When I think back to my 12-year-old self laying on that hospital bed with tubes coming out of my arms, I remember many things: my mother's anguish, my twin-sister’s despair, the doctor's stern expression as he told me I had genetic type-1 diabetes. I also remember an overwhelming feeling of resolve. My illness had a name, which meant I could face it head-on. Still, I never imagined that one day I’d say: "Type-1 diabetes is the best thing that’s ever happened to me.” I found strength from the perspective instilled in me by my family. My Peruvian father and Brazilian mother worked in social impact throughout Latin America affiliated with National Geographic and UNICEF, so my youth was spent on the road, seeing firsthand the resilience of people who overcame incredible challenges to succeed. Just as comfortable in Spanish and Portuguese as in English, I spent my childhood everywhere, from the rural highlands of Peru to the shantytowns of Guatemala, making friends with kids my age who worked hard jobs to help make ends meet for their families. They were a reminder that resilience, grit, and a little optimism could open a pathway. Yes, diabetes was daunting–the finger-pricking, injections, and glucose measuring–but even at 12, I was determined to tackle it directly. I experimented with eating foods that were low in carbs and sugar. My body responded, allowing me to push myself athletically. I was recruited and became the starting striker on a gold-ranked club soccer team. I also discovered a latent talent for running track, where I've broken school and state records, becoming the team captain. My concentration improved when my blood sugars normalized, and I excelled in class and socially. Today, people know me as many things: the track captain, the youth soccer coach, the anime and film fanatic, the artist, and the sub-par guitar player. When people talk about me, my chronic illness is never part of that discussion. Although diabetes does not define me, I still wear my continuous glucose monitor proudly on my arm so it's always visible - for times like when a seven year old boy timidly asked me if I too had type-1, or when a recently diagnosed girl about my age said she had been overwhelmed, and that I was the first other type-1 diabetic she had met. These small interactions give me joy, and they make me want to reach more people, which is why I've worked on developing a film detailing my unique method of treatment and experiences with type-1. I continue to give consolation to all the type-1 diabetics I talk to, working with the school nurse to help in their introduction so I can comfort them. I don't just give a generic "everything will be alright" speech, I tell them how type-1 can be fought, and I tell them of my own experience and how I turned my illness from the worst moment in my life into the best thing that's ever happened to me.