It is amazing how quickly things can change. Several events pertaining to my health shifted my thinking and changed the trajectory of my life forever. From kindergarten to seventh grade I was a straight A student. School came easily for me. Then, eight grade hit me full force. School became difficult. I struggled to maintain a B average. I tried all the "tricks" with planners, notecards, and study applications. Nothing worked. Thankfully, my parents recognized there was an issue. After multiple doctor visits I was diagnosed with ADHD. Truly, I was thankful for the diagnosis. I had something concrete to focus on overcoming. Jumping to high school, I sustained a concussion. I was placed on concussion protocol for months. Learning had been a struggle, but now it was extremely difficult. I recovered only to suffer another concussion ice skating with friends. My ability to retain information was gone. I had migraines everyday. I was under concussion protocol the first two years of my high school career! After hours of testing, rehabilitation, and therapy I was told my memory loss was more than likely permanent and I have a math learning disability. I thought, “How am I supposed to graduate high school? How can I go to college and be successful when I can not retain information AND I have a learning disability?” After feeling sorry for myself, I made the decision to fight. I knew I was more than my educational challenges. My junior year of high school was not easy. Truly, this was the perfect storm for me, but I would not succumb to the obstacles in my path. The change in my mindset made all the difference. I had the best year, academically. I even qualified to take dual enrollment classes my senior year. Now everything changed. I had been selfish for so long, put myself first. As long as everything went according to my plan, all was good! Through all the craziness life threw my way I had so many people cheering me on. So many people believed in me. So many people knew I could overcome these challenges. Those advocating for me helped me persevere. Now, I want to be an advocate for children that struggle with the same challenges I do. Anyone with a “disability” needs to know it is not a disability. They simply learn in a different way. I want to use my experience as proof that anything is possible. All students can achieve great things. Looking at my mom’s career in a Title One school, I am inspired to become an elementary school teacher in a Title One school. These students need cheerleaders in their corner. These students need to know they can overcome, achieve, and be successful regardless of what life throws at them. At the beginning of high school I had no desire to be a teacher. Teachers are underpaid and underappreciated. That is not why people teach. Teaching is a profession that puts others first. That was not the type of person I was until hit with all of my challenges. These blessings in disguise shifted my thinking. Helping students achieve is more valuable than any amount of money. The past few years have been difficult. There were times I wanted to cry and just give up. Without so many supportive people in my life I would have given up. I am thankful for the challenges I faced, overcame, and continue to overcome. All of the struggles and fights I endured have shaped me into who I am today. I will use this to help others grow and achieve.