience to reach a place of peace. In the years that followed, my fear was slowly replaced by curiosity. I developed an eager desire to learn about this under-talked-about disease. Over time, I accepted the inherent uncertainty of living with an incurable condition. More importantly, I realized that I do not need the rest of the world to understand me; instead, I need to truly understand myself. This journey of self-discovery led to a central theme in my Dream Jar: an intense desire to help people. My passion for science and altruism is now undeniable. I have found my calling through service, whether acting as a Youth Ambassador for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation or volunteering at my church. These experiences taught me that the world becomes a better place when we support one another. As I prepare to enter my sophomore year of college at eighteen years old, this dedication is exactly what anchors my life. Unlike the uncertainty of my freshman year, I now head into the fall with a clear sense of purpose and a solid routine. I am fully committed to my major in Medical Laboratory Science. I am currently deep in the study of biological structures, biogenetics, and diagnostics. Mastering these sciences is helping me understand how to analyze complex diseases and pioneer better treatments. This path is moving me closer to my ultimate goal of becoming an Endocrinologist or Dermatologist, where I can use my own patient experience to provide better care for others. This degree program is the essential bridge between my personal history and my professional future. It provides the hands-on research and diagnostic skills I need to make a tangible impact in the medical field. By pursuing this education, I plan to uplift my community by demystifying chronic illnesses and providing high-quality care to those who feel as small and overwhelmed as I once did. My Dream Jar is no longer filled with fear. Instead, it is heavy with love and overflowing with a plan to serve others. I am the architect of my own journey, and I am ready to use my education to ensure that others with chronic conditions can find the same contentment and health that I have worked so hard to achieve ( In the photo, I have continuous glucose monitor on my stomach to monitor my blood sugars.)

“Why do I have big dreams yet I feel so small?” I often ask myself this as I contemplate the things that matter most to me. My thoughts frequently spiral into a list of possibilities that I call “The Dream Jar.” It is sometimes heavy and not always hopeful, but it holds immense value. Inside, it contains my deepest desires for happiness and health, alongside the memory of the day my life changed forever. At ten years old, I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. As I was wheeled down hospital halls, I realized I had a life-altering chronic illness that I would have to manage forever. I wondered how I would deal with the unknown and the disappointments to come, knowing it would take years of patience to reach a place of peace. In the years that followed, my fear was slowly replaced by curiosity. I developed an eager desire to learn about this under-talked-about disease. Over time, I accepted the inherent uncertainty of living with an incurable condition. More importantly, I realized that I do not need the rest of the world to understand me; instead, I need to truly understand myself. This journey of self-discovery led to a central theme in my Dream Jar: an intense desire to help people. My passion for science and altruism is now undeniable. I have found my calling through service, whether acting as a Youth Ambassador for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation or volunteering at my church. These experiences taught me that the world becomes a better place when we support one another. As I prepare to enter my sophomore year of college at eighteen years old, this dedication is exactly what anchors my life. Unlike the uncertainty of my freshman year, I now head into the fall with a clear sense of purpose and a solid routine. I am fully committed to my major in Medical Laboratory Science. I am currently deep in the study of biological structures, biogenetics, and diagnostics. Mastering these sciences is helping me understand how to analyze complex diseases and pioneer better treatments. This path is moving me closer to my ultimate goal of becoming an Endocrinologist or Dermatologist, where I can use my own patient experience to provide better care for others. This degree program is the essential bridge between my personal history and my professional future. It provides the hands-on research and diagnostic skills I need to make a tangible impact in the medical field. By pursuing this education, I plan to uplift my community by demystifying chronic illnesses and providing high-quality care to those who feel as small and overwhelmed as I once did. My Dream Jar is no longer filled with fear. Instead, it is heavy with love and overflowing with a plan to serve others. I am the architect of my own journey, and I am ready to use my education to ensure that others with chronic conditions can find the same contentment and health that I have worked so hard to achieve.

