I was born prematurely at one lb. and 13 oz. As a result of my premature birth, I have disabilities such as cerebral palsy, impaired muscle coordination, decreased functional abilities, delayed motor development and cognitive impairment, spasticity on the right-side leg, arm, hand, and asthma. Run, hop, skate, and bicycle riding were as complicated as going to the moon. Actions that require precise movement of my right hand can be a daunting task because I cannot twist my wrist or put my fingers in certain positions. Things requiring fine motor skills are a big deal for me. I fell into depression, withdrew from society, became distant, and avoided socialization with others. During high school, I would often spectate track and field events. I would cheer for my classmates on the sidelines, wishing that I could participate. My father always says to my two brothers and me, “Life is about choices. The choices we make determine our fate.” I had to choose between withdrawing from society because of my disabilities or embracing them, bravely stepping into the community, and showing that my disabilities do not define me. I was fortunate to be surrounded by a caring support system of family, friends, and school guidance counselors. Their encouraging words became the final push for me to choose, and I decided to join the track and field team in school. I did what I was afraid to do, knowing that I would often fall and be the center of attention in a storm of private discussions on my not-so-elegant gait, positioning of my arm and foot, and other criticism. This one choice built the foundation of confidence that I now have to face any obstacles that will come my way bravely. I found my voice, gained confidence, and learned to advocate for myself. I now see my disabilities as obstacles to overcome, which I must adapt to and fulfill my objectives. I will not win all the races and receive awards and accolades. Still, I will be an example of someone excelling in Life despite all negative influences. I will be attending Adelphi University In the fall of 2022, pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work and Early Childhood Special Education. I believe the field of Social Work and Early Childhood Education will give me a platform to reach out and encourage other people in a similar situation. Hopefully, I will be that example and the visual motivation they may need to see and realize that achieving their goals and dreams is possible. I wish to be what inspires them to go for it! Put all the negative talks and thoughts behind them and strive towards their ambitions. My disabilities are just conditions that I must adapt to or overcome. Despite all these challenges, I will persevere, and if I can do it, so can they. These are my daily adversities, and I show people that turning your weaknesses into your strength is possible.

I have disabilities such as cerebral palsy, impaired muscle coordination, delayed motor development and cognitive impairment. Run, hop, skate, bicycle riding are as complicated as going to the moon. Things requiring fine motor skills are a big deal for me. I fell into depression, withdrew from society, became distant, and avoided socialization with others. During high school, I would often spectate track and field events. I would cheer for my classmates on the sidelines, wishing that I could participate. My father always says to my two brothers and me, “Life is about choices. The choices we make determine our fate.” I had to choose between withdrawing from society because of my disabilities or embracing them, bravely stepping into the community, and showing that my disabilities do not define me. I was fortunate to be surrounded by a caring support system of family, friends, and school guidance counselors. Their encouraging words became that final push for me to choose, and I decided to join the track and field team in school. I did what I was afraid to do, knowing that I would often fall, be the center of attention in a storm of private discussions on my not-so-elegant gait, positioning of my arm and foot, and other criticism. This one choice built the foundation of confidence that I now have to face any obstacles that will come my way bravely. I found my voice, gained confidence, and learned to advocate for myself. I now see my disabilities as obstacles to overcome, which I must adapt to and fulfill my objectives. I will not win all the races and receive awards and accolades. Still, I will be an example of someone excelling in Life despite all negative influences.

