District 27-A2 Lions Diabetes Awareness Scholarship

Numbers have always been a significant part of my life. As a child, I consumed myself with memorizing all of my family and friends' birthdays and was able to calculate their exact age. I assumed that numbers would only come up in math problems or figuring out sale prices, until one day when they quickly consumed my entire life. July 23, 2020 was the day I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. I never imagined that life would throw me this curveball. The moment that I heard my diagnosis, I felt as if an elephant had sat upon my chest. I had no idea what this diagnosis entailed, but knew my life would never be the same. Even though I was terrified of the challenge, my family and friends assured me that they would be in my corner throughout this adjustment. I began to learn about the intricate aspects of managing type 1 diabetes and how crucial numbers are in determining how to control it. Whether it is monitoring my glucose levels or figuring out how many vials of insulin are remaining, numbers dictate how I live my life. It has never been easy, but with technology, I enjoy a great quality of life. Although I have been very successful academically and socially, I have not fully accepted being different. Whenever I play a soccer game, get ready for meals or take a test, my preparation is very different from the rest of my peers. I sometimes wish that I was like everyone else, but then I remember that everything happens for a reason, and this diagnosis has made me stronger. It has made me work harder to achieve all of my goals, because I do not see this disease as a disadvantage, but rather as motivation to accomplish whatever I set my mind to do. Diabetes has allowed me to find something within myself that I did not know was possible and has given me the confidence to meet any challenge. Everyone deals with their own struggles and setbacks, and I have learned it is important to acknowledge this fact. I have developed empathy and mental fortitude, which improve my relationships and communication. It has given me real life experience using numbers and offered an appreciation of their importance. It has sparked my further interest in numbers and a career in finance. I intend to work for a company who produces medical equipment such as insulin pumps and maximize cost efficiency for both the business and consumer. I want to utilize everything I have learned from my management of diabetes, not just physically, but also appreciate and utilize the immense mental growth it has offered me. I will never settle for mediocrity and will give my career goals every ounce of energy that I have. Numbers have always been relevant, but just like in math, life will present its own difficult problems. Not only was my diagnosis a complete shift in my life, but it also inspired my career path of working with numbers and helping diabetics have access to the latest technology. It has been a difficult journey to get where I am, but I have learned that life is too short not to pursue my passions. Diabetes is not a challenge I would have chosen, but I have been able to control it behind the scenes while excelling in academia, sports, and volunteerism and also managing numerous leadership positions in these activities. Just like with diabetes, I am now confident I can successfully manage any obstacle and personal or work challenge that comes my way in life!