2025 Narcolepsy Scholarship Recipients Report from College

“So far, I am enjoying all of my classes! My professors are kind, humorous, and I enjoy listening to their stories during lectures.

It is pretty easy to manage my narcolepsy in college. Every day is different, some days are harder than others, but it’s the kind and supportive people around me who help me keep going. I ask for help and use my accommodations when I need to; these tools are there to help me succeed. 

Receiving the Jack & Julie Narcolepsy Scholarship means a lot to me. When I received the call, I was ecstatic! This award impacted me by lifting a weight off of my shoulders, and creating something positive from a condition I always viewed as negative. Thank you for this incredible gift!”

— Amarah, studying at Cornerstone University

“I enjoy all my classes so far, but my favorite is Intro to Sport Management. The professor is very energetic and the content of the course is really engaging.

Managing my idiopathic hypersomnia in college is difficult. It is hard balancing schoolwork and other activities without exhausting myself. I am lucky to have supportive friends and family. My professors are understanding. and the fact that my class schedule allows time for me to sleep between classes is helpful.

Receiving the Jack & Julie Narcolepsy Scholarship means so much to me. I am grateful to receive this scholarship from such a supportive organization that advocates for people with this condition.”

— Annabella, studying Sport Management at University of Massachusetts Amherst

“My favorite class is my Chemistry lab. One of my best friends is my lab partner so it is a lot of fun being with her in class!

Managing my narcolepsy at college is a rollercoaster of change. I have found new ways to help myself and keep myself healthy in this new environment.

Receiving the Jack & Julie Narcolepsy Scholarship means that someone believed I could succeed in my academic career with narcolepsy.”

— Abby, studying Microbiology at Virginia Tech

“My favorite class is Calculus. I love my professor, her teaching style, and all the information we are learning!

Managing narcolepsy at college is hard, but relying on the people around me for support is the biggest help. Thanks to my support system, understanding and managing my needs with narcolepsy has become second nature!

Receiving this scholarship means the world to me. It helps me feel seen, supported, and understood in this chaotic process of adjusting to college.”

— Alison, studying Biology and Biotechnology at Worcester Polytechnic Institute

“I love my Chemistry class, especially the laboratory sessions. I love walking into each session to complete a new task.

I was really nervous at first about managing my narcolepsy at college, especially with how I was going to wake up for my early morning sessions, but so far, so good. I have a great roommate who slams the door to wake me up when she knows I’ve overslept. I also have an alarm that shakes the whole bed!

The Jack & Julie Narcolepsy Scholarship has made me feel not alone. I know there are others out there who have the same struggles and fears, but each year there are recipients finding success at college. I can too, and I’m not alone in my journey.”

— Brooklynn, studying Biochemistry and Medical Laboratory Science at Illinois State University

“I’m really enjoying my Chemistry class, which is funny since chemistry was never my favorite. I’m starting to really understand the class and enjoy the math aspect.

I was really worried about whether I’d fall behind on schoolwork and struggle to understand the topics in class because of my idiopathic hypersomnia. I met with the disability center who gave me accommodations to help me succeed in my classes. One of the accommodations is recording lectures, which is really nice because I can review any information I may have missed.

Receiving the Jack & Julie Scholarship means a lot to me, and seeing all the other recipients shows me that I’m not alone in dealing with my sleep disorder.”

— Claire, studying Biochemistry and Pharmacy at University of Missouri

“My favorite class is definitely my Leadership class. Not only is it engaging, but I feel like I get to be myself and destress from all that is going on.

It is tough managing my narcolepsy at college. I have to do quite a bit of reading and I struggle to stay awake. I’m working on getting on medication and implementing daily naps.

Receiving the Jack & Julie Narcolepsy Scholarship means more to me than just the monetary gain. I was provided an immense amount of resources and told that I wasn’t alone in my struggles. There are other people out there dealing with the same condition. Receiving the scholarship feels surreal and is such a blessing.”

— Daniel, studying Marketing and Finance at University of Central Florida

“I love my Microeconomics and Management Information Systems class because I’m taking it with the new friends I’ve made.

Living on campus is great for managing my narcolepsy at school. I met with the accommodations director and they have been very supportive and helpful throughout this journey.

