Six years ago, I was faced with a new reality of being diagnosed as a Type 1 Diabetic. This diagnosis would significantly change who I was, and the life around me. I believe that from this moment on, I learned how to be more independent, and simultaneously discovered a new love and admiration for how the body works --- turning this obstacle into a successful and motivating point in my life. Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune disease that prevents the pancreas from creating insulin. The hormone insulin helps control glucose and energy levels in the body. There’s a period known as the honeymoon period where the pancreas is still able to produce a fair amount of insulin after being attacked, acting as almost an aid for newly diagnosed patients. When thinking back, my life during this time was mirroring what was happening in my body. I relied heavily on my support system around me for a good year or two. Parents, teachers, and family members all aided me in my journey and helped set me up for success. However, my mother always pushed me to do more on my own. By the time I was ready for high school Sophomore year, I was completely independent and confident in knowing how to control my diabetes. Being more independent is an essential ability to have, and I feel that I have dramatically improved in that category. Type 1 Diabetes significantly changed my perception of my self-image. After being diagnosed, I realized many flaws in my work ethic and diet. This realization forced me to change, I began to work out more and eat healthier. While in High School I took an Anatomy and Physiology class to learn more about how the body works. I had a desire to understand how the pancreas works hand-in-hand with other parts of the body. One part, in particular, was the brain. This class reinforced my desires and sparked a new interest in Neuroscience/Neurobiology. I plan to pursue a future in Neuroscience and connect it to Diabetes/Endocrinology in some form. Most likely through personal research and or studies. I want to use my experience with diabetes as a way to learn more about myself and use this knowledge to help kids in similar situations. I truly believe that my diagnosis positively impacted me. As I take this next step into my college journey, T1D will always be something I must think about. It's a part of me, but this disease is not something I will ever let bring me down. I want to use my personal experience as a reminder to my peers--- one that pushes them to embrace their differences and never hide them.