Kelsey Graber

My school experience has been filled with both rewarding opportunities and significant challenges. Throughout my time in school, I have been heavily involved in activities that allow me to serve my community, such as volunteering with FFA at events like the Pendleton Children’s Rodeo, FFA Farm Days, the Round-Up merchandise booth, and Pendleton Bike Week. These experiences have helped me develop leadership, teamwork, and a passion for giving back. I also have a strong love for music and spent some time in a choir class, which deepened my appreciation for singing. Sports have also been a part of my life, and I enjoyed playing volleyball. Beyond that, my love for the outdoors and the mountains has always been a source of peace and inspiration for me.

Despite my involvement in these activities, my journey through school has not been easy. I have struggled with debilitating migraines for years, which have often made it difficult to focus and keep up with my schoolwork. After much uncertainty and searching for answers, I was finally diagnosed with Chiari malformation—a condition where brain tissue extends into the spinal canal, causing pressure that can lead to severe headaches, dizziness, and other neurological symptoms. Living with Chiari has been a constant battle, as the pain and fatigue it causes can be overwhelming. However, despite the challenges, I continue to push forward.

Even with these obstacles, I have worked hard to achieve my goals. I started college early during my junior year of high school, balancing my high school coursework with college classes to get ahead in my education. On top of that, I work almost full-time while managing the demands of my senior year and college. It hasn’t been easy, but I am determined to keep going and prove to myself that I can overcome any challenge that comes my way. My experiences have taught me resilience, perseverance, and the value of hard work, and I am proud of how far I’ve come.