Receiving the Jack & Julie Narcolepsy scholarship means so much to me. Last spring, I wasn’t accepted into as many universities as I thought I would be, even though I had spent the previous four years working harder than anyone I know. But after receiving the scholarship, I began to feel hopeful again for my future. I am so thankful to have such a great organization backing me in my journey for education.”

— Eli, studying Business at University of Georgia

“My favorite class is Introduction to Poetry Workshop where we critique each other’s poems. Our professor is incredibly passionate and excited about the ideas he shares with us each day.

It’s definitely a challenge managing my narcolepsy at college, especially when I forget to take my medication or I run out and have to fight my way through class and homework. However, my parents and friends have been incredibly supportive with reminding me to take medication and naps when I can.

Receiving the Jack & Julie Narcolepsy Scholarship is incredible. It shows me there is a community out there like me and that my struggle isn’t just laziness or not sleeping well enough.”

— Fin, studying Creative Writing at Arizona State University

“My favorite class is my Foundation Drawing class which focuses on introducing new students to create detailed drawings.

So far, managing my narcolepsy at college is a lot less difficult than I expected. The large amounts of time between classes allow me to rest or nap if I need to. Disability services are very helpful, providing extra time or breaks along with everything else I need.

Receiving the Jack & Julie Narcolepsy Scholarship made me really happy! It’s the reason I am able to afford college. I feel grateful for this award.”

— Gabriel, studying Illustration at Rochester Institute of Technology

“My favorite class is Calculus since I surprise myself with my ability to solve such difficult math problems. My professor makes a world of difference in pushing me to solve questions in new ways, and his humor makes the class much more enjoyable!

Accommodations are incredibly helpful in managing my narcolepsy at college because I am allowed to take breaks from certain academic settings when my symptoms flare. Tuesdays and Thursdays are my catch up days to sleep because it is hard to nap on days when I have back-to-back classes.

Receiving the Jack & Julie Narcolepsy Scholarship gave me further motivation to work hard at my academics, and it eased my stress with the cost of college. I feel incredibly grateful and honored, and so much more understood.”

— Isabella, studying at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

“My favorite class is Programming. I’ve always been fascinated with code because with it, I can create anything. It helps that I have a funny and helpful professor.

It’s very helpful having university leadership who understand that I’m managing narcolepsy while going to school. They are very flexible with me when it comes to my needs.

Receiving the Jack & Julie Narcolepsy Scholarship makes my narcolepsy feel seen. To see that there are people out there who not only understand it, but are experiencing the same things helps me feel better about my condition.”

— JB, studying Cybersecurity at University of Arkansas at Little Rock

“My Engineering class is my favorite, because I enjoy learning about the design process and the strategies that are implemented into the creation of products.

I am doing well managing my narcolepsy symptoms at college with later class times and scheduled naps.

Receiving the Jack & Julie Narcolepsy Scholarship encouraged me to work through my challenges with narcolepsy and strive for a successful college experience and career.”

— Joshua, studying Engineering at West Virginia University

“My favorite class is Illustration! The professor seems impressed with my skill so far and I also love the creative freedom I get for my assignments.

Managing my narcolepsy at school actually isn’t too bad. This college is super accepting and supportive of everyone’s needs and differences, and in almost every building there’s a nice place to nap if I need to.

Receiving the Jack & Julie Narcolepsy Scholarship means the world to me! It makes me feel like living with narcolepsy is worth the struggle.”

— Kameryn, studying Animation at Columbia College Chicago

“My favorite class is Chemistry. I didn’t do well in high school chemistry since I would always sleep through it, but in college I am really enjoying the subject and getting the highest marks.

I get a lot of support in managing my narcolepsy from my school’s Student Accessibility and Educational Opportunity office, and from my friends.

Receiving the Jack & Julie Narcolepsy Scholarship was a transformative experience: it connected me with Project Sleep and provided invaluable resources to help me better understand and manage my condition. This award was the first stepping stone in overcoming years of struggle, reigniting my motivation to succeed and empowering me to pursue my goals with renewed confidence and purpose.”

— Kayla, studying Business and Finance at Virginia Commonwealth University

“My favorite class is Computer Science, because it allows us to take our foundational skills from coding and build something out of them. My professor is really nice and has interesting research topics.

I am managing my idiopathic hypersomnia in college well so far. Although some days are harder than others, the breaks between classes allow me to sleep when I need to.

