Hi, my name is Marcus Lampkin Jr., and growing up with Sickle Cell Anemia has required resilience, discipline, and determination.
Throughout my life, sickle cell-related crises have caused extended absences from school and led me to miss opportunities with friends and family. Persistent pain in my legs, arms, and back has sometimes made it difficult to fully participate in the moments and activities around me.
But I have never allowed sickle cell to define who I am.
Instead, I chose to shape my identity through perseverance, excellence, and purpose. I have always believed that I am more than the diagnosis I was born with.
📚 Pushing Forward Academically
Academically, I have held myself to high standards despite the challenges sickle cell has created. Missing school and catching up on assignments became a regular part of my life, but I remained determined not to fall behind.
I worked consistently to meet expectations — and often exceed them. I rarely shared my diagnosis with teachers, not because I was ashamed, but because I wanted to be recognized for my abilities, my work ethic, and my character rather than my condition.
That mindset has carried me forward. I have maintained strong grades, built meaningful friendships, and pursued the interests that bring me fulfillment.
🎵 Finding Purpose Through Music
Sickle Cell Anemia is only one part of my story.
I have been passionate about music since the age of two. Over the years, I have developed skills on several instruments, including violin, guitar, cello, piano, and trombone. Music has become both a creative outlet and a source of purpose in my life.
I also enjoy writing, from imaginative fantasy worlds to grounded stories centered on music and ambition. More recently, I have begun composing scores for brass ensembles, using music theory to create pieces I would enjoy both performing and hearing.
Today, I am completing my second year at Florida State University as an Instrumental Music Education major. Through my program, I perform in ensembles, teach students, study additional instruments, and proudly contribute as a member of the FSU Marching Chiefs.
The physical demands of marching band require me to carefully manage my health. Hydration, wellness, planning, and awareness are essential parts of my daily life as I balance my responsibilities as a student, musician, and scholar living with sickle cell.
🎓 What This Scholarship Means to Me
Receiving the Warrior on the Rise Scholarship means so much because it supports my education and the future I am building through music.
College has brought new challenges, including greater independence and the need for stronger self-advocacy. Balancing rigorous academics, performance responsibilities, and my health requires planning, adaptability, and resilience. But these experiences continue to strengthen me.
Rather than limiting my ambitions, sickle cell has deepened my determination to succeed. I am pursuing my degree with purpose, and I plan to use my gifts to educate, inspire, and make music meaningful for the next generation of students.
🌟 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, excellence, creativity, leadership, and purpose.
Your donation helps provide encouragement, financial support, and hope to young people who are determined to rise above challenges and continue building their futures.
Thank you for believing in me and in the future of Warrior Scholars everywhere.
— Marcus
