I have spent 13 months rebuilding myself from the ground up. The grace and understanding of the MVYouth Scholarship made it possible for me to leave on sabbatical halfway through my sophomore year. Despite the unrelenting, daily, seizures, I passed two of my classes, both in music. I am proud to say I excelled in Advanced Voice. I’ve built a strong relationship with my music professor and mentor, Tom Bogdan. Being home has made me realize that both the town and college of Bennington is extremely similar to the Island of Martha’s Vineyard. For instance, it’s rather secluded. Everywhere you go you think to yourself, “Huh, I know that person.” Since leaving Bennington, I’ve been striving to get my epilepsy under control. For the first three months of my sabbatical I was in severe rehabilitation. Over the next two months I began moderate recovery. By the end of September my seizures had finally become manageable. Since then I’ve worked at a gardening store and as a baker’s apprentice. Through these hands on jobs I‘ve found that I thrive just as well as when I’m on stage. I'm not sure where this will take me. It’s a jumping off point, but isn't that the idea? To find a spark and follow it. I’m going to follow, study and surround myself with what inspires me. I plan to return to college in the fall of 2021. As of now, I am in the process of exploring my options of schooling and a possible transfer. I’m currently looking at a few schools in MA that offer performing arts as well as culinary and business programs. I appreciate the second chance to fulfill what I know I’m capable of. To start again with my accomplishments supporting me, not with what I’ve been through weighing me down. This is an opportunity that seemed impossible. Thanks to MVYouth I have the privilege of starting anew.