Receiving the Jack & Julie Narcolepsy Scholarship took some of the financial burden off of me and allows me to situate my work load and rest when I need it. I feel really thankful to Project Sleep for helping me and my family through my first year in college.”

— Keaton, studying Computer Science at Northeastern University

“My favorite class is Sociology. I like investigating the different societal factors behind the issues and realities of our world.

It is a continuous learning process managing narcolepsy with school. However, by approaching it with a positive mindset, I feel that I am improving toward a more healthy lifestyle.

Receiving the Jack & Julie Narcolepsy Scholarship makes me feel very proud of my accomplishments and what I have been able to achieve. Receiving support and resources, and reading Julie Flygare’s memoir were very helpful for learning more about living with narcolepsy.”

— Laven, studying Political Science at Florida State University

“My favorite class is Social Work, where we discuss issues within our community and nation, learn about what it means to be a social worker, and research different ways to help solve problems.

Starting college is definitely a challenging adjustment, but I know I am capable of making it. I have so many supportive people, including new friends, old friends, and family who help me get through each new challenge that comes my way. I do my best to take things a day at a time and focus on communicating with others.

Receiving the Jack & Julie Narcolepsy Scholarship is a reminder that there are people and organizations fighting to support students who are struggling with a disability that can feel isolating.”

— Lyndi, studying Social Work at Kansas State University

“I am enjoying being on the women’s soccer team and have made some new friends.

To manage my narcolepsy at college, I sometimes take naps to help balance my sleep schedule so that I can wake up early.

Receiving the Jack & Julie Narcolepsy Scholarship is a really big deal to me, and makes me feel like I have managed my narcolepsy very well.”

— Makenna, studying Physical Therapy at Dominican University of New York

“My favorite class is Natural Disasters. It is really interesting to learn how earthquakes and tsunamis are created and the science behind them.

Managing narcolepsy at college is not easy. Time management is a struggle, but there are many different resources to help me, which makes it feel much easier than if I was on my own. 

Receiving the Jack & Julie Narcolepsy Scholarship means a lot to me, because college is really expensive and it shows how many others with this disorder are able to be successful at college.”

— Matthew, studying at Stony Brook University

“Calculus is my favorite class so far. My professor makes the class very engaging.

Managing my narcolepsy in college has its ups and downs, but the people I’ve met make it so much easier.

Receiving the Jack & Julie Narcolepsy Scholarship allows me to focus on my studies.”

— Michael, studying Civil Engineering at Syracuse University

“My favorite class is Introduction to Python. Learning how to code and advancing so quickly is really interesting.

Managing my idiopathic hypersomnia in college is a bit tricky due to my class times. However, I’m making a lot of friends and opening up to them about it!

Receiving the Jack & Julie Narcolepsy Scholarship means a lot to me. I feel recognized and shown that I’m not going to college unsupported.”

— Molly, studying Cybersecurity and Network Engineering at New England Institute of Technology

“My favorite class is Multivariable Calculus. The professor is very passionate and great at explaining complicated topics. I joined a study group through the class, and we’ve become good friends.

Managing my narcolepsy in college is easier than it was in high school. I can plan my schedule around my sleep habits and find times to take naps in the gaps between classes. The Office of Accessibility is a great support.

I am honored to receive the Jack & Julie Narcolepsy Scholarship. It reminds me that I am not alone and that I have a community that supports me.”

— Natalie J, studying Chemical Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute

“My favorite class is Introduction to Actuarial Science.The professor is engaging, and the content gives me insight into my future career and encourages me to pursue my dreams.

While managing my narcolepsy at college comes with challenges, I feel incredibly fortunate to be welcomed so warmly by my university. The Disabilities Resource Center plays a vital role in my success, and I am also lucky to have amazing friends who consistently support me.

Receiving the Jack & Julie Narcolepsy Scholarship is both empowering and eye-opening as it reminds me that I am not alone in my challenges. While my diagnosis once made me feel like I had to hide what I was going through, this scholarship gives me the confidence and platform to share my experience and advocate for others like me.”

— Natalie, studying Actuarial Science at Purdue University

“My favorite class is Introduction to Interdisciplinary Thinking because we get to tackle giant questions like, “What is the root cause of all of Gen-Z’s problems?” It’s really interesting and I get to spend time with some awesome people.

