Scholarship Finalist - Abigail Murray

Abigail Murray is a student at the University at Buffalo pursuing a degree in Business Administration.

Prompt: Share a personal story of how you overcame a major life challenge or obstacle and what lessons you learned that prepared you for college and beyond. How will these experiences provide you with a unique perspective in pursuing a career in business?

Have you ever watched someone you love lose control of their body and felt completely helpless? That’s how I feel every time my sister has a seizure. But from the age of eight, I knew how to stay calm, call for help, and ensure she was safe. My sister has autism, is developmentally delayed, and lives with epilepsy. Though she is seven years older, I became her protector, guide, and biggest advocate. While others my age looked up to their older siblings for guidance, I took on the role of protector and caregiver. It wasn’t something I was told to do; it was something I instinctively knew I had to do. Caring for my sister taught me to stay calm in emergencies, to listen with empathy, and to lead with compassion, even when things felt uncertain. These challenging and unpredictable experiences didn’t scare me; they set me on a path of advocacy that I’ve pursued ever since. Over time, I’ve realized epilepsy isn’t just a medical condition; it impacts every part of a person’s life, from their independence to how they are perceived. That understanding drives me to ensure individuals like my sister feel seen, supported, and never alone. As I’ve grown, I’ve stayed by her side at doctor’s appointments, in unfamiliar places, and during medical emergencies. But my advocacy extends beyond our home. Through the Best Buddies program, I mentor students with disabilities and help foster an environment where everyone feels included. I’ve volunteered at events, led awareness campaigns, and educated my peers about the challenges faced by people with special needs. Growing up with my sister also gave me a deep awareness of the strain chronic illness puts on families. Some nights, my sister would have multiple seizures, and we'd rush to the ER. Even after she stabilized, she couldn’t be left alone, not even while sleeping. In those moments, fear and love collided. But I chose to be strong because she needed me. That stress shaped me into someone who leads with both strength and compassion, values I carry into everything I do. Building on these experiences, I’ve developed resilience, empathy, and leadership. Balancing school, caregiving, and service hasn't been easy, but it has shaped who I am. I’ve maintained strong grades, been inducted into honor societies, and taken on leadership roles in school clubs and organizations. These opportunities sharpened my problem-solving and advocacy skills. Wanting to expand my advocacy, in 2023, I co-founded Compassion Champions to support underserved, shelter-based families. Many of the children we serve have disabilities, and I make sure that all of our projects, such as holiday toy drives, backpack giveaways, and book distributions, are thoughtful and inclusive. Having watched my sister navigate spaces not built for her, I plan to earn a degree in Business Administration with a focus on Human Resources and Industrial Relations to help create workplaces that are not only diverse but genuinely inclusive. I want to develop policies that support accessibility, improve retention for individuals with disabilities, and ensure hiring practices recognize every person’s value. Wherever my journey takes me, I’ll continue to stand up for people like my sister, striving for a world where they’re not just included, but truly empowered.