What could be considered a life challenge has shaped me into the person I am today—resilient, hardworking, and dependable. I was diagnosed at a young age with multiple learning disabilities, which required me to work harder and longer than my peers. Tutors after school and during the summer became a regular part of my life, and I learned early on that success would require extra effort and persistence. In fifth grade, I was also diagnosed with early childhood absence seizures, which added another layer of difficulty to an already challenging situation. Despite this, I remained resilient, focused on my goals, and continued to put in the work. I maintained honor roll grades and participated in the sports I loved. Through the support of my teachers and tutors—who consistently showed up for me—I learned the importance of dependability, a value that continues to guide me today. Eventually, I outgrew my childhood seizures, which felt like a meaningful victory. While school did not become easy, it was one less challenge to overcome. I continued to earn honor roll grades throughout high school while playing varsity golf and bowling. I also pursued my passion for golf by working at First Tee Greater Chicago, teaching kids the game and its core values. In addition, I caddy at Ridgemoor Country Club and Bryn Mawr Country Club in Chicago. As I looked ahead to milestones like earning my driver’s license and attending college, I felt confident that my hard work was paying off. Just weeks before I was scheduled to get my driver’s license, my family noticed signs that my seizures had returned. After multiple EEGs and blood tests, it was confirmed. It felt like taking one step forward and several steps back. I had to make a choice: allow my disabilities and seizures to define me, or face the challenge and continue moving forward. I chose to persevere. By working closely with my doctor and carefully managing my medication, I remained committed to my goals—earning my license, attending college, and pursuing a future career in sports management and recreation. I have learned that resilience is not about avoiding challenges, but about responding to them with determination and a positive mindset. I will continue to put my best foot forward every day, and that is exactly how I plan to use this scholarship opportunity. My experience with working with diverse kids at first tee and other experiences has taught me that one person can make a difference. Even with my learning disabilities I think back at the teachers and people that have made a difference in my life and plan to pass it along and do the same for others. I also want to be the example that whatever stands in your way, with determination, preservence and hard work dreams can come true!

What could be considered a life challenge has shaped me into the person I am today—resilient, hardworking, and dependable. I was diagnosed at a young age with multiple learning disabilities, which required me to work harder and longer than my peers. Tutors after school and during the summer became a regular part of my life, and I learned early on that success would require extra effort and persistence. In fifth grade, I was also diagnosed with early childhood absence seizures, which added another layer of difficulty to an already challenging situation. Despite this, I remained resilient, focused on my goals, and continued to put in the work. I maintained honor roll grades and participated in the sports I loved. Through the support of my teachers and tutors—who consistently showed up for me—I learned the importance of dependability, a value that continues to guide me today. Eventually, I outgrew my childhood seizures, which felt like a meaningful victory. While school did not become easy, it was one less challenge to overcome. I continued to earn honor roll grades throughout high school while playing varsity golf and bowling. I also pursued my passion for golf by working at First Tee Greater Chicago, teaching kids the game and its core values. In addition, I caddy at Ridgemoor Country Club and Bryn Mawr Country Club in Chicago. As I looked ahead to milestones like earning my driver’s license and attending college, I felt confident that my hard work was paying off. Just weeks before I was scheduled to get my driver’s license, my family noticed signs that my seizures had returned. After multiple EEGs and blood tests, it was confirmed. It felt like taking one step forward and several steps back. I had to make a choice: allow my disabilities and seizures to define me, or face the challenge and continue moving forward. I chose to persevere. By working closely with my doctor and carefully managing my medication, I remained committed to my goals—earning my license, attending college, and pursuing a future career in sports management and recreation. I have learned that resilience is not about avoiding challenges, but about responding to them with determination and a positive mindset. I will continue to put my best foot forward every day, and that is exactly how I plan to use this scholarship opportunity. My goal was always to go to University of Illinois in Champaign. Even with the tings that have went on in my life I continued to keep that dream alive and work hard day after day. I am proud to say that I have made my dream a reality. I plan on succeeding in this and showing people that know matter what is tossed your way you can still have dreams and make them happen. I have attended admitted students day at University of Illinois and I have to say that was one of the happiest days of my life so far! I can not wait to make things happen and keep succeeding!