"Why do I have big dreams yet I feel so small?" I often ask myself this as I contemplate my deepest desires for happiness and health, alongside the memory of the day my life changed forever. At ten years old, I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. As I was wheeled down hospital halls, I realized I had a life-altering chronic illness that I would have to manage forever, requiring years of patience to reach a place of peace. In the years that followed, my fear was replaced by curiosity and a desire to learn about this under-talked-about disease. Over time, I accepted the inherent uncertainty of living with an incurable condition. More importantly, I realized that I do not need the rest of the world to understand me; instead, I need to truly understand myself. This journey of self-discovery was deeply shaped by my family dynamic and my unique education. Growing up in a close-knit, supportive household, my family became my ultimate team, helping me navigate the daily complexities of my health. This bond was further strengthened by my homeschool background. Being homeschooled required an immense amount of self-discipline, intrinsic motivation, and independent time management. Without the rigid structure of a traditional classroom, I learned to take complete ownership of both my education and my wellness from an early age. This foundational discipline seamlessly translated into my life as a collegiate student-athlete. As a thrower on the track and field team, I discovered that success requires an obsession with technique, patience, and mental toughness. Standing alone in the ring requires absolute focus; you cannot rely on anyone else to make the throw for you. Managing a rigorous training and lifting schedule while balancing a demanding academic load has required the exact grit I developed through my health journey and my homeschool environment. Athletics proved to me that my diagnosis does not define my physical capabilities, but rather fuels my competitive drive to break boundaries. This multi-faceted background led to a central theme in my life: an intense desire to help people. My passion for science and altruism is undeniable. I have found my calling through service, whether acting as a Youth Ambassador for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation or volunteering at my church. As I prepare to enter my sophomore year of college at eighteen years old, this dedication is exactly what anchors my life. Unlike the uncertainty of my freshman year, I now head into the fall with a clear sense of purpose and a solid routine. I am fully committed to my major in Medical Laboratory Science. I am currently deep in the study of biological structures, biogenetics, and diagnostics. Mastering these sciences is helping me understand how to analyze complex diseases and pioneer better treatments. This path is moving me closer to my ultimate goal of becoming an Endocrinologist or Dermatologist, where I can use my own patient experience to provide better care for others. This degree program is the essential bridge between my personal history and my professional future. It provides the hands-on research and diagnostic skills I need to make a tangible impact in the medical field. By pursuing this education, I plan to uplift my community by demystifying chronic illnesses and providing high-quality care to those who feel as small and overwhelmed as I once did. I am the architect of my own journey, and I am ready to use my education to ensure that others with chronic conditions can find the same contentment and health that I have worked so hard to achieve. CGM is on my stomach in the photo below.

"Why do I have big dreams yet I feel so small?" I often ask myself this as I contemplate my deepest desires for happiness and health, alongside the memory of the day my life changed forever. At ten years old, I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. As I was wheeled down hospital halls, I realized I had a life-altering chronic illness that I would have to manage forever, requiring years of patience to reach a place of peace. In the years that followed, my fear was replaced by curiosity and a desire to learn about this under-talked-about disease. Over time, I accepted the inherent uncertainty of living with an incurable condition. More importantly, I realized that I do not need the rest of the world to understand me; instead, I need to truly understand myself. This journey of self-discovery was deeply shaped by my family dynamic and my unique education. Growing up in a close-knit, supportive household, my family became my ultimate team, helping me navigate the daily complexities of my health. This bond was further strengthened by my homeschool background. Being homeschooled required an immense amount of self-discipline, intrinsic motivation, and independent time management. Without the rigid structure of a traditional classroom, I learned to take complete ownership of both my education and my wellness from an early age. This foundational discipline seamlessly translated into my life as a collegiate student-athlete. As a thrower on the track and field team, I discovered that success requires an obsession with technique, patience, and mental toughness. Standing alone in the ring requires absolute focus; you cannot rely on anyone else to make the throw for you. Managing a rigorous training and lifting schedule while balancing a demanding academic load has required the exact grit I developed through my health journey and my homeschool environment. Athletics proved to me that my diagnosis does not define my physical capabilities, but rather fuels my competitive drive to break boundaries. This multi-faceted background led to a central theme in my life: an intense desire to help people. My passion for science and altruism is undeniable. I have found my calling through service, whether acting as a Youth Ambassador for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation or volunteering at my church. As I prepare to enter my sophomore year of college at eighteen years old, this dedication is exactly what anchors my life. Unlike the uncertainty of my freshman year, I now head into the fall with a clear sense of purpose and a solid routine. I am fully committed to my major in Medical Laboratory Science. I am currently deep in the study of biological structures, biogenetics, and diagnostics. Mastering these sciences is helping me understand how to analyze complex diseases and pioneer better treatments. This path is moving me closer to my ultimate goal of becoming an Endocrinologist or Dermatologist, where I can use my own patient experience to provide better care for others. This degree program is the essential bridge between my personal history and my professional future. It provides the hands-on research and diagnostic skills I need to make a tangible impact in the medical field. By pursuing this education, I plan to uplift my community by demystifying chronic illnesses and providing high-quality care to those who feel as small and overwhelmed as I once did. I am the architect of my own journey, and I am ready to use my education to ensure that others with chronic conditions can find the same contentment and health that I have worked so hard to achieve.

