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High school and Epilepsy
Sun, 08/26/2007 - 23:30Topic: Teen Zone
Hi everyone my name is Gina; I am 17 years old and a senior in high school. Even though my epilepsy isn't sever I still really feel like a total out sider. It’s not that fun epically at school. I struggle in school a lot epically when it comes to school home work and making new friends because they don’t always get what we are going through in our every day lives. I love to swim in the pool all the time. I also take private piano lesions and do crafts in my spare time for fun like knitting bags and more. I find them very fun. I don’t drive which is pirty disappointing because all of my friends get to. Does anyone feel the same way as me? Talk to ya’ll later.
Comments
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Submitted by Mel hates JME on Sun, 2007-10-28 - 16:37
People don't know how else to react to new or different, people react with comedy, anger, and other stuff, I don't blame kids for being rude about it, they don't know how to react to it, I more pity them, my friends and I still have a great time, and I they still do everything they used to, they are affected in some sense, but I don't allow it to hold them back, as long as there are people who are accepting and kind I know I can deal with the few losers out there who feel like being rude, this is more of a reality check just shows you how people can act, and how some will, this showed me who my friends were, and who is a cool teacher in my school c(=
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Submitted by G_S_M on Wed, 2007-10-31 - 21:17
Hi How exactly did you get this job because it sounds like a lot of fun. Do you enjoy your job. I would love a job like this because i love to talk about my epilepsy as well , help others and socialize. It has been very hard over all the years going to school every day and having seizures in front of classmates. I wish that i could be a normal student just for a day and not have to struggle with comprehension problems. You sound like a very sweet lady. I wish that i could talk to you in person because thats what i need is someone that I could just talk about my epilepsy to in person because it makes everyday a Challenge. Talk to you later. Take care
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Submitted by matt b on Sat, 2007-10-27 - 21:26
I can't help but get angry when I read your posts. I'm a school resource officer and I have epilepsy, too. I suffered my first seizures in July 06, but I'm back to work. I have worked in the schools for ten years and I've seen first hand how difficult high school can be - without dealing with epilepsy. Reading your stories is the exact reason I have begun speaking to classes about epilepsy. You both know far more about the stigma attached to epilepsy, but I'm convinced it can and will change. I love discussing my epilepsy. I have found people think I should look different because I have epilepsy. When I'm in uniform, it seems to shatter stereotypes. From what I've read tonight about you two, it sounds like you have a good handle on things. It will get better as you get older. High school students are generally not compassionate in groups. If the opportunity to discuss your situation in private should come up, educate them. Another approach is to tell a friend or classmate how they can help you if suffer a seizure. Make them feel like they have a role to play and they are helping you. I'll bet they'll be a lot more compassionate. Also, when you suffer a seizure, the people around you inevitably feel helpless. Look at it from their point of you. Especially teenagers - when someone is uncomfortable, it's easier for them to act like it's funny, or to be insensitive. I wish I could speak in front of your classes, and have a private meeting with the jerks that give you a hard time. I'm thinking of you.