What could be considered a life challenge has shaped me into the person I am today—resilient, hardworking, and dependable. I was diagnosed at a young age with multiple learning disabilities, which required me to work harder and longer than my peers. Tutors after school and during the summer became a regular part of my life, and I learned early on that success would require extra effort and persistence. In fifth grade, I was also diagnosed with early childhood absence seizures, which added another layer of difficulty to an already challenging situation. Despite this, I remained resilient, focused on my goals, and continued to put in the work. I maintained honor roll grades and participated in the sports I loved. Through the support of my teachers and tutors—who consistently showed up for me—I learned the importance of dependability, a value that continues to guide me today. Eventually, I outgrew my childhood seizures, which felt like a meaningful victory. While school did not become easy, it was one less challenge to overcome. I continued to earn honor roll grades throughout high school while playing varsity golf and bowling. I also pursued my passion for golf by working at First Tee Greater Chicago, teaching kids the game and its core values. In addition, I caddy at Ridgemoor Country Club and Bryn Mawr Country Club in Chicago. As I looked ahead to milestones like earning my driver’s license and attending college, I felt confident that my hard work was paying off. Just weeks before I was scheduled to get my driver’s license, my family noticed signs that my seizures had returned. After multiple EEGs and blood tests, it was confirmed. It felt like taking one step forward and several steps back. I had to make a choice: allow my disabilities and seizures to define me, or face the challenge and continue moving forward. I chose to persevere. By working closely with my doctor and carefully managing my medication, I remained committed to my goals—earning my license, attending college, and pursuing a future career in management, recreation and tourism at University of Illinois. I have learned that resilience is not about avoiding challenges, but about responding to them with determination and a positive mindset. I will continue to put my best foot forward every day, and that is exactly how I plan to use this scholarship opportunity. I want to send a message to everyone around me that if you create a dream, stay focused and work hard that dreams can come true! I want my message to impact young kids as well as adults struggling to see that perserverance can make things happen!

What could be considered a life challenge has shaped me into the person I am today—resilient, hardworking, and dependable. I was diagnosed at a young age with multiple learning disabilities, which required me to work harder and longer than my peers. Tutors after school and during the summer became a regular part of my life, and I learned early on that success would require extra effort and persistence. In fifth grade, I was also diagnosed with early childhood absence seizures, which added another layer of difficulty to an already challenging situation. Despite this, I remained resilient, focused on my goals, and continued to put in the work. I maintained honor roll grades and participated in the sports I loved. Through the support of my teachers and tutors—who consistently showed up for me—I learned the importance of dependability, a value that continues to guide me today. Eventually, I outgrew my childhood seizures, which felt like a meaningful victory. While school did not become easy, it was one less challenge to overcome. I continued to earn honor roll grades throughout high school while playing varsity golf and bowling. I also pursued my passion for golf by working at First Tee Greater Chicago, teaching kids the game and its core values. In addition, I caddy at Ridgemoor Country Club and Bryn Mawr Country Club in Chicago. As I looked ahead to milestones like earning my driver’s license and attending college, I felt confident that my hard work was paying off. Just weeks before I was scheduled to get my driver’s license, my family noticed signs that my seizures had returned. After multiple EEGs and blood tests, it was confirmed. It felt like taking one step forward and several steps back. I had to make a choice: allow my disabilities and seizures to define me, or face the challenge and continue moving forward. I chose to persevere. By working closely with my doctor and carefully managing my medication, I remained committed to my goals—earning my license, attending college, and pursuing a future career in sports management and recreation. I have learned that resilience is not about avoiding challenges, but about responding to them with determination and a positive mindset. I will continue to put my best foot forward every day, and that is exactly how I plan to use this scholarship opportunity. The additional funds would help me gain the additional resources I will need to succeed such as technology for Speech to text, Note taking and videotaping lectures. I will be able to get additional tutoring and support as well.

What could be considered a life challenge has shaped me into the person I am today—resilient, hardworking, and dependable. I was diagnosed at a young age with multiple learning disabilities, which required me to work harder and longer than my peers. Tutors after school and during the summer became a regular part of my life, and I learned early on that success would require extra effort and persistence. In fifth grade, I was also diagnosed with early childhood absence seizures, which added another layer of difficulty to an already challenging situation. Despite this, I remained resilient, focused on my goals, and continued to put in the work. I maintained honor roll grades and participated in the sports I loved. Through the support of my teachers and tutors—who consistently showed up for me—I learned the importance of dependability, a value that continues to guide me today. Eventually, I outgrew my childhood seizures, which felt like a meaningful victory. While school did not become easy, it was one less challenge to overcome. I continued to earn honor roll grades throughout high school while playing varsity golf and bowling. I also pursued my passion for golf by working at First Tee Greater Chicago, teaching kids the game and its core values. In addition, I caddy at Ridgemoor Country Club and Bryn Mawr Country Club in Chicago. As I looked ahead to milestones like earning my driver’s license and attending college, I felt confident that my hard work was paying off. Just weeks before I was scheduled to get my driver’s license, my family noticed signs that my seizures had returned. After multiple EEGs and blood tests, it was confirmed. It felt like taking one step forward and several steps back. I had to make a choice: allow my disabilities and seizures to define me, or face the challenge and continue moving forward. I chose to persevere. By working closely with my doctor and carefully managing my medication, I remained committed to my goals—earning my license, attending college, and pursuing a future career in sports management and recreation. I have learned that resilience is not about avoiding challenges, but about responding to them with determination and a positive mindset. I will continue to put my best foot forward every day, and that is exactly how I plan to use this scholarship opportunity. I plan on majoring in Sports, Recreation and tourism so I can continue working at First Tee Greater Chicago and working with underserved youth and mentoring them to live productive, meaningful lives.

