Scholarship Recipients

Two years ago, I applied, interviewed, and was fortunate enough to receive a position as a teacher’s assistant for the introductory computer science series at my university — a role that seemed out of reach when I started my degree. As a blind woman in an engineering field, I faced real barriers to finding belonging as a computer scientist."

Trisha Kulkarni, 2023 Scholarship Recipient

Setting up goals and working continuously towards achieving them have been one of many effective strategies that have played significant roles in helping me pursue my path to success. Understanding the importance of acquiring higher education, I have set my goal to be graduating from SDSU in 2024 with a master’s degree in social work. After receiving my degree, my plan is to apply to law school and study immigration law."

Maryam Abdul Sattar, 2023 Scholarship Recipient

I am pursuing a Juris doctorate because I wish to further advance the rights of people with disabilities. I have benefited from the relentless advocacy of those who have dedicated their careers to advancing disability rights in the United States, and I can now play a part in protecting and further expanding those rights."

Emily Recinos, 2023 Scholarship Recipient

I have a disability, one that won’t disappear and will likely never improve. While this statement once threatened my ambitions, these truths no longer scare me, and frankly they challenge me each and every day to do more and be more. Both in the work world and a classroom setting, I know that I can provide thoughts, ideas, and lived experiences that few others will consider specifically because of my blindness."

Elizabeth Rouse, 2023 Scholarship Recipient

Through coursework, practica, and applied clinical research in Spalding University's Clinical Psy.D. program, I hope to cultivate clinical skills to effectively support systemically marginalized young people experiencing mental health difficulties as I carry my passion for this work to my graduate education."

Jack McPadden, 2023 Scholarship Recipient

Being a visually impaired artist challenges me to see the world in a unique manner that few people experience. This distinctive, somewhat unnatural talent has taught me how to approach my love for art and my desire to learn in a nonconforming yet thoughtful way. Despite all of my hardships, I worked hard to persevere."

Charlotte Wismer, 2023 Scholarship Recipient

I will be attending the University of Charleston in Charleston, West Virginia, and majoring in Political Science in order to fulfill my dreams of being an advocate for the visually impaired and blind in government. I want to be an instrumental part of reforming our state by advocating for the visually impaired community through new legislation and lobbying to get funds to help other students/adults like myself."

Haley Nisperly, 2023 Scholarship Recipient

There are challenges I have and will continue to face as a blind and autistic teenager performing on the stage. Thes e challenges make me a better artist because they make me practice overcoming my anxiety and barriers to performing and participating with my peers in The Arts."

Holly Conner, 2023 Scholarship Recipient

Everyone has their own, unique challenges and problems. Having Stargardt’s disease has helped me grow as a person. It has shaped who I am today for the better. I've learned to confront the challenge of being blind head-on and to always look for new opportunities. The greatest lesson I’ve learned is that, regardless of the challenge, you always need to keep pushing yourself and look for the positives in life."

Jack M. Freeburg, 2023 Scholarship Recipient

Although I am working to build a meaningful career, I believe that education is also an opportunity for expanding oneself personally. In school, I want to become a better person, build deep relationships, and expand my understanding of the world and my small place in it. This scholarship would help make that dream a reality."

Julia LaGrand, 2023 Scholarship Recipient

This scholarship would allow me to learn as much as possible without worrying about costs and limitations. However, what is most important to me is answering the question: how can I give back to all the communities that served and helped me grow? Exploration and further understanding of the world will enhance current and future societies. I want to participate in that movement and contribute as much as possible."

Kenneth Calhoun, 2023 Scholarship Recipient

Since my diagnosis of Stargardt’s, I have learned to be self-reliant, resilient, and to give hope through teaching and personal interaction. I try to model an attitude of success despite challenges. Next fall I will enter a 4 year college as a full time student. I plan to tailor a business degree to incorporate my passion for student development and teaching."

Skylar Adad, 2023 Scholarship Recipient

In 2019, I was diagnosed with a brain tumor and had to undergo two neurosurgeries to remove it. Unfortunately, I lost my vision after the second surgery. I felt devastated, hopeless and lost. Knowing that life circumstances are unpredictable, I quickly adapted to a new way of living. My love for music inspires me to become a music therapist. My dream is to get people through their mental, emotional, and physical illnesses through the power of music."

Matthew Cho, 2023 Scholarship Recipient

With my visual impairment, I know college will be more challenging for me, but I’m ready to take on that challenge. I hope to inspire other people with visual impairments to realize they don’t have to let their vision limit them from accomplishing their goals."

Caden Roebke, 2023 Scholarship Recipient

My parents were essential in my ability to be able to graduate as Salutatorian of my class. They never said no to anything I asked to do, even if it meant a lot of brainstorming trying to figure out how I could do it with my low vision. I was always supported and encouraged by them, and that is why I am the way I am."

Ashleigh Rogers, 2023 Scholarship Recipient