There are many ways I like to unwind and relax. On days when I'm not busy I like to curl up with a book or watch a movie. I typically gravitate to science fiction movies and romance novels. When I need a mental health boost, I enjoy being outside, talking with my friends, cleaning, and exercising. I enjoy taking long walks and being outside in nature. My favorite outdoor activities are hiking and swimming. My favorite place to hike is Gorman Heritage Farm in Evendale, Ohio. Being outside and with nature helps my mental health tremendously. When I'm struggling with my mental health I talk with my friends who are very supportive and inspiring. I know that cleaning may not be a typical mental health boost but feeling accomplished and knowing that a room is clean is extremely beneficial. I'm not an exerciser but I know exercise releases endorphins, so I try to incorporate it into my daily routine. I know my ways of coping and relaxing might be different but they work for me and that is what matters!

Type 1 Diabetes has been my constant companion for over ten years, but even as a veteran, I’m still learning and evolving. With diabetes, I never experience the same day twice. I could have a spectacular day where my blood sugar is sailing smoothly then the next day, I could have blood sugars that look like someone is playing with a yoyo. I never know what kind of day I’m going to have. My aunt gave me a shirt for Christmas that said, “be kind.” She told me I was, “one of the kindest people she knows, but sometimes I need to remind others to be kind too.” However, she doesn’t know that I choose to be kind is because of Type 1 Diabetes. Type 1 Diabetes is an invisible illness, so most people don’t understand it, and let’s face it sometimes living with diabetes is terrible. Many people don’t understand what it’s like to feel like to be a human robot relying on devices to keep alive. People without Type 1 Diabetes don’t know what it’s like to have a conversation while having a low blood sugar and feeling dizzy, shaky, and sweaty all while trying to act like I’m okay. I choose to be kind because I know what it is like for other’s to not know or understand. Ten years with Type 1 Diabetes has taught me to take a step back when I need it. Diabetes is unrelenting; there are no breaks, vacations or off days and sometimes it’s hard. I get burned out and want nothing to do with diabetes. When this happens, I try to find the median of taking care of my diabetes but also giving myself grace. I remind myself to take a deep breath, step back, that I’m doing the best I can, and that I don’t have to be perfect all of the time. Over the years, I’ve learned a lot, but there’s still so much more I need to learn. As a person with diabetes I know I want to help other people like me; which is why I want to be a nurse. I want to make a difference in someone’s life just like my doctors and nurses have in mine. Type 1 Diabetes has taught me so much over the years, but the biggest lesson it’s taught me is to be my best self and never let it stop me from doing things I love. Unfortunately, my family is not contributing to my college education. Without scholarships I'm unable to pay for and attend four years of college. I hope to become a nurse and help others, but in order to do that I need at a minimum a bachelor's degree. Type 1 Diabetes has also placed me in need of financial aid because as I get older I will have to pay for my medical bills which are quite expensive. Lowering the cost of college now will help me pay for my needs in the long run.