Alyssa, 20 years old, NY

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Alyssa is a kind, quirky, and passionate young woman. Throughout her life, she has faced many challenges related to her health. Growing up, Alyssa's life was marked by constant change. Her family relocated several times, and she attended many different schools and worked with various doctors, mental health providers, and agencies. Additionally, she has not had a father or father figure involved in her life. in her life, and assist her mother in raising her younger Autistic brother. Alyssa's mother has been and continues to be her sole primary support. Although, at times, Alyssa's symptoms are disabling, and she has had significant struggles in life, she still strives to be the best that she can be and hopes to follow her dreams. With educational supports (IEP) she was able to successfully graduate High School Despite these obstacles, and now receives support of EOP (Educational Opportunity Program). Alyssa excels in school and takes pride in doing her best. Now, as a young adult, she has diligently been working to self-manage her mental health, actively using learned coping skills to manage stress, and increasingly taking the initiative to advocate for herself and her needs at home, school and within the community. Outside of school, Alyssa has a passion for spending time with her family and friends, building Legos, and attending outdoor festivals and events. Something special about Alyssa is, although she can seem shy at first, once Alyssa gets to know someone, she opens up and will develop a positive and lasting relationship with them.

Alyssa has just started her first year at a local community college. She aspires to become a plastic surgeon and has a strong interest in science, the human body, and helping others. Currently, she is borrowing a laptop from the school to complete her work, but she wishes to have a laptop of her own. Owning a laptop would allow her to complete her assignments more efficiently and excel academically. It would also enable her to store all her academic work, papers, assignments, and projects in one location, making it easier to reference them as she continues on her lengthy educational journey toward her future goal.