I am a Stevenson University freshman driven personal challenges that are not just obstacles, but opportunities to lead and serve. As a student-athlete, community volunteer, and aspiring medical professional, I have spent my life balancing the rigors of discipline with a heart for advocacy. My identity is defined by a blend of academic dedicationmaintaining a 3.28 GPA and earning induction into the National Society of Leadership and Success—and a deep-seated resilience forged through my own medical journey. This foundation of perseverance is what informs my professional goals and my desire to make a lasting, positive impact on the world. My path toward contributing to the global community is rooted in my major, Medical Laboratory Science. I chose this field because it sits at the critical intersection of patient care and clinical science. Having been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age ten, I have lived at this intersection for over eight years, learning early on that accurate diagnostic data is the difference between a life of struggle and a life of stability. Through my major, I intend to bridge the gap between the sterile environment of the lab and the deeply personal experience of the patient. By mastering the science behind the data, I will enter medical school with a perspective on how research translates into treatment. My goal is to become an endocrinologist or dermatologist, using my education to improve patient outcomes and advocate for medical research that reflects the needs of the diverse communities I serve. Being an underrepresented minority in the medical field has profoundly shaped my goals and fueled my sense of purpose. I am keenly aware that representation in healthcare is not just about diversity; it is about trust and equity. In my own journey, I have seen how the lack of diverse perspectives in clinical settings can lead to gaps in care and cultural misunderstandings. As a Black woman in a STEM-intensive field, I often find myself in spaces where few people share my background. Rather than being a deterrent, this has motivated me to serve as a bridge. I want to be the representation that I didn’t always see growing up, providing a voice for minority patients who may feel overlooked by the healthcare system. My goal is to use my platform to address health disparities and ensure that patient-centered care is inclusive of all backgrounds. Beyond the classroom, service is the heartbeat of my daily life. Whether I am serving as a JDRF Youth Ambassador, mentoring children at my church, or volunteering at Sarah’s Hope at Hannah More Emergency Shelter, I am committed to uplifting others. However, I currently face significant financial hurdles that threaten my ability to reach these goals. My parents live on a limited income derived from retirement and state disability pensions, making the $30,000 remaining tuition balance for the upcoming academic year a heavy burden. Additionally, I face a unique challenge this summer: a scheduled surgery on June 5, 2026, which will leave me unable to work for 6–8 weeks. As someone who relies on my employment at Wegmans to help fund my education, this loss of income is a significant setback. If awarded this scholarship, it would serve as the critical support system I need to remain focused on my recovery and my studies without the fear of falling behind financially. It would allow me to remain enrolled full-time at Stevenson University and continue my trajectory toward medical school. This investment in my education would ensure that I stay on track to enter the medical field and devote my life to the compassionate, equitable service of others.

