Iron Will Scholarship Dalja Parks

About a week before Finals during her sophomore year, Dalja found out that she had a low grade glioma (which is a slow growing tumor in her brain).  Dalja underwent emergency brain surgery but the tumor was too close to her optic nerve so doctors weren’t able to successfully remove it.  Her initial chemotherapy schedule was set for approximately 16 months; however, as we know treatment plans change.  Dalja is still battling her brain tumor and is still undergoing ongoing treatments almost two years later. What has had the most significant impact on us is the way in which Dalja has chosen to deal with this life-threatening obstacle.  She has ALWAYS worn a smile, and been able to handle it all with such grace and positivity.  She takes each day as it comes, and has never let her diagnosis or disease dictate her outlook on life or deter her from her goals.

 

Despite having chemo almost weekly on Tuesdays (which made the rest of the school week that much more difficult), she refused to lighten her academic load.  During her junior year Dalja still enrolled in three AP classes and Honors French.  The year proved to be a challenge for sure, but we NEVER saw Dalja without a huge smile on her face. Of course she was stressed at times and understandably concerned about her health, but she’s the type of girl who never wants or accepts “special” treatment and certainly doesn’t want anyone feeling sorry for her.  In fact, many of her classmates had no idea what Dalja was going through until it was evident when her hair started falling out and the surgical scars on her head could be seen.  Along the same lines, her parents did not want any extra accommodations; in fact, they didn’t even contact Dalja’s teachers at the beginning of the year to talk about her situation.  I distinctly remember my conversation with Mrs. Parks when I asked if she’d contacted the teachers.  In her soft voice she confidently said, “No, I don’t think that is necessary.  Dalja needs to be an advocate for herself and she knows her limitations.  She has arranged to speak with each teacher individually and if she needs support she’ll let me know.”  WOW was all I could think- and mom was right.  This was an empowering time in Dalja’s life and she has worked everything out with her teachers for the past two years on her own.  

 

Head strong and determined, she chose 4 AP courses senior year.  Dalja was also honored with the distinction of “Excalibur Knight” and AP Ambassador this year.  She has already overcome more than most of us can even fathom. She has always had a love for science, but this diagnosis has sparked a deep desire to make it her career goal to help others in her same situation.  Dalja will be attending University of California, San Diego in the fall to pursue a degree in Biology.  Her ultimate goal is to attend medical school and become a doctor to help others who are battling cancer.

 

This young woman truly gets joy out of building others up, and when she walks through the door her smile lights up the room and can make anyone’s day brighter.  Her verve and passion for life radiates to those around her. She gives herself wholeheartedly to everything she undertakes- and is extraordinary in everything she pursues.  It is a rare person that exhibits the grit, drive, resiliency, leadership and maturity that Dalja does- to the extent that she does.  This young woman will go on and do amazing things for others.