School has always been an uphill battle for me. Diagnosed with multiple learning disabilities in preschool, I quickly learned that success would require working harder and longer than many of my peers. Tutors became part of my everyday life—during school, after school, and throughout the summers. Later in elementary school, I was diagnosed with absence seizures, adding another layer of challenge. EEGs—both in-office, at home, and multi-day hospital stays—became routine. A few years later, I was told I had outgrown the seizures and was seizure-free. That felt like a major victory. At the end of my freshman year of high school, I transferred to a school better equipped to support my learning needs. The transition was difficult—leaving a place where I knew so many people for a school where I knew no one. During that time, I decided to turn my passion for golf into a purpose. I helped grow the golf team from just six players to 65 by my senior year. Through dedication and countless hours of practice, I earned the number one seed position and helped lead our school to its first-ever appearance at Sectionals. I also began working with First Tee Greater Chicago, coaching kids and helping them learn the game of golf. I was honored to be nominated as one of the organization’s first advisory committee members. When I wasn’t working or volunteering, I caddied at several clubs near my home. Things were finally looking up. I felt resilient and optimistic about the future. I was excited to get my driver’s license and pursue my dream of studying Sports Management and Recreation in college. Just days before I was scheduled to get my license, a routine EEG revealed that my seizures had returned. In an instant, everything felt like it stopped—my independence, my plans, even my vision for college. I made a decision then that seizures would not define me. With the support of my family and a dedicated medical team carefully managing my treatment, I am steadily returning to a normal routine. EEGs are once again part of my life, but so is hope. These experiences have shaped me into someone who is resilient and dependable. Dependable because every day I see people—doctors, teachers, coaches, and family—who consistently show up for me so my dreams can become reality. I plan to do the same for others, especially kids facing similar challenges, to show them that obstacles do not have to limit their dreams. I will succeed in life and live with purpose and resilience. I am committed to making every day count by showing up with a positive attitude, determination, and the drive to make things happen.

School has always been an uphill battle for me. Diagnosed with multiple learning disabilities in preschool, I quickly learned that success would require working harder and longer than many of my peers. Tutors became part of my everyday life—during school, after school, and throughout the summers. Later in elementary school, I was diagnosed with absence seizures, adding another layer of challenge. EEGs—both in-office, at home, and multi-day hospital stays—became routine. A few years later, I was told I had outgrown the seizures and was seizure-free. That felt like a major victory. At the end of my freshman year of high school, I transferred to a school better equipped to support my learning needs. The transition was difficult—leaving a place where I knew so many people for a school where I knew no one. During that time, I decided to turn my passion for golf into a purpose. I helped grow the golf team from just six players to 65 by my senior year. Through dedication and countless hours of practice, I earned the number one seed position and helped lead our school to its first-ever appearance at Sectionals. I also began working with First Tee Greater Chicago, coaching kids and helping them learn the game of golf. I was honored to be nominated as one of the organization’s first advisory committee members. When I wasn’t working or volunteering, I caddied at several clubs near my home. Things were finally looking up. I felt resilient and optimistic about the future. I was excited to get my driver’s license and pursue my dream of studying Sports Management and Recreation in college. Just days before I was scheduled to get my license, a routine EEG revealed that my seizures had returned. In an instant, everything felt like it stopped—my independence, my plans, even my vision for college. I made a decision then that seizures would not define me. With the support of my family and a dedicated medical team carefully managing my treatment, I am steadily returning to a normal routine. EEGs are once again part of my life, but so is hope. These experiences have shaped me into someone who is resilient and dependable. Dependable because every day I see people—doctors, teachers, coaches, and family—who consistently show up for me so my dreams can become reality. I plan to do the same for others, especially kids facing similar challenges, to show them that obstacles do not have to limit their dreams. I will succeed in life and live with purpose and resilience. I am committed to making every day count by showing up with a positive attitude, determination, and the drive to make things happen. I plan on continue working with First Tee Greater Chicago where we teach underserving communities though the game of golf life skills, personal development and resilience both on and off the course.