I am a Stevenson University freshman driven by a simple but powerful philosophy: personal challenges are not obstacles, but opportunities to lead and serve. As a student-athlete, community volunteer, and aspiring medical professional, I have spent my life balancing the rigors of discipline with a heart for advocacy. My identity is defined by a blend of academic dedication—maintaining a 3.28 GPA and earning induction into the National Society of Leadership and Success—and a deep-seated resilience forged through my own medical journey. This foundation of perseverance is what informs my professional goals and my desire to make a lasting, positive impact on the world. My path toward contributing to the global community is rooted in my major, Medical Laboratory Science. I plan to use this degree as a vital stepping stone toward a career as either an endocrinologist or a dermatologist. Having been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age ten, I have lived at the intersection of patient care and clinical science for over eight years. I understand the anxiety of waiting for lab results and the life-changing importance of accurate diagnostic data. Through my major, I intend to bridge the gap between the sterile environment of the lab and the deeply personal experience of the patient. By mastering the science behind the data, I will enter medical school with a unique perspective on how research translates into treatment. My goal is to improve patient outcomes by advocating for better awareness and more accessible medical research, ensuring that patients with chronic illnesses feel seen, heard, and supported by a provider who truly understands their daily reality. Beyond the classroom, service is the heartbeat of my daily life, and I am actively involved in several causes that reflect my commitment to uplifting others. Type 1 diabetes advocacy is perhaps the most personal of these; as a JDRF Youth Ambassador and team captain, I turned my health journey into a platform for fundraising and research support. This cause is vital to me because it allows me to mentor others navigating the same hurdles I faced, turning a diagnosis into a source of community strength. Furthermore, my time at Sarah’s Hope at Hannah More Emergency Shelter, where I served meals to individuals experiencing homelessness, taught me the importance of dignity in service. These experiences, along with my roles as a Sunday School teacher at Faith Christian Fellowship World Outreach and a volunteer at the Baltimore Humane Society, have shaped me into a disciplined and empathetic individual. Whether I am competing with the NCAA Division III Track and Field Team or working at Wegmans, I carry the lesson that leadership is about accountability to those around you. Despite my dedication, I currently face significant financial hurdles that threaten my ability to reach these goals. My parents live on a limited income derived from retirement and state disability pensions, making the $30,000 remaining tuition balance for the upcoming academic year a heavy burden. Additionally, I face a unique challenge this summer: a scheduled surgery on June 5, 2026, which will leave me unable to work for 6–8 weeks. As someone who relies on my employment to help fund my education, this loss of income is a significant setback. If awarded this scholarship, it would serve as the critical support system I need to remain focused on my recovery and my studies without the fear of falling behind financially. This investment in my education would ensure that I stay on track to enter the medical field and devote my life to the compassionate service of others

The Scholarship Essay “Why do I have big dreams yet I feel so small?” I often ask myself this as I contemplate the things that matter most to me. My thoughts frequently spiral into a list of possibilities that I call “The Dream Jar.” It is sometimes heavy and not always hopeful, but it holds immense value. Inside, it contains my deepest desires for happiness and health, alongside the memory of the day my life changed forever. At ten years old, I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. As I was wheeled down hospital halls, I realized I had a life-altering chronic illness that I would have to manage forever. I wondered how I would deal with the unknown and the disappointments to come, knowing it would take years of patience to reach a place of peace. In the years that followed, my fear was slowly replaced by curiosity. I developed an eager desire to learn about this under-talked-about disease. Over time, I accepted the inherent uncertainty of living with an incurable condition. More importantly, I realized that I do not need the rest of the world to understand me; instead, I need to truly understand myself. This journey of self-discovery led to a central theme in my Dream Jar: an intense desire to help people. My passion for science and altruism is now undeniable. I have found my calling through service, whether acting as a Youth Ambassador for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation or volunteering at my church. These experiences taught me that the world becomes a better place when we support one another. As I prepare to enter my sophomore year of college at eighteen years old, this dedication is exactly what anchors my life. Unlike the uncertainty of my freshman year, I now head into the fall with a clear sense of purpose and a solid routine. I am fully committed to my major in Medical Laboratory Science. I am currently deep in the study of biological structures, biogenetics, and diagnostics. Mastering these sciences is helping me understand how to analyze complex diseases and pioneer better treatments. This path is moving me closer to my ultimate goal of becoming an Endocrinologist or Dermatologist, where I can use my own patient experience to provide better care for others. This degree program is the essential bridge between my personal history and my professional future. It provides the hands-on research and diagnostic skills I need to make a tangible impact in the medical field. By pursuing this education, I plan to uplift my community by demystifying chronic illnesses and providing high-quality care to those who feel as small and overwhelmed as I once did. My Dream Jar is no longer filled with fear. Instead, it is heavy with love and overflowing with a plan to serve others. I am the architect of my own journey, and I am ready to use my education to ensure that others with chronic conditions can find the same contentment and health that I have worked so hard to achieve.

