In 2011, when I was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia at five years old, my whole world turned a sickly shade of orange. The Leukemia ribbon seemed like it would strangle me as I was pumped full of chemotherapy drugs. Yet, I found happiness and light when I painted in the playroom of the children’s hospital hematology-oncology unit. At every visit, I filled up sheets and sheets of paper with big swirls and swathes of colors- expressing my emotions like a mix of Monet and Van Gogh. On October 10, 2013, my day and future became painted in a bright, hopeful vermillion as I took my first steps into remission.

Ten years later, in 2023, I felt called to share my journey with leukemia. I finally felt free from the sickly shade of orange lurking in the core of my marrow; the threat of relapse was no more. In October of my senior year, I entered a team in the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Light the Night Walk to raise money for cancer research and support which helped me and other children with blood cancers and disorders break free. In contrast to the shy five-year-old girl who only wanted to paint, I stood up and called others to action: giving presentations of my journey to groups of people, including my school; posting on social media to raise awareness and funds;

and getting friends who had shared this journey with me to help lead this celebration of hope. When my friends and family showed up to the walk, wearing our t-shirts marked with an orange ribbon, I felt overwhelmed by their support. Instead of strangling me, the ribbon tied my group together in love.

By participating in Light the Night, I discovered a commitment to giving back to others; I could give them hope for their futures, too. After working at a local pharmacy, I felt inspired to further pursue helping others. By interacting with the customers, I learned their stories of hope, obscured in those translucent orange pill bottles. ALL Leukemia inspired resiliency in me to get up after I fall, and uplift others-a trait I will use to pursue a degree in materials science and

engineering at Clemson University, home of the orange and purple Tigers. Through the academic pursuit of engineering, I want to help find solutions and create pathways for new ideas that create healthier, happier, and more hopeful impacts in the lives of others, especially those who also suffer from cancer, through the research and creation of those medicines and medical equipment. As I took this next step, I felt prepared through leadership experience in activities like Light the Night, community college classes, and my friends and family to succeed in my studies.

At Clemson, I have recommitted to helping the fight against cancer by joining Clemson Miracle. This student-run organization raises money for the local Prisma Health Children’s Hospital in Greenville, S.C. I felt especially moved to join this fight because the goal this year is to raise money for the new hematology-oncology unit playroom-the place where I got to create those big swirls of orange and color on paper myself, the place where my journey of hope began. Being part of such a large and loving community committed to fighting for children like me inspires the creation of even more change.

I don’t think I could have ever made it this far or become the person I am today without experiencing my fight with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. It showed me the joy and strength of living by calling me to make a stand for others, leading me to acceptance and appreciation for the battles I fought. The Beyond the Cure Ambassador Scholarship will be integral by allowing me to pursue engineering at Clemson, where I can not only learn valuable skills in my classes but also open doors to research opportunities and passionate communities that inspire me to continue fighting for others. Instead of fighting to free myself from ALL Leukemia, I can use my passion for change to be a bright beacon of orange light that can inspire hope, acceptance, and resilience in those who feel like they are lost in the dark of cancer. Today, orange is indelibly painted across me, not as a scar but as a beautiful badge of honor that no one can take away.