Alyssa, 18:

I wish to go to college

Alyssa has a true passion for learning. Despite her illness she is always trying new activities, like playing the drums, joining a wheelchair basketball team and dancing. A member of both the National Honor Society and German Honor Society, Alyssa is also a whiz kid in the classroom. When volunteer wish granters asked Alyssa to name her one true wish, she had a very inspirational request – to broaden her education by attending college.

So instead of choosing a more traditional wish, such as a trip or a shopping spree, Alyssa asked the Make-A-Wish Foundation^® and Betty Crocker^® to assist with her tuition at Dowling College in Oakdale, NY. Alyssa plans to pursue a career in teaching special education at the middle school level. She is eager to continue challenging herself so she can help other kids overcome their disabilities.