Being 18 and heading into sophomore year this fall feels like living in a weird middle ground. I am officially done with the new girl energy of freshman year, but the reality of actually being an adult is starting to sink in. Looking at Olivia Rodrigo’s lyrics through this lens makes them feel less like pop songs and more like a survival guide for navigating a university campus in 2026. The lyrics that hit me most right now are from "teenage dream": “I’m sorry that I couldn’t always be your teenage dream.” Moving into my second year, there is this massive pressure to have it all figured out. My parents and professors look at me like I should have a declared major and a five-year plan, and while I finally know who I want to be in life, I still feel like a kid pretending to know the steps to get there. The triumph of finishing my first year was great, but the challenge is realizing that the dream of college is often just a lot of laundry, late night study sessions, and the fear that I am not moving fast enough. Then there is the social side of things. In "ballad of a homeschooled girl", she sings, “I thought I was smart until I went out.” This speaks to the ego check that happens during your first year. I came from a high school where I felt on top of things, but college is a different beast. Even though I have a hang of my routine now, I still have moments where I feel like I am overthinking every interaction. The challenge is trying to stay grounded and focused on my long term goals when the social scene feels like a constant high stakes performance. The most important lyric for my journey into sophomore year is from "making the bed": “I’m playing the victim so well in my head / But it’s me who’s been making the bed.” This was a huge turning point. Last year, I blamed my stress on my heavy course load or circumstances beyond my control. Now that I am heading into my second year with a clear vision of my future, I have to own my choices. I am the one setting the alarm and choosing to put in the work. Acknowledging that I am the architect of my own life is terrifying, but it is also the first step toward reaching the person I want to become. Sophomore year is about taking those brutal lessons from freshman year and actually doing something with them. It is about realizing that while I might still be 18 and not fully figured out, I am the one in the driver's seat. I am moving past the sour parts of being a teenager and finally starting to build the life I actually want to live.

The Dream Jar “Why do I have big dreams yet I feel so small?” I often ask myself this as I contemplate the things that matter most to me. My thoughts frequently spiral into a list of endless possibilities that I like to call “The Dream Jar.” It is sometimes heavy, sometimes overflowing, and not always hopeful, but it holds immense value. Inside, it contains my deepest desires: happiness, health, and contentment. However, it also holds the memory of a day when an overwhelming sense of fear and worry consumed my mind. At the age of ten, I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. As I was being wheeled down the hospital halls, the physical struggles of the previous years suddenly made sense. It was incredibly hard to process that I had a legitimate, life-altering chronic illness. My body simply could not function the way a typical person’s body would, meaning the times I had felt different were no longer just unexplained experiences. Then, the gravity of the situation hit me: this was something that would impact my life forever, requiring years of effort to understand and manage. Endless, anxious thoughts filled my mind. How could I do it? Why did this happen to me? How would I deal with the unknown, the impending worry, and the disappointments soon to come? I realized it would take me years of patience and personal growth to get to where I needed to be. In the years that followed, walking through the doors of my endocrinology appointments initially made me feel as if my shoes were filled with bricks. Yet, with each consecutive visit, a new feeling replaced my fear and worry: curiosity. I felt an eager desire to learn more about this under-talked-about disease, which my family and I knew nothing about prior to my diagnosis. Over the years, I have learned so much, and I genuinely would not have it any other way. Type 1 Diabetes is an incurable, unpreventable condition that can only be managed through a strict regimen of insulin, diet, and exercise. I have come to accept the inherent uncertainty of living with it. More importantly, I have realized that I do not need the rest of the world to understand me; rather, I need to truly understand myself. When I look toward the future and sift through "The Dream Jar" today, one central theme sticks out above the rest: an intense desire to help people. My passion for science and altruism has become undeniable. I firmly believe the world becomes a better place when we support one another. Whether volunteering at my church for youth events, feeding the homeless, serving as a Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Youth Ambassador, or participating in walks for