Vision of Hope Scholarship

Taking care of people means the world to me. When I was a child, I had many learning problems in school that led to feelings of self doubt and frustration. I felt as if I’d never succeed in school. Then, I was diagnosed with a learning disability-Auditory Processing Disorder but one of my biggest issues was sight. My eyes couldn’t focus therefore I couldn’t focus.  I went to an eye specialist and found that I needed glasses and I also received OT at school to give me tools and tricks to aid in my visual focus. 

The first time I ever put on glasses my life was changed forever. I remember sitting in the car crying tears of joy knowing I would be able to see and knowing I might have a better chance of succeeding in school. Over my years growing up, I still struggled with school but there was one thing I knew, I wanted to help people. I had been helped so much and that developed into the person I am today.

When college major decision time came my head was spinning at all the choices I had in front of me. But, then the sweet experience of putting on those glasses led me to make my decision to enroll in the Vision Care program at Erie Community College. In my first semester, I was so shocked at how complicated our eyes are but, this made me fall even more in love with my career path.

My first year of college went better than I would have ever dreamed. Although there were bumps in the road, I held on to my first glasses experience that fueled my fire even more. My first semester I had a GPA of 3.6 making the Dean's list as well and the second semester having a GPA of 3.5 and being on the Dean's again. Being a full time student is something I do not take lightly. I truly put my heart into my school work to make my younger self proud alongside the desire I have to learn as much as I can to help those who need the confidence that sight gives. 

Everyday I wake up thankful for the gift of sight and thankful that I am learning how to give people that gift. I am fully committed to helping the people of Buffalo as I’ve been helping the community most of my life. This is my home. People are so unique and deserve to be helped in any way they need. Every day I can’t wait to get out there to learn and help people. I want to make myself proud as well as my family. They have given and sacrificed so much for me.

My heart wants to help everyone I can, whether it's a stranger, someone I know, or my family because at heart I am that joyful forever changed little girl wanting everyone to experience the joy of sight just as I did on that momentous day.  Thank you for your consideration.