Discus Award Winner
Winners Gallery
PHOTOS
Kelly Eastman
12th Grade, IL
ATTRIBUTES
Other Achievements
On June 24th, 2008, my world turned upside down as I was just diagnosed with a rare life threatening disease called Severe Aplastic Anemia. Within weeks I had under gone seven bone marrow biopsies, was admitted into the hospital for a minimum stay of two months in reverse isolation, underwent chemotherapy treatments and then had a life saving bone marrow transplant donated by my sister. Through all of this, I maintained a 3.86 GPA while being home schooled. I was one of three in a million people who contract this life threatening disease and am proud to say I have decided to go into nursing to help others with their treatments. I am deciding whether to go into oncology or pediatric nursing. I was given a second chance at life and I do not want to waste one precious minute.
Community Service
After two months, I was finally released from the hospital, I had to wear a mask to prevent my immune system from being compromised. I decided I needed to do something for the children of my hospital so I went to Toys R Us (mask and all) and purchased $600 worth of toys and gave them all in time for Christmas to help put smiles on the patients faces. I also give back to my community by giving money to 3 charities who helped me. I also volunteered hours for the Race for the Cure, Walk for Wishes, I am a youth group leader at my church,tutor Spanish students and was a camp counselor at Camp Rainbow(camp for children with cancer and other blood related disorders) for the last 2 years. This camp lasts for one week where we are responsible for the happiness and welfare 24.7 for one camper.
Academics
My high school days did not begin like most freshman as I was home bound with a life threatening illness. I was supplied with a home bound tutor who came once a week for 4 hours. Self study and homework took on a whole new meaning. I persevered and maintained a 3.86 my freshman year and never looked back. I made the dean's list each semester, was selected for the Saturday's Scholar program, was elected into both the National Honor Society as well as the Spanish National Honor Society, I was nominated for the Golden Paw Award my senior year as well as nominated for Student of the Month for October. I was chosen to tutor Spanish II students since as a junior I had the highest GPA . I have been a scholar athlete for the last 2 years. My current GPA is 4.06 and I am taking 3 honors classes.
