I remember being lifted off the soccer field, feeling weightless, where I couldn’t open my eyes without being blinded, where I felt like the world was spinning, where I felt like falling asleep forever. Soon after, I was told life-altering news: I had Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). This was a lot to process as a ten-year-old, especially since I had no idea what diabetes was or what it entailed, only that my life was forever changed. While I was at the endocrinologists’ office, I saw a banner for Camp Blue Hawk, a camp for kids diagnosed with T1D. At first, I didn’t want to go because I didn’t want to be reminded that I had an incurable illness. But my family encouraged me to go. When attending Camp Blue Hawk, I learned that some of the counselors had Type 1 Diabetes and others were medical students. The strange part was, I had no idea which counselors had diabetes because they all seemed so normal. After that week of summer camp, my perspective on diabetes completely changed. Before, I focused on how different my life was compared to everyone else. Now, I realize that you can live a normal life if you learn to embrace diabetes. And with the help of Breakthrough T1D, I help other kids learn how to thrive and live a “normal” life. I became involved with Breakthrough T1D, a nonprofit focused on improving the lives of those living with diabetes, while funding research, and ultimately, a cure. One of my favorite things to do within Breakthrough T1D is to work with newly diagnosed kids and their families. One family in particular left an impact on me. I met with a newly diagnosed Ukrainian boy, whose dad was having a hard time adjusting and trusting himself to safely take care of his child. As we interacted over dinner, I shared how I learned to cope with diabetes, showing that your diagnosis doesn’t define who you are, a “normal” life is still possible, and that you don’t have to be perfect in your management of diabetes. After meeting with the family, I was told multiple times by the father that I made a lasting and impactful impression on him and his family. Our families have kept in touch, and other than learning how to navigate the troubles of insurance and accessibility of life-impacting technology, they are flourishing. After learning how to use my voice to inspire others, I became involved in advocacy efforts. Living with diabetes, I am concerned about the high costs for my life-saving insulin, pump, and technologies. I worked with Breakthrough T1D and Senators on how to increase accessibility. I was invited to speak at the Oklahoma Diabetes Caucus meeting, a group of legislators focused on diabetes prevention, treatment, and research. I was extremely nervous as the keynote speaker, but I pushed through knowing my voice could make a difference. My story highlighted the importance of making available therapies like the artificial pancreas to all, and not just individuals with great insurance. I was also selected to represent Oklahoma at the Children’s Congress in Washington, D.C., where I met with Congress to advocate for funding of the Special Diabetes Program. Looking back, I’ve come to realize that, in many ways, I’m grateful for having diabetes. I am grateful for having diabetes because I get to live my life the way I want, where I discovered my passion for public speaking and service, where I inspire kids and families about living a “normal” life, and where I know I have used my voice for change.