Sitting in the cafeteria during lunchtime at school is as much a classroom setting as any other. Numerous conversations are taking place around me. Some are in hush voices, while others are boisterous. Each conservationist is doing their best to get their point of view across. I heard all this racket around me, and one conversation, in particular, caught my attention. A young lady talking with her friend exclaimed. "I hear everything you are telling me!". Her friend then replies, " That is the problem; you hear but don't listen." and storms out of the lunchroom. This event forced me to ponder the meaning of the words hearing and listening. According to the Merriam-Webster online dictionary, hearing means: "the process, function, or power of perceiving sound specifically: the special sense by which noises and tones as stimuli." Listening means: "to hear something with thoughtful attention: give consideration." So a person who listens does so with the intent to understand what one is saying; a person who hears the exact words and treats them as sound with no proper distinction can appear dismissive and without care for a person's feelings. When our parents correct us when we do wrong, we sometimes hear the words as nagging, and it is after contemplation we notice a difference. Sometimes we hear in the present and listen in hindsight. I practice active listening by using all my senses. I concentrate on what the person says and give full attention, put away distractions such as the phone, and make eye contact with the person. I would pay attention to their behavior, the tension of their body and voice, lean in, control my facial and body movements and reactions, repeat critical points of what is said to show that I am attentive, gain clarity of the situation.

Growing up with disabilities prevented me from participating in many childhood activities. Running, hopping, skating, bicycle riding is as complicated as going to the moon. I fell into depression, withdrew from society, became distant, and avoided socialization with others. If I had to choose a specific character trait that best suits me, Empathy would have to be it. My circumstances have given me a unique perspective in identifying with the underdogs, the underrepresented, those questioning the meaning of their existences. This quality has given me a perceptive ability that helps me identify others in need of compassion, support, and encouragement. Hopefully, I will be that example and the visual motivation they may need to see and realize that achieving their goals and dreams is possible. Despite all these challenges, I will persevere, and if I can do it, so can they. I wish to be what inspires them to go for it! Put all the negative talks and thoughts behind them and strive towards their ambitions.

Awarding me this scholarship will help offset college or university tuition fees. Allow me to take the first step of many on my journey towards my career goal of engaging in Social Work and Early Childhood Special Education. I have a unique perspective as a person with disabilities and feel that I can be of service to others that may need a role model, advisor, supporter, and counselor as I did in my life. I will be that example, and hopefully, the visual motivation for those in similar situations may need to see and realize that it is possible to achieve their goals and dreams. I wish to be what inspires them to go for it! Put all the negative talks and thoughts behind them and strive towards their ambitions. I will show that turning your weaknesses into your strength is possible.

Confidence to me is turning your disabilities into abilities and challenging yourself by stepping out of your comfort zone and into uncomfortable positions. I have disabilities such as cerebral palsy, impaired muscle coordination, decreased functional abilities, delayed motor development and cognitive impairment, spasticity on the right-side leg, arm, hand, and asthma. Run, hop, skate, bicycle riding are as complicated as going to the moon. Like many people in a similar situation, I fell into depression, withdrew from society, became distant, and avoided socialization with others. During high school, I would often spectate track and field events. I would cheer for my classmates on the sidelines, wishing that I could participate. My father always says to my two brothers and me, “Life is about choices. The choices we make determine our fate.” I had to choose between withdrawing from society because of my disabilities or embracing them, bravely stepping into the community, and showing that my disabilities do not define me. I decided to join the track and field team in school. I did what I was afraid to do, knowing that I would often fall, be the center of attention in a storm of private discussions on my not-so-elegant gait, positioning of my arm and foot, and other criticism. This one choice built the foundation of confidence that I now have to face any obstacles that will come my way bravely. I found my voice, gained confidence, and learned to advocate for myself. I now see my disabilities as obstacles to overcome, which I must adapt to and fulfill my objectives. I will not win all the races and receive awards and accolades. Still, I will be an example of someone excelling in Life despite all negative influences.