Type 1 Diabetes research, I have discovered my true calling. This is my mark, and the new contents of my jar. It is heavy with love and overflowing with ideas, but it will be incredibly useful for helping others. As I prepare to enter my sophomore year of college, this dedication is exactly what anchors my life. Now fully committed to my major in Medical Laboratory Science, I am deep in the study of biological structures, biogenetics, DNA, and medicine through hands-on research and diagnostics. Mastering these laboratory sciences is directly helping me understand how to analyze complex diseases and pioneer better treatments, moving me closer to my ultimate goal of becoming an Endocrinologist or Dermatologist. This path gives me the chance to live a life of happiness and contentment while studying what I love. My "Dream Jar" isn't full yet

The Dream Jar “Why do I have big dreams yet I feel so small?” I often ask myself this as I contemplate the things that matter most to me. My thoughts frequently spiral into a list of endless possibilities that I like to call “The Dream Jar.” It is sometimes heavy, sometimes overflowing, and not always hopeful, but it holds immense value. Inside, it contains my deepest desires: happiness, health, and contentment. However, it also holds the memory of a day when an overwhelming sense of fear and worry consumed my mind. At the age of ten, I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. As I was being wheeled down the hospital halls, the physical struggles of the previous years suddenly made sense. It was incredibly hard to process that I had a legitimate, life-altering chronic illness. My body simply could not function the way a typical person’s body would, meaning the times I had felt different were no longer just unexplained experiences. Then, the gravity of the situation hit me: this was something that would impact my life forever, requiring years of effort to understand and manage. Endless, anxious thoughts filled my mind. How could I do it? Why did this happen to me? How would I deal with the unknown, the impending worry, and the disappointments soon to come? I realized it would take me years of patience and personal growth to get to where I needed to be. In the years that followed, walking through the doors of my endocrinology appointments initially made me feel as if my shoes were filled with bricks. Yet, with each consecutive visit, a new feeling replaced my fear and worry: curiosity. I felt an eager desire to learn more about this under-talked-about disease, which my family and I knew nothing about prior to my diagnosis. Over the years, I have learned so much, and I genuinely would not have it any other way. Type 1 Diabetes is an incurable, unpreventable condition that can only be managed through a strict regimen of insulin, diet, and exercise. I have come to accept the inherent uncertainty of living with it. More importantly, I have realized that I do not need the rest of the world to understand me; rather, I need to truly understand myself. When I look toward the future and sift through "The Dream Jar" today, one central theme sticks out above the rest: an intense desire to help people. My passion for science and altruism has become undeniable. I firmly believe the world becomes a better place when we support one another. Whether volunteering at my church for youth events, feeding the homeless, serving as a Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Youth Ambassador, or participating in walks for Type 1 Diabetes research, I have discovered my true calling. This is my mark, and the new contents of my jar. It is heavy with love and overflowing with ideas, but it will be incredibly useful for helping others. As I prepare to enter my sophomore year of college, this dedication is exactly what anchors my life. Now fully committed to my major in Medical Laboratory Science, I am deep in the study of biological structures, biogenetics, DNA, and medicine through hands-on research and diagnostics. Mastering these laboratory sciences is directly helping me understand how to analyze complex diseases and pioneer better treatments, moving me closer to my ultimate goal of becoming an Endocrinologist or Dermatologist. This path gives me the chance to live a life of happiness and contentment while studying what I love. My "Dream Jar" isn't full yet

My name is Tamira Bland, and I am a recent graduate (May 28, 2025) from the Western School of Technology and Environmental Science in Catonsville, MD. I was in the Culinary Arts and Restaurant Management Program and I graduated with a Certified Fundamentals Cook certification from the American Culinary Federation. Additionally, I was on the honor roll, received the Western Tech Scholar Award, and was actively involved in various school and community activities. At Western Tech, I served as a student aide, a member of the Track and Field team, the Christian Club, the Black Student Union, and the football team's manager. Outside of school, I volunteered through Faith Christian Fellowship World Outreach (FCFWO) Teen Ministry, participating in food drives and outreach to the homeless. I have also created ribbons