CENTERBURG – There were days when Dylan Meier didn’t want to leave home.
The skin conditions that developed while he was in middle school – perioral dermatitis and seborrheic dermatitis – frequently created an uncontrollable rash on his face that he repeatedly was pressed to explain. The mental anguish often was crushing.
Meier discussed his conditions – for which there is no cure – and how they shaped his career plans in an essay he wrote as Centerburg High School’s senior nominee for the 2025 Franklin B. Walter Scholastic Award sponsored by the Knox Educational Service Center.
“For those who have visible skin conditions like mine, it can be embarrassing to be seen in public,” he wrote. “A fear I commonly experience … is that people will think I have poor hygiene when, in reality, these breakouts are beyond my control.”
During an interview this week Meier repeated his determination to use his personal experience as the catalyst to become a dermatologist. He will begin that journey this fall at Ohio Wesleyan University where he will take a premed academic track, majoring in biology with a minor in chemistry.
“I am really looking forward to becoming a dermatologist. I want to help people like me,” he said. “I want to help them realize they are not alone. Several million people in this country suffer some type of skin condition. All can cause mental anguish.”
Guidance counselor Carey Ballinger described Meier – who ranks fourth academically in a graduating class of 77 – as “a very focused young man.”
“I never worry about Dylan getting the job done. He is not afraid to speak out,” she said. “My guess is that he will be a very successful doctor who listens, really listens, to his patients.”
Meier’s focus is reflected in the fact that he applied to only one university.
“I knew that I wanted to go to Ohio Wesleyan,” he said. “I have been accepted and everything is in place. The people there have been very kind and welcoming.”
While meeting premed academic demands, Meier plans to continue his love of music at the Delaware university. He plays the trombone and sousaphone as a member of Centerburg’s marching, concert and jazz bands. He will receive the John Phillip Sousa Award as the outstanding senior band member.
He also sings in the choir and as a member of the advanced ensemble.
“Music has been such a big part of my life,” he said. “I hope to play in the jazz band and orchestra at Ohio Wesleyan.”
A Centerburg student from kindergarten through high school, Meier said he wouldn’t have had it any other way.
“I have really enjoyed this district. It’s been a great experience. The teachers have helped me to be better,” he said.
There is no bitterness or self-pity in Meier’s voice as he continues to cope with the breakouts on his face and the hard, flaky skin on his scalp.
“Dermatologists don’t have any cures, only medications that can help to make the conditions less noticeable,” he said. “It’s completely out of my control and it can make me feel super self-conscious.
“I guess I was unlucky. It’s just how the dice fell.
“Anyway, what I want to do now is help others.”