Biography Tag: 2025 Scholarship Recipient

Tory R.

Tory R.

As a first-generation college student, Tory has been passionate about aviation since childhood, inspired by days spent in the hangar with his veteran father. Pursuing a degree in Aerospace Engineering, he openly self-discloses his disability, advocating for himself to foster […]

Amber W.

Amber W.

Pursuing a Dual-title PhD in Chemistry and Astrobiology, Amber researches the origins of life, which is driven by a lifelong passion for science. Born in China, where autism is often misunderstood, she masked her neurodivergence until moving to Canada. In […]

Angel D.

Angel D.

For Angel, growing up with dyslexia felt like navigating a maze where every turn looked the same—words twisted and unrecognizable, stories fragmented like a book with missing pages. Since they couldn’t rely on reading, they developed the ability to listen […]

Bella S.

While Bella always loved learning, navigating school often felt overwhelming. Fidgety, talkative, and easily distracted, they quickly developed the skill of masking—carefully observing and imitating others to appear “normal.” Though this helped them fit in, it was exhausting, leaving them […]

Taise M.

Taise M.

As a first-generation student, Taise sees attending college as an immense blessing and an opportunity they are excited to embrace. While they were fortunate to receive the academic and social support they needed growing up, they recognize that not everyone […]

Yona N.

Yona N.

Yona’s dyslexia diagnosis brought both relief and uncertainty, but transferring to a school for students with learning differences changed everything. With the proper support, she gained confidence and found her voice. Realizing that many dyslexic students face barriers that hinder […]

Joshua R.

Joshua R.

Joshua’s journey to becoming an activist actor is deeply shaped by his experiences navigating the challenges of invisible disabilities, including epilepsy, processing delays, dyslexia, dyscalculia, and ADHD. Growing up, he often felt out of place and struggled to keep up. […]

James G.

James G.

Growing up with multiple learning disabilities and a hearing impairment, James always had a special education teacher by his side in the classroom. While he appreciated and benefitted from the support, he longed for independence. This experience shaped his passion […]

Kian Q.

Kian Q.

From an early age, Kian struggled with dyslexia, feeling invisible despite hours spent with therapists. Everything changed when he discovered theater, which gave him confidence and a sense of belonging. Through roles like Scar, Aladdin, and Scuttle, he found a […]

Izzy M.

Izzy M.

Diagnosed with ADHD and Auditory Processing Disorder at fifteen, Izzy spent years masking her neurodivergence to fit into a world designed for the neurotypical, leading to a deep struggle with identity and mental health. Over time, she embraced her authentic […]

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