Ian Barnes receives the J. Scott Sanders, M.D. Memorial Scholarship

Ian Barnes receives the J. Scott Sanders, M.D. Memorial Scholarship

By MARIE WOOD

Ian Barnes, Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton High School graduate, received the $2,000 J. Scott Sanders, M.D., Memorial Scholarship from the Mankato Clinic Foundation. In the fall, Ian will be attending Minnesota State University, Mankato to major in ecology and fisheries.

“We chose Ian as our 2023 scholar because his essay is extremely well written and shows us how to treat all people with respect, how to find joy in life, and how to stand up for your principles,” Barb Sanders, widow of Dr. J. Scott Sanders, says.

The scholarship honors J. Scott Sanders, M.D., Mankato Clinic’s beloved physician, pulmonologist and critical care specialist, who died in May 2006 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Dr. Sanders’ character was renowned in all aspects of his life which resulted in an unforgettable and lifelong impact on others. To apply for the scholarship, high school seniors write about a time when their character or someone else’s character made a difference in their life or the lives of others, what they learned from this experience, and how it will make a difference in their future.

“When we read these essays from our young people, our scholarship committee is moved by their life experiences and the depth of their characters. We have some inspiring young adults in our community,” Barb says.

J. Scott Sanders, M.D.

Memorial Scholarship Essay

By IAN BARNES

“Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.”

John Wooden - UCLA College Basketball Coach

This quote sums up precisely the essence of character. The world of high school is full of people trying to build a reputation for themselves. Some use athletics as their platform. Others may use academics. Less thought is given to how they conduct themselves around others. Instead, popularity is often the goal. The definition of popularity is difficult to nail down, but I know it doesn’t always equal kindness.

My character development began early in my childhood. My parents always stressed the importance of right and wrong, treating others with respect, and doing my best. However, I think my uncle Brandon has had the most profound impact on my character development. Brandon was born with Down syndrome. He is now 38 years old. He has no idea, but the lessons he has taught me over the years have shaped me into the person I am today.

Ian learned the lessons of respect, joy and standing up for others from his uncle Brandon.

The first lesson he taught me was the ability to build connections with people with disabilities. The students who are in special education at my school are often not included in things. Something as simple as sitting with them in the lunchroom is a small way to show compassion and understanding. There is a student at my school who often has behaviors to try and get the attention of others and not always in a positive way. My classmates and friends will take advantage of the situation because he is good for a laugh. I always imagine my uncle Brandon in this situation, and it doesn’t sit well with me. I put a stop to this and redirect my friends so this student doesn’t become the brunt of their jokes. Having Brandon in my life has allowed me to see that people with disabilities are special and they deserve to have people that will talk and interact with them just like everyone else.

Another lesson I’ve learned from Brandon is to try and find fun in everything and to live life to the fullest. He is human and Brandon does get in bad moods sometimes, but even the simplest things can make him laugh and smile. It goes to show that even someone with a challenging life, can find joy and share it with others. This is something I try hard to keep in mind. Maintaining a positive attitude goes a long way.

Ian learned the lessons of respect, joy and standing up for others from his uncle Brandon.

Brandon is the most authentic person I know. He doesn’t spend time trying to impress others. He isn’t judgmental and accepts others at face value. He tells and shows others how he feels about them without fear of rejection. High school is full of people trying to impress others all while fearing judgment of others. I think my friends would describe me as someone who stays true to who I am. I have core principles and values that I live by. I am not someone who caves to peer pressure just to fit in. In fact, I have found myself in many situations where I have relied on these values and faced possible backlash. But what I have found is that having these principles has actually made me more respected. People know what I stand for and what I won’t.

My character is something that has developed over time and is important to me. My reputation is only what others think of me. People will come and go in my life. My character will always follow me. Even when it isn’t the easiest thing to do, I always try to be myself and keep in mind the lessons Brandon has taught me. As with anything, I fall short sometimes but there is no doubt, I am a better person for having my uncle Brandon in my life.

To learn more, visit www.mankatoclinic.com/foundation-pages/ mankato-clinic-foundation