Let's Make a Change by Jace

Let's Make a Change by Jace - December 2025 Scholarship Essay

If I were selected Student Body President, one of the most meaningful ways I would try to positively impact our school is by creating a stronger, more supportive environment for students living with chronic diseases--especially those with diabetes and other illnesses that go unnoticed. Our school already works hard to promote academic success and extracurricular involvement, but many students like myself with Type 1 Diabetes face quiet challenges every single day just trying to manage their health while keeping up with everything else. I want to build a culture where those students feel seen, understood, and supported because there are moments where I feel alone.
As someone who understands the importance of proper health management, I have seen how difficult it can be for students to balance medical needs with the high school demands. For example, students with Type 1 Diabetes need to check their blood sugar, count carbs, and take insulin at specific times to stay in homeostasis. These aren't optional tasks; they are essential for staying healthy. Without the awareness for this or other diseases, students can feel they are inconveniencing others or falling behind.
One of my goals would be to create a student-led "Health Awareness Initiative". This wouldn't be singling anyone out, but about building that empathy, sharing accurate information, and helping all students, teachers, and coaches understand what conditions like diabetes actually require. We could create simple informational posters, host awareness talks during advisory, work with the school nurses to develop quick guides for teachers on how to support students with their needs in the classroom.
Another idea is to advocate for more accessible spaces and routines for the students who need medical devices or take care of themselves during the day. This could include designated places to store emergency equipment, ensuring that the students can step out of class when needed without feeling embarrassed. By normalizing these practices, we help reduce the stigma and show students that their health matters more than a test grade.
Lastly, I want to strengthen the community. Students dealing with these chronic conditions tend to feel isolated as I did going into high school. I was diagnosed Christmas break of my freshman year, and I felt like that was the moment I wasn't going to do good in school anymore. By creating that optional support circle, we can help the students that may have been in the same position as I get through high school feeling safe.