I admit I am a little bit afraid that I may fail when I move away from the support system at home and move to Virginia Tech. I am intimidated by the idea of starting over with becoming my own advocate in a new place. Winning this scholarship gives me some reassurance that I can do it. Finally, I feel that someone understands the considerable extra effort it has taken to get to this place.  Rather than deny or discount my disabilities, this scholarship acknowledges them and even better, winning it, means that someone beyond my family and immediate circle of friends, believes that I can achieve in college despite my disabilities, just like Joseph did.  That support means everything.