2021 Educational Enrichment Fund Scholar – Lesle University
“Rachel, your sister has epilepsy.” I clearly remember the day my mom shared this with me. When Eva began experiencing seizures, I was scared, confused, and could see how difficult it was for her and my family. That pained me immensely. Although I do not struggle with epilepsy personally, I am determined to advocate for and help those who do. I remember the days at school when someone would tell me that my sister had another seizure and was being sent to the hospital. Afterwards, I could barely focus in class out of worry. Finally, I asked my mom what I could do to help, and she explained the proper procedures to me. Fortunately, I have not personally witnessed many seizures my sister has had. However, when I have, I did everything I could to help her and my family get through the moment together. I have even helped friends who have had seizures by assisting them to lay on their side and alerting an adult. Through my outspokenness and volunteer work, I continue to advocate for people with disabilities such as epilepsy, and people with Autism like myself. I go out of my way to educate people about these disabilities and how they can be of assistance. I volunteer at work to teach coworkers how to assist a person having a seizure. Also, I create comics showing what it feels like as a person with a disability trying to navigate the world, and what others can do to help in a way that is not patronizing but genuinely helpful. Through my artwork, I have the means to express to people glimpses of what it is like to live with a disability.
My goal is to attend a college that feels right and pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Animation. I want to use my art as a way to tell the stories of people with disabilities, especially epilepsy and Autism as they are so personal. Art can be one of the most powerful ways to do so. Not many people truly understand what it feels like to deal with these struggles, and a person who is uneducated can get very scared and unsure of what to do when they witness a person having a seizure.
I have a passionate desire to continue to learn and to use my art to express what the world can feel like for a person like my sister. I know that this is my life purpose – to help, educate, and advocate for others through volunteering and artwork. This scholarship would greatly assist me to reach my potential and follow this dream. Regardless of whether I receive this award, I promise to continue to advocate for others and spread awareness about epilepsy and those with disabilities throughout my college career and adult life.