The FAAN College Scholarship in Action
We caught up with our 2006 College Scholarship Essay Contest winners recently to see how the scholarship had impacted their lives, and to find out how they were coping with their food allergies in the college setting. Below are the comments we received from winners Kelly, Mike, CJ, and Josh.
Kelly said, “the scholarship has helped me be able to afford going to college.” Mike agreed, while elaborating, “The FAAN scholarship has allowed me to concentrate full-time on my education by supplementing my income. Every dollar is critical to making my budget.” Yet, it is not just about getting a college degree ; it is also about creating opportunity, as scholarship winner CJ understands : “[the scholarship allowed] me to take a rewarding internship this past summer. It sent me to college with a positive outlook on dealing with my allergies.”
With experience comes knowledge, and our young scholars have some advice for those of you applying to colleges.
- “Advocate for yourself. Don’t make any assumptions about food, because that could prove dangerous. If there is food that you want to eat, talk to the kitchen staff and explain how best to feed you. Don’t hide out in your dorm room and cook for yourself; the kitchen should be able to accommodate you, as long as you work with them. It isn’t easy, but people are willing to help you.” – Kelly
- “When applying to colleges, underscore how dealing with a food allergy has made you more responsible and sensitive to others’ needs.” – Mike
- “Request appointments with the dining staff before starting college. It’s crucial to make sure that everything is taken care of before arriving for a semester. Even then, you have to go out of your way to make sure everything you’re eating is safe. Dining hall kitchens can be full of allergens, so you have to speak up for yourself and determine what is and is not safe to eat beforehand.” – Josh
- “Be upfront with your roommates and resident advisor about your allergy. Be sure to inform them in writing well before freshman orientation. That way, any activities involving food to which you are allergic can be curtailed and you can be worry-free in the midst of all the new freshman experiences. Additionally, communicate with your future roommates well before move-in day. Over the summer, I emailed my roommates with a request to keep all nut products out of the room, and although I was concerned, it turned out to be no big deal —and I have three roommates!” – CJ
