I was 24 years old when I had my first stroke; I was just about to begin my workday when I started feeling "off." At the time, I couldn't explain to my boss what was going on or how I felt. Jumbled words came out of my mouth, not matching the thoughts in my head. My boss could tell something was wrong, and shortly afterward, I found myself confused and frustrated in the hospital. A "minor" ischemic stroke was the diagnosis. How had this happened? Why did this happen? I had so many questions but was unfortunately sent home with medical advice along the lines of "you're otherwise young and healthy. We're not sure why this happened. Take an aspirin a day, and you should be just fine." This was a frustrating scenario to face, and for years following the stroke, I continued to have complications. I was 27 when I had my second stroke, this one was not "minor," I lost full mobility of my left side and also had a stroke in my eye called branch retinal artery occlusion. This left me about 50% blind and needing several months of intensive occupational and physical therapy. It was only after this more severe stroke that they discovered a large primary heart tumor called a myxoma. I needed open-heart surgery as soon as possible. I don't quite know how to explain what the aftermath of open-heart surgery feels like, it's never something I thought I would have to go through at such a young age. Living with a disability after 2 strokes (technically 3 if you include the one in my eye) and open-heart surgery has taught me to never take life, people, or experiences for granted. Every day can feel like a struggle, but honestly, I'm just happy to still be here. I'm ecstatic to spend time with my friends and family and hear their laughter... and their whining; let's be honest, personal relationships arent without struggle and turmoil. I also just don't take myself, or "life" in general too seriously, it can all be gone in minutes as was almost the case for myself. Winning this scholarship would not only aid me in reaching my educational goals, but it would really help me to believe in myself a bit more and validate my worth in a way. I know that sounds weird to admit but it's true, I've applied to over 50 scholarships over the past couple of years (I haven't won any,) but never once have I written about my experience having a stroke and OHS. In a way just writing this was therapeutic and I truly hope you consider selecting me as the winner.

I'm a vibrant, unique, jump out of bed in the morning kind of person. At only 30 years old I've survived 2 ischemic brain strokes, a stroke in my eye (leaving me ~50% blind), and open-heart surgery. I'm determined to not have my past define my future, which is why I went back to school. Backing down and giving up is not in my playbook and I will do whatever it takes to achieve my dreams of a college degree and a career in sustainability, involving environmental/social justice initiatives a the forefront.