My diagnosis was the most vigorous obstacle I have had to overcome in my life. It also was the most rewarding. I have epilepsy. But, it doesn’t stop me. It motivates me.

Almost a year had been lost following my diagnosis, as I struggled to confront reality. I was surprised and would not accept that this condition would be a part of my life. Unable to develop tolerance and acceptance of the situation I would have to live with; I coped by keeping emotions inside. Smiling and flaunting the fact that I had epilepsy was my way of suppressing screams and cries from within. My formerly content soul disappeared into a world of unknowns. I was unsure of my future. Friendships were being tested. Every day I wondered if I could make it to ninth period without having another seizure.

Before my diagnosis, everything was running smoothly. Starting at the end of sixth grade, seizures interrupted my attendance at school. Side effects of medications slowed my thinking, weakened my memory and depleted my overall energy. My social life was diminishing and my whole demeanor changed. My life was changing, spinning out of control. Gradually, I realized that seizures and medication side effects were my life. There simply was no rewind button, and I would just have to make the best of it. I confronted the fact that epilepsy is not who I am— it is what I have. I eventually came to understand that the number of hospital bracelets I’ve amassed cannot compare to the number of great accomplishments I’ve achieved since my diagnosis. I believe my acceptance and confrontation of my disability has helped me consider it a guide through my journey, pointing me in a direction in life.

After I became tolerant, knowledgeable and accepting of my own diagnosis, I promised myself to educate others about this condition. Through my membership and leadership on the Epilepsy Foundation’s Youth Council, my high school Key Club recognized and celebrated Epilepsy Awareness Month in November 2004 by raising funds for the Epilepsy Foundation of Long Island. I helped bring the Epilepsy Foundation of Long Island to my school to present informative programs to the faculty and health classes. I am proud to say that this program continues each year with the current ninth-grade health classes. My involvement with the local and national Epilepsy Foundations has given me the opportunity to participate in the Epilepsy Foundation’s Public Policy Institute. In 2005, I lobbied on Capitol Hill for increased funding for education and research programs.

A lot can change in 10 years, or in 1 day. That’s why I live my life to the fullest and help others accomplish the same. My personal motto is that life may change at any given moment, as mine did on that fateful day in June 2001, but you have to make the best of what may come your way. I don’t have to love the hand I was dealt, but I do have to make the most of it, since I only get one life to live.