I was born prematurely at one lb. and 13 oz. As a result of my premature birth, I have disabilities such as cerebral palsy, impaired muscle coordination, decreased functional abilities, delayed motor development and cognitive impairment, spasticity on the right-side leg, arm, hand, and asthma. Run, hop, skate, bicycle riding were as complicated as going to the moon. Actions that require precise movement of my right hand can be a daunting task because I cannot twist my wrist or put my fingers in certain positions. For example, turning a car key in the ignition cylinder is a complicated task. Things requiring fine motor skills are a big deal for me. My condition significantly contributed to early childhood trauma. I was bullied both online and in school; I fell into depression, withdrew from society, became distant, and avoided socialization with others. Many in my situation seek out numerous coping mechanisms to address these traumas. I have friends whose outlet of escape is cutting themselves, drinking and drugs, and others allow exploitation of their bodies to feel included by the popular clique. During high school, I would often spectate track and field events. I would cheer for my classmates on the sidelines, wishing that I could participate. My father always says to my two brothers and me, “Life is about choices. The choices we make determine our fate.” I had to choose between withdrawing from society because of my disabilities or embracing them, bravely stepping into the community, and showing that my disabilities do not define me. I was fortunate to be surrounded by a caring support system of family, friends, and school guidance counselors. Their encouraging words became that final push for me to choose, and I decided to join the track and field team in school. I did what I was afraid to do, knowing that I would often fall, be the center of attention in a storm of private discussions on my not-so-elegant gait, positioning of my arm and foot, and other criticism. This one choice built the foundation of confidence that I now have to face any obstacles that will come my way bravely. I found my voice, gained confidence, and learned to advocate for myself. I now see my disabilities as obstacles to overcome, which I must adapt to and fulfill my objectives. I will not win all the races and receive awards and accolades. Still, I will be an example of someone excelling in Life despite all negative influences. I need a platform to reach out and encourage other people in a similar situation. The ones who feel most vulnerable lonely, have low opinions of themselves, and feel like the outcasts of society. I believe the field of Social Work and Early Childhood Education will give me that launchpad. I will be that example and hopefully the visual motivation they may need to see and realize that it is possible to achieve their goals and dreams. I wish to be what inspires them to go for it! Put all the negative talks and thoughts behind them and strive towards their ambitions. I show kindness in educating those pointing out my shortcomings to me every day with a smile and showing them that my disabilities are just conditions that I must conquer or adapt. Despite all these challenges, I will persevere, and if I can do it, so can they. These are my daily adversities, and I show people that turning your weaknesses into your strength is possible.

I was born prematurely at one lb. and 13 oz. As a result of my premature birth, I have disabilities such as cerebral palsy, impaired muscle coordination, decreased functional abilities, delayed motor development and cognitive impairment, spasticity on the right-side leg, arm, hand, and asthma. Run, hop, skate, bicycle riding were as complicated as going to the moon. Actions that require precise movement of my right hand can be a daunting task because I cannot twist my wrist or put my fingers in certain positions. For example, turning a car key in the ignition cylinder is a complicated task for me. I can insert the key, but simultaneously twisting my wrist and squeezing the key is complex. Things requiring fine motor skills are a big deal for me. I fell into depression, withdrew from society, became distant, and avoided socialization with others. During high school, I would often spectate track and field events. I would cheer for my classmates on the sidelines, wishing that I could participate. My father always says to my two brothers and me, “Life is about choices. The choices we make determine our fate.” I had to choose between withdrawing from society because of my disabilities or embracing them, bravely stepping into the community, and showing that my disabilities do not define me. I was fortunate to be surrounded by a caring support system of family, friends, and school guidance counselors. Their encouraging words became that final push for me to choose, and I decided to join the track and field team in school. I did what I was afraid to do, knowing that I would often fall, be the center of attention in a storm of private discussions on my not-so-elegant gait, positioning of my arm and foot, and other criticism. This one choice built the foundation of confidence that I now have to face any obstacles that will come my way bravely. I found my voice, gained confidence, and learned to advocate for myself. I now see my disabilities as obstacles to overcome, which I must adapt to and fulfill my objectives. I will not win all the races and receive awards and accolades. Still, I will be an example of someone excelling in Life despite all negative influences. People say that I have the characteristics of Patience, Kindness, and Empathy. If I had to choose a specific character trait that best suits me, Empathy would have to be it. My circumstances have given me a unique perspective in identifying with the underdogs, underrepresented, those questioning the meaning of their existences. This quality has given me a perceptive ability that helps me identify others in need of compassion, support, and encouragement. I will be that example and hopefully the visual motivation they may need to see and realize that it is possible to achieve their goals and dreams. I wish to be what inspires them to go for it! Put all the negative talks and thoughts behind them and strive towards their ambitions. I show kindness in educating those pointing out my shortcomings to me every day with a smile and showing them that my disabilities are just conditions that I must conquer or adapt. Despite all these challenges, I will persevere, and if I can do it, so can they. These are my daily adversities, and I show people that turning your weaknesses into your strength is possible.