School has always been an uphill battle for me. Diagnosed with multiple learning disabilities in preschool, I quickly learned that success would require working harder and longer than many of my peers. Tutors became part of my everyday life—during school, after school, and throughout the summers. Later in elementary school, I was diagnosed with absence seizures, adding another layer of challenge. EEGs—both in-office, at home, and multi-day hospital stays—became routine. A few years later, I was told I had outgrown the seizures and was seizure-free. That felt like a major victory. At the end of my freshman year of high school, I transferred to a school better equipped to support my learning needs. The transition was difficult—leaving a place where I knew so many people for a school where I knew no one. During that time, I decided to turn my passion for golf into a purpose. I helped grow the golf team from just six players to 65 by my senior year. Through dedication and countless hours of practice, I earned the number one seed position and helped lead our school to its first-ever appearance at Sectionals. I also began working with First Tee Greater Chicago, coaching kids and helping them learn the game of golf. I was honored to be nominated as one of the organization’s first advisory committee members. When I wasn’t working or volunteering, I caddied at several clubs near my home. Golf to me is more than a game. It has taught me resilience, patience and accountability. You might not hit them straight everyday, but if you show up and do your best eventually you will hit more straight than in the rough. Things were finally looking up. I felt resilient and optimistic about the future. I was excited to get my driver’s license and pursue my dream of studying Sports Management and Recreation in college. Just days before I was scheduled to get my license, a routine EEG revealed that my seizures had returned. In an instant, everything felt like it stopped—my independence, my plans, even my vision for college. I made a decision then that seizures would not define me. With the support of my family and a dedicated medical team carefully managing my treatment, I am steadily returning to a normal routine. EEGs are once again part of my life, but so is hope. These experiences have shaped me into someone who is resilient and dependable. Dependable because every day I see people—doctors, teachers, coaches, and family—who consistently show up for me so my dreams can become reality. I plan to do the same for others, especially kids facing similar challenges, to show them that obstacles do not have to limit their dreams. I will succeed in life and live with purpose and resilience. I am committed to making every day count by showing up with a positive attitude, determination, and the drive to make things happen.

School has always been an uphill battle for me. Diagnosed with multiple learning disabilities in preschool, I quickly learned that success would require working harder and longer than many of my peers. Tutors became part of my everyday life—during school, after school, and throughout the summers. Later in elementary school, I was diagnosed with absence seizures, adding another layer of challenge. EEGs—both in-office, at home, and multi-day hospital stays—became routine. A few years later, I was told I had outgrown the seizures and was seizure-free. That felt like a major victory. At the end of my freshman year of high school, I transferred to a school better equipped to support my learning needs. The transition was difficult—leaving a place where I knew so many people for a school where I knew no one. During that time, I decided to turn my passion for golf into a purpose. I helped grow the golf team from just six players to 65 by my senior year. Through dedication and countless hours of practice, I earned the number one seed position and helped lead our school to its first-ever appearance at Sectionals. I also began working with First Tee Greater Chicago, coaching kids and helping them learn the game of golf. I was honored to be nominated as one of the organization’s first advisory committee members. When I wasn’t working or volunteering, I caddied at several clubs near my home. Golf has taught me many life lessons-resilience, patience and accountability. Things were finally looking up. I felt resilient and optimistic about the future. I was excited to get my driver’s license and pursue my dream of studying Sports Management and Recreation in college. Just days before I was scheduled to get my license, a routine EEG revealed that my seizures had returned. In an instant, everything felt like it stopped—my independence, my plans, even my vision for college. I made a decision then that seizures would not define me. With the support of my family and a dedicated medical team carefully managing my treatment, I am steadily returning to a normal routine. EEGs are once again part of my life, but so is hope. These experiences have shaped me into someone who is resilient and dependable. Dependable because every day I see people—doctors, teachers, coaches, and family—who consistently show up for me so my dreams can become reality. I plan to do the same for others, especially kids facing similar challenges, to show them that obstacles do not have to limit their dreams. I will succeed in life and live with purpose and resilience. I am committed to making every day count by showing up with a positive attitude, determination, and the drive to make things happen. I hope to continue my career with First Tee Greater Chicago and help mentor youth around the Chicagoland area. I plan using the sport of golf and my career at First Tee to implement the five key commitments I have learned-goal setting, resilience, collaboration, self identity and judgment to foster confidence and success in every aspect of my life moving forward.

