Scholarship / Help--Dyslexic, struggled with learning disabilities [3]

Until now, I have lacked the opportunity to make my education, passions, and future goals a priority. Growing up, I not only witnessed my fathers daily struggle with life, bipolar disorder, and alcoholism, but I myself took on adult-responsibilities as a child during the midst of my parents divorce, overcame an abusive relationship with my step-father, conquered an eating disorder, and managed to develop into a strong individual with an appreciation for life and the utilization of my artistic talents and abilities, regardless of being diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder and dyslexia. Since I have been financially independent since childhood, I have been working to survive on a daily basis with the inability to focus on my future. My grandmother presented me with my diseased grandfather's camera when I was ten years old. I immediately knew it was my calling in life. Even though I struggled with learning disabilities, I poured my heart and soul into the art by reading, experimenting, using every opportunity to provide beautiful preserved memories for others by photographing weddings, newborn children, or maternity photographs. Photography has been very rewarding in knowing that I have the ability to provide others with a memory to treasure indefinitely, but also serves as a way to express myself, share my talents, and witness the beauty and joys in life, regardless of past struggles. If rewarded this scholarship, I will finally have the ability to receive appropriate education, gain confidence in my talent, and pursue a fulfilling career that brings much happiness to me. If rewarded this scholarship, you will help make my dream a reality.