At first, I had serious anxiety about navigating college with narcolepsy, figuring out how to manage my time, and finding a quiet place where I could rest undisturbed, but I have overcome my fear of sleeping on campus when required.

Receiving the Jack & Julie Narcolepsy Scholarship is very humbling. Getting this award shows me that I can accomplish things if I set my mind to it.”

— Noelle, studying at Brigham Young University

“My favorite class is Player Development because my homework is 36 holes of golf each week!

Managing my idiopathic hypersomnia at college is going well so far. My roommate is really helpful in getting me up and out of bed on time for class each morning.

The Jack & Julie Narcolepsy Scholarship means so much because I see college as a new beginning. So much of my high school years were spent fighting to stay awake and find a diagnosis. Now that that’s all behind me, and thanks to this scholarship, I can truly focus on staying healthy and making the most of the next four years.”

— Sam, studying Professional Golf Management at Penn State University

“I enjoy my Energy and Society class because it connects energy systems to real-world issues like sustainability, equity, and policy. It also gives me a new perspective on how human choices and systems affect the environment and society.

Managing my symptoms at college is a challenge since narcolepsy does not pause for anything. Sometimes accommodations help, but other times they aren’t enough. Despite that, I am learning to advocate better for myself and persevere.

The Jack & Julie Narcolepsy Scholarship is much more than just financial support; it was a moment of recognition. I am so thankful to receive this award to continue my education. I enjoyed writing the scholarship essay because it allowed me to open up about my inner struggles and share them with others who experience the same.”

— Samantha, studying Pre-law at University of Wyoming

“My favorite class is Honors Chemistry. It’s a lot of review mixed with new information, but the TA is amazing and helps tie everything together, so it all makes sense.

Managing my narcolepsy at college is difficult in several ways. The things others do for fun or to regain energy just further drain me (like exercising or going out), but I’ve found some great people who I enjoy spending time with. It’s all about energy and resource balancing, thinking about what’s important and what needs to be prioritized at any given time.

It means the world to receive the Jack & Julie Narcolepsy Scholarship. I feel so supported. Narcolepsy was something that only ever hindered my success and made me feel hopeless, but now I have a community that makes me feel like I’m not at all alone. There are others working through these same challenges and struggles, which not a lot of people understand.”

— Sophia, studying Biochemistry at Carnegie Mellon University

“My favorite class is Intro to Engineering: Self Driving Cars and Drones. The balance of technical lectures paired with lab time and discussions is ideal because I do hands-on projects and build things that utilize the information taught in lectures.

So far, I am managing my narcolepsy symptoms just as well as I was before starting college. It took some time getting adjusted to a new environment and routine, but I have all the support I need to have a great experience here.

The Jack & Julie Narcolepsy Scholarship did more than just provide financial support for my future education; it connected me with a community of people who face the same struggles I do. This scholarship and its community showed me that it is possible to overcome even the biggest challenges when you have people who support and understand you.”

— Wyatt, studying Mechanical Engineering at University of Michigan

“My favorite class is Epidemiology. The professor is great, the class is really interesting, and I love learning about different measures of health in populations.

At first, navigating college with idiopathic hypersomnia seemed daunting, but as I’ve gotten into my routine, I’ve learned how to pace myself and balance school, fun, and sleep. My professors are understanding and helpful even when I fall asleep in lecture, and my friends make sure I don’t push myself too hard and help me without judgment when I do!

Receiving the Jack & Julie Narcolepsy Scholarship is very meaningful. I spent hours reading college updates from past recipients, which helps me feel more confident and less alone at college. It shows me that I can do this!”

— Zoe, studying Brain and Cognitive science at University of Rochester

The 2026 Jack & Julie Narcolepsy Scholarship application will be released early in January of 2026.

With a year-end tax-deductible gift to Project Sleep, you can help build a brighter future for the young scholars of America. Please consider making a donation or hosting a Facebook Fundraiser in honor of Giving Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025, which will go a long way in supporting BIG DREAMS. Thank you!

Project Sleep’s Navigating School with Narcolepsy materials provide information and resources for:

• Understanding students’ rights
• Advocating for your needs
• Gaining accommodations
• Finding support and community at school

Wake Up Narcolepsy offers free, online support groups for people with narcolepsy and IH navigating college and careers.

Please share with friends, families, and educators!