School has always been an uphill battle for me. Diagnosed with multiple learning disabilities in preschool, I quickly learned that success would require working harder and longer than many of my peers. Tutors became part of my everyday life—during school, after school, and throughout the summers. Later in elementary school, I was diagnosed with absence seizures, adding another layer of challenge. EEGs—both in-office, at home, and multi-day hospital stays—became routine. A few years later, I was told I had outgrown the seizures and was seizure-free. That felt like a major victory. At the end of my freshman year of high school, I transferred to a school better equipped to support my learning needs. The transition was difficult—leaving a place where I knew so many people for a school where I knew no one. During that time, I decided to turn my passion for golf into a purpose. I helped grow the golf team from just six players to 65 by my senior year. Through dedication and countless hours of practice, I earned the number one seed position and helped lead our school to its first-ever appearance at Sectionals. I also began working with First Tee Greater Chicago, coaching kids and helping them learn the game of golf. I was honored to be nominated as one of the organization’s first advisory committee members. When I wasn’t working or volunteering, I caddied at several clubs near my home. Things were finally looking up. I felt resilient and optimistic about the future. I was excited to get my driver’s license and pursue my dream of studying Sports Management and Recreation in college. Just days before I was scheduled to get my license, a routine EEG revealed that my seizures had returned. In an instant, everything felt like it stopped—my independence, my plans, even my vision for college. I made a decision then that seizures would not define me. With the support of my family and a dedicated medical team carefully managing my treatment, I am steadily returning to a normal routine. EEGs are once again part of my life, but so is hope. These experiences have shaped me into someone who is resilient and dependable. Dependable because every day I see people—doctors, teachers, coaches, and family—who consistently show up for me so my dreams can become reality. I plan to do the same for others, especially kids facing similar challenges, to show them that obstacles do not have to limit their dreams. I will succeed in life and live with purpose and resilience. I am committed to making every day count by showing up with a positive attitude, determination, and the drive to make things happen..

School has always been an uphill battle for me. Diagnosed with multiple learning disabilities in preschool, I quickly learned that success would require working harder and longer than many of my peers. Tutors became part of my everyday life—during school, after school, and throughout the summers.Later in elementary school, I was diagnosed with absence seizures, adding another layer of challenge. EEGs—both in-office, at home, and multi-day hospital stays—became routine. A few years later, I was told I had outgrown the seizures and was seizure-free. That felt like a major victory.At the end of my freshman year of high school, I transferred to a school better equipped to support my learning needs. The transition was difficult—leaving a place where I knew so many people for a school where I knew no one. During that time, I decided to turn my passion for golf into a purpose.I helped grow the golf team from just six players to 65 by my senior year. Through dedication and countless hours of practice, I earned the number one seed position and helped lead our school to its first-ever appearance at Sectionals. I also began working with First Tee Greater Chicago, coaching kids and helping them learn the game of golf. I was honored to be nominated as one of the organization’s first advisory committee members. When I wasn’t working or volunteering, I caddied at several clubs near my home. Things were finally looking up. I felt resilient and optimistic about the future. I was excited to get my driver’s license and pursue my dream of studying Sports Management and Recreation in college. Just days before I was scheduled to get my license, a routine EEG revealed that my seizures had returned. In an instant, everything felt like it stopped—my independence, my plans, even my vision for college. I made a decision then that seizures would not define me. With the support of my family and a dedicated medical team carefully managing my treatment, I am steadily returning to a normal routine. EEGs are once again part of my life, but so is hope. These experiences have shaped me into someone who is resilient and dependable. Dependable because every day I see people—doctors, teachers, coaches, and family—who consistently show up for me so my dreams can become reality. I plan to do the same for others, especially kids facing similar challenges, to show them that obstacles do not have to limit their dreams.I will succeed in life and live with purpose and resilience. I am committed to making every day count by showing up with a positive attitude, determination, and the drive to make things happen. I intend on living the philosophy that Arlin did and not let Epilepsy define me! I will remain resilient and positive. Not only making my life amazing but for everyone I come across each and everyday! with this scholarship I will be able to continue to pursue my dreams by taking a bit of the financial responsibility away! I will be able to get some of the additional resources I need with to succeed whether it be technology or additional tutors. I will succeed with these extra resources!