Ear Community proudly awards its ninth college scholarship

Rachel Ciarkowski of St. Louis, Missouri, 9th college scholarship recipient through Ear Community (fall 2018)

Ear Community is pleased to introduce Rachel Ciarkowski. Rachel is a first-year student in Physical Therapy at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. Rachel was born with Microtia and Atresia of her left ear. She has not had reconstructive surgery and is unaided.  Rachel enjoys challenging herself and believes in living the dream. When she was only fifteen years old she suffered a debilitating sports injury while playing soccer. While most teenagers are looking forward to driving a car for the first time, Rachel focused all of her energies on healing her body.  This grit and determination has defined her life and willingness to overcome obstacles to reach her goals. Rachel applied to Ear Community and was named one of Ear Community’s college scholarship recipients and was awarded a scholarship that could help her complete her doctorate degree.

Rachel plans to graduate with her doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2021 and focus on pediatrics.  She has spent countless hours working with children and over the past four years she has worked as a camp counselor and team leader at a sports camp for children.  She also has spent much of her time volunteering with children with disabilities through fun and engaging sports activities. “Ear Community recognizes the importance of achieving a higher education and believes in supporting teens and young adults who wish to carry out their dreams by earning their college degree.” states Melissa Tumblin, Founder and Executive Director of Ear Community. Whenever funds are available, Ear Community is always proud to help individuals who have Microtia and Atresia with their education.” says Melissa Tumblin.

Rachel has worked tirelessly in college to get to the point she has.  She has worked through the frustrations of missing material in noisy lecture halls at school but has never let her being hard of hearing hold her back from achieving her goals.  Ear Community is proud to have been able to help Rachel by awarding her a college scholarship for $750.00 (USD). Rachel was awarded her Ear Community scholarship just in time for her first semester of her Physical Therapy program this fall. All of us at Ear Community wish you the best of luck with your education and your dream Rachel.

We are so proud of you Rachel!
Thank you,
Ear Community Board Members and
Ear Community Founder, Melissa Tumblin
www.EarCommunity.org