Hi, my name is Magaline Goman, and when I think about the impact sickle cell disease has had on my life, I describe it as a blessing.
I say “blessing” because even though sickle cell has brought challenges, it has also shown me how much I am capable of overcoming. There have been many times in my life when people may have counted me out or underestimated what I could do. But sickle cell did not take away my power to continue. In many ways, it helped strengthen it.
My journey with sickle cell has been complicated. I was diagnosed around the age of eight, but at that time, I was told I only had the sickle cell trait. My siblings and I each had different experiences with sickle cell in our family. My brother was diagnosed with SS disease, my sister and I were initially told we had the trait, and my youngest sister was believed to have neither.
Over time, we learned that some of us had been misdiagnosed. I found out at 18 that I actually had sickle cell disease. Later, we also learned that my youngest sister had the trait. That experience taught me how important awareness, accurate diagnosis, and education are for families affected by sickle cell.
💪 Refusing to Be Limited
Even before fully understanding my diagnosis, I kept going. In middle school, I was a cheerleader and a Girl Scout. In high school, I was a member of the Flag Corps all four years while also working at McDonald’s. Even then, I was learning how to manage pain, stress, academics, responsibilities, and goals.
Sickle cell did not stop me from living. I traveled. I lived away from home. I volunteered in Haiti, helping a major hotel prepare for Marriott International’s entry into the market. I later worked as an adjunct professor at both a college and a university, then became a Department Chair for a Business College.
One of my greatest accomplishments is my son, Aiden. He has helped me keep dreaming big and reminds me every day why I continue to move forward.
Today, I work as a Literacy Coach, and I have been selected to continue my education through PROPEL, a state-approved master’s program in Educational Leadership. This degree is helping me move toward my goal of becoming an Assistant Principal with Broward County Public Schools.
📚 Leading With a Growth Mindset
When people ask me how I have done it, my answer is simple: I stay away from drama.
I try not to allow negativity, other people’s opinions, or things outside of my control to determine my path. When negative energy shows up, I choose to walk away and focus on something that feeds my spirit — taking a walk, listening to music, reading, reflecting, and reminding myself to keep a positive mindset.
Time is too short to sit and worry. I choose to think positively, keep learning, and cultivate a growth mindset.
Sickle cell may have affected my body, but it did not impact my mind, my soul, my goals, or my determination. I have chosen to let my journey create a positive impact in my life, and I hope others living with sickle cell can see that possibility too.
🎓 What This Scholarship Means to Me
Receiving the Warrior on the Rise Scholarship means so much because it supports my continued education and my dream of becoming an educational leader.
This scholarship is an investment in my future, but it is also a reminder that every scholar’s journey looks different. Some of us are just beginning college. Some of us are returning to school. Some of us are parents, professionals, and community leaders still reaching for the next level.
I am proud to be a Warrior on the Rise because I know that my story is still unfolding. Sickle cell has not stopped me from dreaming, leading, serving, or becoming.
🌟 Help More Warrior Scholars Rise
When you support the Warrior on the Rise Scholarship Fund, you are investing in students like me — scholars impacted by sickle cell disease who are pursuing education, leadership, career advancement, and purpose.
Your donation helps provide encouragement, financial support, and hope to warriors who continue to rise at every stage of life.
Thank you for believing in me and in the future of Warrior Scholars everywhere.
— Magaline
