Hello from College!
My first semester at Dominican University of California has been amazing so far. My favorite class is Expository Reading and Writing. As a part of the curriculum, we volunteer in the community with elementary school kids.
Winning the Jack & Julie Narcolepsy Scholarshiphas been eye-opening. Diagnosed with narcolepsy and cataplexy at age 7, I never really encountered anyone else my age with narcolepsy. Although I have always had the support of my family and friends, it is comforting to know that other students my age are going through the same thing.
Through the Jack & Julie Narcolepsy Scholarship, I have come to know that I am not alone. Thank you!
Receiving the Jack & Julie Narcolepsy Scholarship in 2014 showed me the immense support people with narcolepsy have for each other in accomplishing our goals.
In my freshman year, I got to cheer on the Buckeyes to winning the College Football National Championship! Nothing tops seeing the campus erupt in celebration after we won.
I’m always experimenting with different ways to better manage my narcolepsy, but establishing a routine is most helpful. I also build a nap into my schedule. It’s important to be honest with yourself. Do not worry about what others are doing. Find what works best for you!
Starting college has been fun and scary. I was a little hesitant to tell my three roommates about my narcolepsy, but after explaining, they accepted me and said they had my back.
My favorite class is Communications – my first assignment was to deliver a speech about myself and of course, I was thrilled to talk about Narcolepsy and Cataplexy. I enjoy attending the football games and found a new hobby – working out in the gym.
Receiving the Jack & Julie Narcolepsy Scholarship reminded me that people do care and are willing to help others in need. I hope that one day I will be able to pay it forward and give back to another individual with narcolepsy. This scholarship not only blessed me financially but also spiritually and I am forever grateful.
My favorite part of the semester so far was making it through rush and pledging my sorority Alpha Omicron Pi at University of Georgia. Also, Rollo and I love it when the family comes up for game days!
Rollo (my service dog) is quite the Georgia fan too. He gets lots of treats throughout the games and we leave early to beat traffic and take a nap. He is always up for a new challenge – whether it’s climbing to the high bleacher seats or tackling the student section – he is always wagging his tail and smiling big.
The Jack & Julie Narcolepsy Scholarship allowed me to afford a single room which makes napping and taking medication a lot easier. Thank you so much!
I’ve quickly fallen in love with the community at Notre Dame. One of the highlights of my first semester was reading the Iliad and Odyssey. The beautiful imagery and speeches blew me away.
Between the accommodations offered by the university and my ability to take naps during the day, my narcolepsy has actually been easier to manage in college.
I feel so blessed to be a recipient of the Jack & Julie Narcolepsy Scholarship because it helped to send me to Notre Dame. I am truly happy here and I am thriving even with narcolepsy.
I really love it here at Bucknell. The football games have been a lot of fun, and I hear our basketball season is awesome too. My favorite class is Sociology, as I really enjoy learning about why people act or do the things they do.
I’ve been able to manage my narcolepsy well in college. I’m on the baseball team and my teammates and roommate know I have it.
Winning the Jack & Julie Narcolepsy Scholarship helped my parents financially. Also, even just by me applying for the scholarship helped raise narcolepsy awareness in my community, so winning it was the icing on the cake. Thank you!
My favorite event so far at University of Missouri – Kansas City was Bid Day for my sorority (Chi Omega). I am so honored to be part of an awesome organization with amazing girls as my sisters. Also, the Royals World Series Championship Parade was a lot of fun.
I have been able to manage my narcolepsy fairly well. However, it can be difficult at times but I always find a way to power through and come out successful.
Receiving the Jack & Julie Narcolepsy Scholarship was extremely meaningful to me because all my hard work in school, despite having the challenges associated with narcolepsy, paid off to not only get me here to UMKC, but also to get additional financial assistance.
I am enjoying playing soccer at SVU! Recently, I had so much fun dressing up for Halloween as a 1920s flapper – I participated in the competitions and danced the night away.
For my narcolepsy, I’ve found it helpful to stick to a schedule, especially with my medication, and schedule classes at times when I am most awake.
Receiving the Jack & Julie Narcolepsy Scholarship was something so positive that came out of a disease that can be extremely difficult sometimes. Thank you so much.
In my first semester at Clarkson College of Nursing, my favorite class is Anatomy because it is very interactive and keeps me awake! I love learning about the nervous system because the brain fascinates me.
Receiving the Jack & Julie Narcolepsy Scholarship made me feel like I had people behind me supporting me. Honestly, I consider myself lucky to be attending college; at one point, I thought I might never be able to. Learning about the other recipients who were starting college at the same time helped me realize that this is possible!
Your generosity has inspired me to one day be able to help other students with narcolepsy achieve their educational goals. Just as you have helped me! Thank you so much.
While I have loved every aspect of college so far, from the inspiring professors to meeting interesting people, my favorite aspect is being part of the Michigan Marching Band. Performing in the “Big House” is an extraordinary experience; the energy and support from over 100,000 cheering fans each Saturday in the largest stadium in the United States is incredible.
Being a recipient of the Jack & Julie Narcolepsy Scholarship has meant the world to me. Before winning this scholarship, I often felt as if I was the only teenager with narcolepsy. Knowing others are in my same situation encourages me to be open about my condition and seek help when needed. Thank you so much!
Next semester, I will be taking Principles of Neuroscience, which I am very excited about since I am currently a sophomore in the honors program at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN majoring in neuroscience.
Extended test time has been a very helpful accommodation for my narcolepsy. Also, priority registration allows me to enroll in classes that are held during the times I feel most awake.
As I aspire to become a neurologist and help others who are afflicted with sleep disorders, winning the Jack & Julie Narcolepsy Scholarship brought me closer to achieving that goal. Thank you!
Thank you for your partnership in this incredible work!
Please join us in helping more students find hope and pride with narcolepsy. We aim to give out ten scholarships next year.
