My diagnosis came out of nowhere. No family history, but losing thirty pounds and throwing up after eating a grapefruit. Little did I know what it would involve. So, here I am, five years down the road. I am far from perfect, but my perseverance, empathy, and drive for a healthy lifestyle has grown because of Type 1 Diabetes. Diabetes is a constant challenge. It never goes away. Every day, sometimes every night. Because of this, I always have to face it. Sometimes I don't feel like doing anything, sometimes it is exhausting, sometimes I just want to throw it in the trash can. But still there are carbs to count, numbers to keep in range, appointments, and so much more. No matter what you feel like, the responsibility never changes. This has grown perseverance and drive in me. And when the hard work pays off it is so incredibly satisfying. Another area that I believe I have grown in is empathy. I am the type of person that whenever I see someone with a pump or a continuous glucose monitor, I always find the change to say hi, say an encouraging word, and ask about their story. There is a deep connection between diabetics that I believe no one else understands. I have a strong desire to work with diabetic kids who are newly diagnosed. To walk along side them and their parents as they learn to live a little differently. The final way I have grown immensely is my love for good food and the effect on my blood glucose and my whole body it has had. Eating whole food nutritious meals is one of my favorite things and I love to share it with everybody. I have been cooking for my parents and siblings for years. It has provided me with a creative outlet meanwhile fueling my body in a way that supports my hormones and cellular functions. All these ways have shaped me into who I am today. I hope that as I grow, I can make an impact in others lives. That I can inspire growth through perseverance, empathy and healthy life choices. Having Type 1 diabetes is different. But, I like being different, because there is power in being different. There is power in working consistently, no matter what your mind says. There is power in kindness and connection. There is power in nurturing what we have been given.