Daniel

Stanley

Wauconda,

IL

I think that Joseph’s family would want his scholarship to go to someone with similar life experiences and interests and someone who has financial needs. Upon reading the scholarship application and looking at the family photos I immediately felt like we had a lot in common. Like Joseph, I have a great love of the outdoors, I am very close to my family, and I have the learning disability dyslexia. I am interested in the conservation of the environment and natural resources. I love traveling and have traveled to Ecuador for a Tropical Field Ecology course, hiked with my family through the mighty five Utah National Parks, took Winter Ecology courses in the Tetons, and went on several hiking trips through the outdoor program. I also share Joseph’s passion for outdoor sports, snowboarding in my case, and his spirit for giving back. From an early age, I have volunteered with many organizations including the Dravet Syndrome Foundation, Special Olympics, and Best Buddies. I have volunteered at school and church in various activities including helping underprivileged children during a mission trip. I have three siblings, two with special needs who I have helped care for. The challenges of dealing with special needs siblings has made my family very close. It is obvious that Joseph was also close to his family. I would have liked to meet Joseph. I think we have a lot in common.