Keep Pushing Forward

I was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of 15 when I was a sophomore in high school. I had my first seizure during school. I have been an athlete since middle school, but when my seizures started, my coaches wouldn't let me play basketball anymore. I was allowed to play softball in my sophomore year, probably because there wasn't as much running on the field, but the varsity coach said no when I was a junior. I also kept wetting my pants often when having a seizure. That was very embarrassing in high school, especially since I was already being picked on for other things. I knew the face and name of every security guard in my high school, especially if I woke up from a seizure while they were helping me into an ambulance.

I didn't have car transportation, because I couldn't get a driver's license with epilepsy. I always took the bus, or someone drove me if they had the time. I feel lucky that I only had a seizure on a bus once. When that did happen, someone stole my headphones. Even then, it didn’t stop me from getting my education. I knew what college I wanted to go to and that I wanted to be a lawyer. I have had that dream ever since I was a kid. I even deactivated my Facebook account so I could focus on school and work.

During college, I was working a part-time job in a retail store. I couldn't work at the main register because they didn't want any money stolen if I was having a seizure there. I never wore makeup, but they put me in the cosmetics area. While there, I made a wonderful friend who was like a second mom to me. We looked out for one another, and after eight years, we are still connected.  

I didn't get to finish college in four years, or with a basketball scholarship as planned, because of epilepsy. I struggled to find financial assistance, and I was going to drop out because it seemed like I had no choice. However, I never gave up, and my father and stepmom helped me with financial aid. After two extra years in college, I have my bachelor's degree in social sciences with a concentration in law, crime, and criminology. My diploma is framed and hanging on the wall of my home.

During my last two years of college, I started dating a man who seemed to care about me more than some of my family. Not only did he make sure I got to work and school safely, but he also sat on the side of my hospital bed the entire time I was there, even if it was for multiple days. He didn't seem to judge me or my epilepsy. He saw me as a strong woman, unlike other people I know. He is now my husband, and we have been together for almost six years. Every medical bracelet I have for my epilepsy and seizures has his contact information on it. 

Don’t let epilepsy stop you from reaching your goals—I haven’t for over ten years. Despite facing job rejections because of epilepsy, I keep trying and find new opportunities. Epilepsy may have sidelined me in the past, but I still play sports for fun. Asking for help, even from others outside your family, doesn’t make you weak—it makes you stronger. Keep pushing forward, and never give up.