Type 1 diabetes never quits. Not a day of my life goes by that I don't think about the glucose levels in my blood or the little beeping box on my arm that keeps me alive. At first, it was simply another responsibility I had to take on, but as the years progressed, diabetes assumed the front row seat of who I am. I often struggle to get my blood sugar perfectly in range, and I frequently suffer the consequences of not doing so: fatigue, headaches, extreme dry mouth, disorientation, intense emotions, and more. Despite the ongoing feud I have with diabetes, I realize how much I owe to this relentless illness. I've always been a pretty happy person, but diabetes has taught me a new meaning of happiness. In order to get there, however, I first needed to push through the worst time of my life: the weeks following my initial diagnosis. When I found out I had diabetes, I was angry, and I let everyone know. I cried every day, denied my diagnosis, despised my pediatrician, and hated life. Amongst all this, something else happened. The day after I was diagnosed, I spent ten hours in the hospital learning how to care for my illness, which included giving myself seven or more injections a day. When allowed to leave, I insisted on going to my synchronized swimming practice. I was determined to keep some sense of normalcy in my life, and I refused to let diabetes take even one thing from me. The week after I was diagnosed, I went on a day trip to an amusement park. I had been looking forward to this trip for weeks, and even though I had to pack my needles, insulin, glucose meter, test strips, and juice boxes, I went. This was the beginning of the new devoted and persistent person diabetes would turn me into. I now apply this concept to lots of things in my life. If I want something, I work as hard as I need to until I get it. I have been able to follow through with my goals and achieve things I never thought I would, for instance, winning five national titles in my sport and organizing a fundraiser for Type One diabetes research. I thank diabetes for the happiness of knowing I can do anything I put my mind to, and that nothing can hold me back. Living with a chronic illness means seeing the world from a completely different point of view. I can realize and appreciate how hard my body works to take care of me, and I take better care of myself now that I see that. I’m constantly working to stay alive which makes me realize life is about being happy, building relationships, and doing what you love. I’m able to have more fun, be more adventurous, and take more risks now that I see a deeper value in life. I’ve taken on some hobbies, such as crocheting, crafts, and baking. I rock climb, scuba dive, ride jet skis, go parasailing, and even want to skydive someday. Being chronically ill drives me to seize every moment of every day. Diabetes is the hardest thing I deal with, but the experiences and knowledge I have gained are worthwhile; it has shown me how to find myself and have a deeper appreciation of life and happiness. While I’d take a cure any day, I wouldn’t change the last five years of my life for anything. I am happier and more connected to myself and my body, and for that, I am grateful.