Never give up...

A story about a girl’s journey and how she never gave up. By overcoming stigmas associated with invisible illnesses, she was able to succeed and fulfill her dream of becoming a nurse. Never give up, and remember, “Nothing is Impossible”. Nurses Announcements Archive Article

Never give up...

When you look at me, I look like your normal average person. People have assumed I am smart, and I never knew why. But, it hasn't always been that way. I have fought strong and hard to be where I am today. I have epilepsy, but I don't let it define who I am. Most people don't know a lot about this disorder and that is where labeling comes into play.

When I was in second grade, my teacher ignored me and didn't let me join reading groups. Literally I asked to join reading groups and she said "no". I had no idea what to do; it almost felt like a punishment for wanting to read. She didn't teach me or help me learn to read. She ignored me and focused on all the other kids. When all the kids were reading, she had me color or gave me a baby book. Why? Because I have epilepsy and she labeled me as "stupid" and "dumb". It was almost like she was afraid of me. Like I was some kind of possessed animal. She told my parents that I belonged in special education classes. According to her my "bright" future would include working in a fast food joint or retail store. My teacher thought I wouldn't grow up to be anything special. I always told her my dreams of being a teacher or doctor. But, she told me some people are just not smart enough for that. I didn't know what she meant at the time. Thankfully my mom didn't believe her! My mom thought I was smart and capable. Heck, I beat all odds and survived 3 or 4 grand mal seizures when I was a toddler. (These seizures were caused by fevers, and antihistamines).

So the next school year, we changed school districts. My mom wanted to give me a second chance. This time everything would be different, and I could be known as someone who was smart. This would be the where my story truly begins. I was blessed with an amazing teacher that year, who believed in me. She worked with me on how to read, and told my mom I was smart. The other teacher just never taught me correct reading strategies. From this point forward, I would excel. I made a personal decision to stop telling teachers I had epilepsy. It was well controlled and nobody needed to know. All I wanted was to be treated like everyone else. I didn't need to be given easier assignments, because they thought I couldn't handle it. I didn't need the special treatment. I wanted the opportunity to learn and grow just like every other kid on the block. After all, I was like all the other kids.

Once I started being treated like a normal human being, I was able to grow in my studies. I was also given a new medication that provided me with the ability to think more clearly. I completed middle school with all A's, and graduated Salutatorian of my high class. I was then accepted into the nursing program, and graduated with high honors. Why, am I telling you this story? Because my teacher never believed in me. She let my disorder define me as a person. Well, let me tell you one thing....I will kick butt as a nurse. I hope one day she will be one of my patients. So I can show her that I did succeed in life. But my story doesn't end here, I plan on going to become a Nurse Practitioner and specializing in pediatric neurology.

So as I bring this to a close, I have some advice

1) Don't let a disorder or someone else define you

2) Don't label people

3) Nothing is impossible

I know we all will be successful nurses one day! Just remember to keep on swimming! I may have epilepsy, but I will NEVER let it define me!

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missmaddie

About missmaddie, BSN, RN

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

While labels may be necessary for a student or individual to secure necessary supports and services they do not define a person. For years those who were "different" whether due to epilepsy, a learning disability, autism, or other neurobiological difference they were put away, hidden from others and excluded from many opportunities. The few that "escaped" because someone (whether parent, teacher or healthcare professional) believed in them proved the labels and assumptions inaccurate. We need to change the mindset of a diagnosis as a defining characteristic (with the exception of certain nursing diagnoses ;) ).

I work with medically complex children and am the parent of a special needs child. I prefer to see potential rather than limitations. I'm tired of my son being punished or excluded for not being neurotypical. There is no excuse when there are so many resources and supports available. Like the OP, one of my son's worst years was 2nd grade when his teacher illegally excluded him from the regular education program banished to a side table with a baby book to the point he was refusing to go to school but not able to articulate why for fear of more punishment and exclusion.

I think the biggest mistakes many healthcare providers make are presumptions based on diagnosis and don't account for human variation. While there are specific risks and assumptions associated with a diagnosis, they don't apply to everyone. One person with epilepsy may live without restriction the next may need to avoid strobe lights. A person with CP may need a motorized wheel chair and a visual tracking computer to communicate the next may be a national champion wrestler. Just because someone does not use words doesn't mean they can't communicate or comprehend. (As a side note some of my patients thrive on people underestimating them and laugh while people wait on them hand and foot knowing their own capabilities. )

While someone with epilepsy may not be able to work overnights or rotating shifts, there are many options that don't necessitate the "off hours" shifts.

I think the big take away is don't look at limits look for potential. Ask if someone needs help regardless of diagnosis or perceived needs. Make no assumptions or presumptions. There is always a workaround. While some may never run a marathon, they may wheel a sports chair 26 miles and win first place!

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Specializes in Pediatrics, developmental disabilities.

Loved your post and thank so much for sharing so much of yourself.

As an advocate for nurses with disabilities, I know other nurses with epilepsy who are making valuable contributions to healthcare.

Also, as a mom of an adult daughter with autism....I have extensive experience managing her seizures.

Happy to report that with a new medication, she has been seizure free for over 2 years.

Years ago, we would have never thought this was remotely possible!

Never, never give up!

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I have epilepsy, I am also a nurse. I find it can make things difficult for me at times as far as concentrating and thinking clearly and quickly...I've had multiple grand mal seizures as an adult. But I havent ever stopped working toward my goals. I am currently an LPN, and a mother to a 5 year old little girl and I am still in school to complete my nursing degree. I'm glad I came across this because I definitely feel frustrated at times and it's good to know I'm not alone.

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.

I have epilepsy & am an LVN as well. I'm 27 & have been a nurse for 5 years.

As a nurse I have learned that I can't work nights & it is really important for me to get enough sleep. I have had a seizure at work & it was bad, but I wouldn't choose any other career.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, NICU.

Great post. Shame on that teacher...she should have been fired.

I have been suffering from mental illness and was diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder after a suicide attempt several years ago. Life has always been challenging for me. I have had to work twice as hard to get half as much as others, it seems. I have also had people who have tried to posion my thoughts, my witch of a nursing instructor being one. If I had listened to her, I would not be a nurse today.

Does having mental illness define me? No. But it is a major part of my identity and how my life has unfolded.

There are days where I wish I was the cookie cutter girl so I wouldn't have had to work so hard and be denied so much. But then I will just end up appreciating my achievements and blessings so much more when they come.

The most successful people in life are not always the smartest, prettiest or most talented, but they are oftentimes the most resilient.

Great piece, OP.

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Wow. That's amazing ! You are very lucky to have people in your life that believed in you so much, more than the people who didn't believe in you. Unfortunately I didn't have that in school. I don't even know how I got through any kind of schooling really, let alone graduate. My dream is to become a nurse, but I have such a long way to go before I can even consider schooling to become a nurse. I have a lot of self esteem issues that are deep rooted, as far back as my elementary school days. So, I envy the fact that you were able to overcome those obstacles at such a young and reach your full potential. I will definitely keep your story in mind, although I am 22 now. Thank you for the inspirational story.

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