I don't stand or repeat "The Pledge of Allegiance" because I believe that America does not provide "that liberty and justice for all," as it states. I'm not going to stand up, showing pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black, indigenous people of color. I stopped standing because the pledge of allegiance never represented us. Since kindergarten, we have said it, and we are programmed to do this because it is a social norm. We should be analyzing the words of the pledge and determine if they truly represent all Americans or cater to a specific interest group. Only after that can we truly decide whether or not we want to say it instead of ignorantly standing and repeating the actions of other people around us. It contradicts each word in the pledge; for example, it says "indivisible, with liberty and justice for all ." I believe it's saying that we can rise against our differences. However, we can't rise above our differences in society because there are still influential and privileged people in America being insensitive or discriminatory against people of different faiths, religions, cultures, and skin tones. Many people called me out for sitting out for the pledge question my act of defiance. But people that don't come from poor or low-income families in this country are ignorant about the disparity because it does not affect them. As a woman and a person of color, I can have an education and the necessary qualifications and still face discrimination. Why recite a pledge of allegiance to a flag whose country does not recognize, respect me or my capabilities? I'm afraid I have to disagree with the stance our politicians in government take to not address this disparity in our society on how it affects us as people. I may not be able to solve this problem by sitting down while others stand for the pledge. However, doing so brings attention to this matter and provides an avenue to educate openly discuss the differing perspectives on this issue of inequality.

I was born prematurely at one lb. and 13 oz. I have disabilities such as cerebral palsy, impaired muscle coordination, decreased functional abilities, delayed motor development and cognitive impairment, spasticity on the right-side leg, arm, hand, and asthma. Run, hop, skate, bicycle riding were as complicated as going to the moon. Actions that require precise movement of my right hand can be a daunting task. I fell into depression, withdrew from society, became distant, and avoided socialization with others. During high school, I would spectate track and field events. I would cheer for my classmates on the sidelines, wishing that I could participate. My father always says to my two brothers and me, “Life is about choices. The choices we make determine our fate.” I had to choose between withdrawing from society because of my disabilities or embracing them, bravely stepping into the community, and showing that my disabilities do not define me. I was fortunate to be surrounded by a caring support system of family, friends, and school guidance counselors. Their encouraging words became that final push for me to choose, and I decided to join the track and field team in school. I did what I was afraid to do, knowing that I would often fall, be the center of attention in a storm of private discussions on my not-so-elegant gait, positioning of my arm and foot, and other criticism. This one choice built the foundation of confidence that I now have to face any obstacles that will come my way bravely. I found my voice, gained confidence, and learned to advocate for myself. I will not win all the races and receive awards and accolades. Still, I will be an example of someone excelling in Life despite all negative influences.

I was born prematurely at one pound. and 13 oz. As a result of my premature birth, I have numerous disabilities such as cerebral palsy, impaired muscle coordination, decreased functional abilities and delayed motor development and learning abilities, spasticity on the right-side leg, arm, and hand. In addition, fate felt that these were not enough and gave me asthma too. However, to me, I turn these into abilities. I use myself as a teaching example to others. both to those who are fortunate as well as unfortunate. Regular everyday things that others can do such as walking, running, engaging in certain physical activities, and even driving a car are still a constant battle for me. It does not help to always be the center of attention for certain unique characteristics that sets you apart from others. Especially when those features prevent you from doing everyday normal stuff. Like many others in my situation, I fell into depression, became distant, and avoided socialization with others. My father always told us as kids "The choices you make, determines your fate". I had a choice to make, I can either make the choice of withdrawing from society because of my disabilities or embrace them, bravely step into society and show that my disabilities do not define me. I see them as obstacles to overcome in life, conditions that I must adapt to overcome and fulfill my objectives. I show kindness in educating those pointing out my shortcomings to me every day with a smile and showing them that my disabilities are just conditions that I must conquer or adapt to. I show them the strength that despite all these challenges, I will persevere and if I can do it, so can they. It is possible to turn your weaknesses into your strength.