for breast cancer awareness with the Oscar Smith High School Cheerleading Team, served as a Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) Youth Ambassador for two years, and was a team captain for the annual Breakthrough T1D One Walk fundraiser for seven years. I was a member of the Owings Mill Track Club and a member of the National Society of High School Scholars. My experience with mental health began as a young child witnessing my aunt diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder face many mental health challenges. Although I was too young to understand why she was behaving in the manner she did, I knew something was different. At the age of ten, I began to learn how your physical health can impact your mental health. At the age of ten, I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes (T1D). I recall feeling physically ill and not understanding what was happening to my body. Over time, I became increasingly sick and was hospitalized for over a week. It was then that I learned that I had Type 1 diabetes. I often pondered on the endless thoughts that filled my mind over the years after this diagnosis: “Why did this happen to me? How would I deal with this disease? What about my future?” As I’ve gone through my teenage years , I’ve often felt sad and cried often because I did not want to have this health condition and be different from others. My body was going through many difficult changes. I loved track and field, but often had to sit out and not be able to participate in sports because of my fluctuating sugar levels and feeling ill. These changes had an impact on my mental health. Although there are days that I still feel sad, talking about my feelings to my family and friends, participating in diabetes support groups organized by Breakthrough T1D (formerly Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation), support from my nurse, endocrinologist, and building friendships with others who have T1D, I learned how to effectively manage diabetes and now have been able to participate in sports. My overall mental health has improved with more stability in my physical health. Mental health has also impacted me in other ways as well. Over the last three years, I have seen the devastating effects of mental illness in my dad’s life. My dad was a correctional officer for over 30 years and has witnessed many traumatic events. In 2021 and 2022, he attempted to revive two individuals who died from suicide. For the past three years, he has been experiencing mood swings, difficulties with sleeping, flashbacks of the events, and delusional and depressive thoughts. He has also been diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Major Depression and has been in treatment to improve the symptoms of both of these mental illnesses. He has been placed on retirement disability by his former employer. His illness has had a tremendous impact on our health, in particular my mom, who suffered a stroke in 2023. My experiences have shaped who I am and sparked my interest in the healthcare field and have also taught many valuable lessons. I have learned that in just a moment, your life can change due to health issues or traumatic events, and your mental health and view of the world can also change. I have also learned the importance of not being afraid to talk about your feelings, seek support, and educate others to raise awareness and break stigma. Furthermore, I have learned the importance of using my experiences to help and mentor others, establishing relationships with others who have similar experiences, not being ashamed of who you are, and depriving yourself of the help you need because of what others may think. I know these things because these things have made a difference in my life and are helping others in my family who have experienced mental health issues to begin to make positive improvements. This fall, I plan to attend Stevenson University and major in Medical Laboratory Science. This major will allow me to continue my understanding of biological structures and medicine through various research and laboratory opportunities. Additionally, Medical Laboratory Science will equip me with the knowledge needed to diagnose diseases and treatments and guide me toward a career as an Endocrinologist or Pediatric Dermatologist. This scholarship is extremely important to me because it will help make my dream of attending college a reality by easing the financial burden on my family. It will allow me to focus on my education without the constant worry of how to afford tuition, books, and other essential expenses. Beyond financial support, this scholarship represents an opportunity for me to use my knowledge and experiences to positively impact the world’s understanding of mental health and other disorders. Additionally, it will empower me to make a meaningful difference in my community by inspiring and educating others, increasing awareness about various diseases, mentoring peers, engaging in advocacy, and contributing to research aimed at finding cures for diseases. With this support, I will be better equipped to pursue my goals and give back to society in meaningful ways.