" Gratitude is an art of painting an adversity into a lovely picture."
For the first few weeks, it was extremely rough to adjust to this new lifestyle, and the new realities in that came with it. Some days were harder to put on a smile than others, but even on the worst days, a loss of hope was never an option. Soon, many great opportunities quickly swept in to my life like a sweet breeze. This relieved me of many stressful pressures. I had an interest in American Sign Language in high school, and I was given the opportunity to privately teach sign language to a high school student during that semester. In addition, my extra time allowed me to build a relationship with a deaf woman at an assisted living home. I visit her weekly. At the end of January, I became involved with a political campaign for a special state election. The campaign was a very rewarding experience, and an even further reward was when the candidate, Jonathan Perry, won the election and became our newest state senator!
For the first few weeks, it was extremely rough to adjust to this new lifestyle, and the new realities in that came with it. Some days were harder to put on a smile than others, but even on the worst days, a loss of hope was never an option. Soon, many great opportunities quickly swept in to my life like a sweet breeze. This relieved me of many stressful pressures. I had an interest in American Sign Language in high school, and I was given the opportunity to privately teach sign language to a high school student during that semester. In addition, my extra time allowed me to build a relationship with a deaf woman at an assisted living home. I visit her weekly. At the end of January, I became involved with a political campaign for a special state election. The campaign was a very rewarding experience, and an even further reward was when the candidate, Jonathan Perry, won the election and became our newest state senator!
In spring, with the arrival of the state legislative session, I was offered a position as a Senate aide for Senator Jonathan Perry. I eagerly accepted this job, and viewed it as a blessing from God. This was another opportunity to successfully overcome the adversities of epilepsy. I thoroughly enjoy my job and this opportunity continues to be incredible.
It often intrigues me to think about how my epilepsy experience has changed my life, and how that change has lead me down this new path. In the last few months I have had new jobs and opportunities, but more importantly with my character has changed. I could not be more grateful for my supportive family and close friends and the love of God. I look forward to my future with bright hopes and great dreams and I am determined to fulfill them!
This August, I will begin my undergraduate studies at Belhaven University studying International Relations. I have always had a love for travel, and I hope to continue my interest in both travel and governmental affairs, possibly as an International Liaison.