I was fortunate to be surrounded by a caring support system of family, friends, and school guidance counselors. Their encouraging words became that final push for me to choose, and I decided to join the track and field team in school. I did what I was afraid to do, knowing that I would often fall, be the center of attention in a storm of private discussions on my not-so-elegant gait, positioning of my arm and foot, and other criticism. This one choice built the foundation of confidence that I now have to face any obstacles that will come my way bravely. I found my voice, gained confidence, and learned to advocate for myself. I now see my disabilities as obstacles to overcome, which I must adapt to and fulfill my objectives. I will not win all the races and receive awards and accolades. Still, I will be an example of someone excelling in Life despite all negative influences. I need a platform to reach out and encourage other people in a similar situation. I believe the field of Social Work and Early Childhood Education will give me that launchpad. Attaining this scholarship will put me one step closer to achieving this goal. I will be that example and hopefully the visual motivation they may need to see and realize that it is possible to achieve their goals and dreams. I wish to be what inspires them to go for it! Put all the negative talks and thoughts behind them and strive towards their ambitions. I show kindness in educating those pointing out my shortcomings to me every day with a smile and showing them that my disabilities are just conditions that I must conquer or adapt. Despite all these challenges, I will persevere, and if I can do it, so can they. These are my daily adversities, and I show people that turning your weaknesses into your strength is possible.

As a person with a disability, a career in Social Work and Early Childhood Education; will give me the platform I need to influence other people with disabilities. I will be an example for my clients, and hopefully, the visual motivation they may need to see to realize that it is possible to achieve their goals and dreams. I wish to be their inspiration to go for it! Put all the negative talk and thoughts behind them and strive toward their ambitions. Working in that field will give me access to those children in the same position I grew up. I would feel fulfilled to become the role model, advisor, supporter, and counselor they may need at that point in their lives to be “normal” children and enjoy life the best way they can. I want to inspire them to develop new tactics or methods to accomplish those same objectives other kids can do. They may need to adapt, adjust and innovate processes to complete these things. They have to be brave and confident that there is a place for them in this world. They may do things slower or need to think harder than others to get the same results, but it will be possible! I have learned that patience, perseverance, and determination will see me through all my hardships. I may do things slower than others; however, I make fewer mistakes because I am more careful and pay attention to details. Attaining this scholarship will allow me to accomplish these goals. I am capable, diligent, and willing to put in the work to succeed.

I was born prematurely at one lb. and 13 oz. I have disabilities such as cerebral palsy, impaired muscle coordination, decreased functional abilities, delayed motor development and cognitive impairment, spasticity on the right-side leg, arm, hand, and asthma. Run, hop, skate, bicycle riding were as complicated as going to the moon. Actions that require precise movement of my right hand can be a daunting task. I fell into depression, withdrew from society, became distant, and avoided socialization with others. During high school, I would spectate track and field events. I would cheer for my classmates on the sidelines, all the while wishing that I could participate. My father always says to my two brothers and me, “Life is about choices. The choices we make determine our fate.” I had a choice to make, either choose between withdrawing from society because of my disabilities or embracing them, bravely step into the community, and show that my disabilities do not define me. I was fortunate to be surrounded by a caring support system of family, friends, and school guidance counselors. Their encouraging words became that final push for me to choose, and I decided to join the track and field team in school. I did what I was afraid to do, knowing that I would often fall, be the center of attention in a storm of private discussions on my not-so-elegant gait, positioning of my arm and foot, and other criticism. This one choice built the foundation of confidence that I now have to face any obstacles that will come my way bravely. I found my voice, gained confidence, and learned to advocate for myself. I will not win all the races and receive awards and accolades. Still, I will be an example of someone excelling in Life despite all negative influences.

