At 8 years old I wasnt growing, I was severely underweight, couldn't keep food down, and I was frequently going to the bathroom. We went to the doctor’s office, and it was there that they told me my blood sugar was 600. I was driven to the hospital scared and confused, once I arrived they administered me insulin and diagnosed me with Type 1 Diabetes. This happened to me on Halloween of 2017. Missing Halloween made me believe that my life was over. After living with Diabetes for nine years I've embraced my challenge with confidence, maturity, and grace. I manage my blood sugar consistently throughout the day. My dad says managing my Diabetes as part of my daily routine is my super power. Living with Diabetes has made me a stronger and more confident person. When I was diagnosed I was terrified, I had to learn a new way of life and at first I wasnt able to do the things I wanted. I couldnt sleepover my friends houses, I couldnt go anywhere without my mom, and I couldnt even eat without getting shots. I hated it, everyday felt like a chore for my 8 year old self, but eventually things changed. In the summer my mom signed me up for Camp Jack, a camp for children with Diabetes. At first I was skeptical, but being with tons of other kids like me made me feel confident. I was back playing my favorite sports again and I was even learning how to regulate my blood sugar. Once camp was over I felt empowered, I knew that I wasnt any different from any other kid. Diabetes taught me to move on despite being scared or nervous, it taught me to be resillient and strong. No matter how hard things were to keep pushing on otherwise. When I got to high school I decided to try and play football with zero prior experience. At the time, I didn't even know how to throw a football. Practices were hard and games were even harder. The thought of messing up on the field followed me everywhere, like a weight on my chest. As much as I was scared I had a job to do, so I locked in and decided I was going to become the strongest version of myself. But slowly, through repetition and showing up even when I was scared, I began to understand that fear was simply part of the process. Instead of running from it, I learned to train through it. I think I can attribute that to living with Type 1 Diabetes Im going to study to become a Physician Assistant and I know that I will face many new challenges. I know that no matter what happens I will keep moving and not be afraid, just like I did with Type 1. Please use this link to see my video https://www.youtube.com/shorts/x5HAVEskNcU