This past May, Cassandra graduated from The Ohio State University with her Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science & Engineering with a minor in Mathematics.

She recently reached out to thank NOAH for believing in her, and choosing her as the 2015 recipient of the Michael J. McGowan Leadership Scholarship.

Dear NOAH:

At the time you chose me to be the 2015 scholarship winner, I wasn’t sure if I would make it to college. Due to having HPS, I was barely living, and even when I received the call I was in the hospital. However, through great doctors and nurses, I was able to start two months later. There were times in undergrad that I doubted myself and wondered if I could do it, but through the support of so many, including yourselves and some hard work, I’ve made it to where I am today.

I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for believing in me when I was barely able to stand, literally. Ever since I was a teenager attending national conferences, I felt the love and support of this community the administration has worked so hard to maintain. When writing for Albinism InSight in high school, I saw the value of the internal education to people and families with albinism as well as externally to educators. I am truly humbled you took a chance on me and am grateful you continue doing so for other students like me. Thank you for all you stand for.

Sincerely,
Cassandra Mendez