fellow

So. I'm applying for this Fellowship for next year to work with children and families of neurodevelopmental disabilities like autism, adhd, dyslexia, and down's syndrome. the more i learn about it, the more excited i get. but i can't seem to write a letter about WHY i want to do it and why i'm a good candidate for it. so i thought i'd type out some stuff on here because a blog is less intimidating than a blank word document, and i feel more free to just express my interest.

Until recently, I had never heard of a "Neurodevelopmental Disability" and was unaware that I knew anyone who fit into this category. It sounds devastating and far-removed from my very 'normal' upbringing. However, I think even the connotation of the label is misleading.  One of my very favorite cousins has Down's Syndrome. She is beautiful. And sweet. And generous. And smart. I love her because she is generous with her love. I also have two cousins with dyslexia and several more with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. One cousin was so discriminated against in her small-town elementary school, that she had to move from the delta to upstate Arkansas and live with my parents for a time just so she could receive an acceptable education. Her teachers called her stupid and lazy; this is not how it should be.
I believe the general public knows very little about these disabilities and therefore causes a stigmatization toward children and families living with them.  As a student of public health, I am dedicated to disadvantaged and underserved populations and believe Neurodevelopmental Disabilities fits into this category.
While I do not have specific medical or clinic experience regarding this area, I believe I can contribute my leadership training, nutrition education, and eagerness to learn to the LEND program.
During my undergraduate studies, I was hired as a student director of my University's progressive four-year leadership program which focused on servant leadership.  I gained invaluable experience collaborating on a small team, planning and executing events, managing groups, leading discussions, and evaluating our program's progress.  In addition, I am both a student of public health and of nutrition and dietetics. My education in public health has given me a very patient-focused lens through which to view health and wellness.  I believe it has given me a very holistic approach to patient interaction, treatment, and goals. As our society becomes increasingly more nutrition-aware, I believe diet and nutrition will play an increasingly important role in research, prevention, and potentially treatment for some of these disabilities.  There is a huge school of thought regarding nutrition and ASD and ADHD, and I want to be able to provide families with accurate, research-based tools they can use to help their children in addition to learning what things families want to know about nutrition and their children! And finally, I am excited about this topic! I want to learn as much as I can and be involved in this dynamic, progressive program!