Growing up as a child with cerebral palsy and asthma, I quickly learned that I was not like the other kids. Normal childhood activities were as difficult to me as going to the moon. I would often be the child that would not be picked to participate in team sports and the last to be chosen in group activities that involved intricate and artful movements of the hands and feet. As a result, I became shy and withdrawn. I did not like to talk or socialize. This continued until high school. I would often go and watch track and field events. I would cheer for my classmates on the sidelines, all the while wishing that I could participate in sporting events but things requiring fine motor skills are a big deal for me. I asked myself “Is it always going to be like that in everything I will encounter?” My father always says to my brothers and me “The choices you make determine your fate.” I had to make a personal choice. I can either remain quietly on the sideline or take it as a personal challenge and do what others think is impossible for me. I was determined to live the best life that I could live. I decided to join the track team. I knew it would be difficult. However, that decision to get involved tempered my resolve and proudly proclaimed that my disability will not define me! I did what I was afraid of the most and became the center of attention, the object of conversation to others because I walk and run differently from other people. This one choice built the foundation of confidence that I now have to bravely face any obstacles that will come my way. I found my voice, gained confidence, and learned to advocate for myself. I want to be the person that will inspire other people like me to step out of the safe bubble they created and trapped themselves in to avoid the loneliness and cruelty that comes to people with disabilities. A career in Social Work and Early Childhood Education will give me the platform needed to be a positive influence in the lives of other people with similar conditions as myself. I will be that example and hopefully the visual motivation they may need to see and realize that it is possible to achieve their goals and dreams. I wish to be what inspires them to go for it and strive towards their ambitions. Become the role model, advisor, supporter, and counselor they may need at that point in their lives to enjoy life the best way they can. I want to inspire them to try new things develop new tactics to accomplish those same objectives others can do. I have learned that patience, perseverance, determination, and self-advocacy will overcome all hardships. Attaining this scholarship will allow me to accomplish these goals. I am capable, diligent, and willing to put in the work to succeed.

Growing up as a child with cerebral palsy and asthma, I quickly learned that I was not like the other kids. Normal childhood activities were as difficult to me as going to the moon. I would often be the child that would not be picked to participate in team sports and the last to be chosen in group activities that involved intricate and artful movements of the hands and feet. As a result, I became shy and withdrawn. I did not like to talk or socialize. This continued until high school. I would often go and watch track and field events. I would cheer for my classmates on the sidelines, all the while wishing that I could participate in sporting events but things requiring fine motor skills are a big deal for me. I asked myself “Is it always going to be like that in everything I will encounter?” My father always says to my brothers and me “The choices you make determine your fate.” I had to make a personal choice. I can either remain quietly on the sideline or take it as a personal challenge and do what others think is impossible for me. I was determined to live the best life that I could live. I decided to join the track team. I knew it would be difficult. However, that decision to get involved tempered my resolve and proudly proclaimed that my disability will not define me! I did what I was afraid of the most and became the center of attention, the object of conversation to others because I walk and run differently from other people. This one choice built the foundation of confidence that I now have to bravely face any obstacles that will come my way. I found my voice, gained confidence, and learned to advocate for myself. I want to be the person that will inspire other people like me to step out of the safe bubble they created and trapped themselves in to avoid the loneliness and cruelty that comes to people with disabilities. A career in Social Work and Early Childhood Education will give me the platform needed to be a positive influence in the lives of other people with similar conditions as myself. I will be that example and hopefully the visual motivation they may need to see and realize that it is possible to achieve their goals and dreams. I wish to be what inspires them to go for it and strive towards their ambitions. Become the role model, advisor, supporter, and counselor they may need at that point in their lives to enjoy life the best way they can. I want to inspire them to try new things develop new tactics to accomplish those same objectives others can do. I have learned that patience, perseverance, determination, and self-advocacy will overcome all hardships. Attaining this scholarship will allow me to accomplish these goals. I am capable, diligent, and willing to put in the work to succeed.