As I mark three and a half years in remission from brain cancer, my life has transformed in profound ways. Now as a college student, my daily routine is a balancing act, hard classes, medications, and JZips. The transition from cancer patient to student has been both challenging and empowering.
Early Mornings to Late Nights
My days begin sometimes before sunrise, leaving home in the quiet hours of early morning to embark on my “exciting” drive to school. The campus, buzzing with energy and ambition, feeling like a world apart. Long hours of lectures, then driving back to clubs that stretch until late in the evening. Coming home, I reflect on how these experiences are shaping me, not just academically but personally.
Managing Medications and Health on Campus
Managing my medications while on campus is a critical aspect of my day. I’ve found discreet ways to take my pills between classes, ensuring I stay on top of the regimen that keeps me healthy. Hydration, too, is key. Carrying a water bottle everywhere, with several backups in my backpack. I’m often reminded of the small yet significant steps I must take to maintain my well-being.
Acceptance and Understanding from Peers
One of the most heartening aspects of my college life has been the acceptance and understanding from my peers and professors. They acknowledge my limitations without defining me by them. I feel embraced for who I am, not just as a cancer survivor but as a fellow student and friend.
Reflecting on the Past
These moments of normalcy starkly contrast with the days of my treatment. I recall weeks in the hospital for chemo treatments, the multiple hours in the MRI machine and the radiation treatment. For over a year, I felt weak, anxious and depleted both physically and mentally. I cherished the undeniable amount of love from my parents, brothers and family by my side during my cancer journey and today. Those experiences, while life altering and dramatic, have instilled a sense of gratitude and purpose that pushes me to give my all.
A Purpose Beyond Myself
My journey has been intertwined with the growth of JZips, which will always hold a special place in my heart. Since its inception when I was a teenager, JZips has evolved into a significant force for good, providing medi-port access T-shirts to children undergoing cancer treatments. This initiative, born from a personal need for comfort and normalcy during my treatment, has flourished into a recognized charitable and valued organization, delivering thousands of specially adapted shirts to young patients across the United States and abroad. Working on JZips allows me to channel my experiences into positive action, offering both practical support and a message of hope to families navigating the challenges of cancer treatment.
Embracing Tomorrow with Gratitude and Hope
As I look to the future, reflecting on the tremendous journey I’ve navigated, my heart is filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude and hope. Each step, from the harrowing days of cancer treatment to the life of a college student, has shaped me into a beacon of resilience. Overcoming obstacles that once seemed impossible, I now stand poised to seize a future bright with promise. With every challenge I face, I grow stronger and more determined to make a meaningful impact in the world. As tears of joy and accomplishment well up in my eyes, I step forward with a smile, ready to embrace the countless possibilities that are ahead, carrying with me the invaluable lessons of the past and the unwavering hope for a brilliant tomorrow.