Bladder Exstrophy Character Analysis

I have Bladder Exstrophy, a rare birth defect resulting in fourteen surgeries to make my life as “normal” as possible. To manage my condition, it requires different techniques to empty my bladder and prevent serious infections. Catheterization is vital for me to survive Even though I catheterize every two hours, I’m still incontinent and get infections. It is also necessary for me to purchase my own incontinence supplies. I have worn a combination of diapers, pull-ups, goodnights and poise pads since I was five years old.

My mother struggles with both Crohn’s Disease and Fibromyalgia, my youngest brother has severe Asthma and my other brother has ADHD. Therefore, this makes my life difficult because if all four of us are having problems, it’s very challenging for my dad to take care of us. We all require medicine and medical supplies that exceed our insurance coverage. Hence, our family has had to learn to be patient with one another and this hasn’t always been easy. From having Bladder Exstrophy, I’ve learned to recognize the need to be kind to everyone, because you never know what might go on behind the scenes in their lives.
Despite enduring an invisible disability, service opportunities, leadership and extracurricular activities have been the fabric of my life.
Service is a passion of mine and I love to volunteer in my community through various service clubs, and scholarship pageants. At church, I've been the President of my Youth Group and a Volunteer Assistant Counselor and Staff Assistant for two years at our church girls’ summer camp. For nine years, I've been a Girl Scout and completed service projects that allowed me to earn my Bronze and Silver Awards. Now, I am working on my Gold Project, putting together a pamphlet with information about our support group campout and other resources for the Exstrophy community, which I plan to distribute
statewide.

Leadership is another avenue I've taken. Through my school leadership involvement I’ve learned to work with a diverse group of people. Our goal has always been to unify our school and provide a positive learning environment. I certainly appreciate being surrounded by people who demonstrate leadership, strength, guidance, and responsibility.

Through Student Government, I’ve served as a Freshman Class House of Representative, the Sophomore Class President, Community Service Coordinator and ASB Treasurer. I have been the Public Relations Officer for both Key Club and the Family Roots Club, and a service club member of Hands 4 Hope and the California Scholarship Federation. Through my leadership position as the Community Service Coordinator I put on the Pennies for Patients fundraiser, the Kids Canned Food Drive, served on the Random Acts of Kindness Week committee and helped plan a fundraiser for a girl who needed a heart transplant. I've provided staff luncheons and gifts for every teacher on their birthday. I have also performed many service projects like organizing the library, cleaning out the sports’ sheds, grading papers, and even organizing books in the English teachers' classrooms. I also help each year, to plan the Special Education class prom (dinner/dance) and their class parties. Through Key Club, I have been able to help at a local Art Festival and help local elderly members by mowing their lawns and moving furniture around in their homes. As the Public Relations Officer, I help with all the social media for both the Key Club and the Family Roots Club. I’m currently organizing a Pop Tab fundraiser for the Ronald McDonald House, which has been my “home away from home” several times in my life.

My love of sports led me to playing soccer, basketball, volleyball, softball and tennis. I was even on the JV Softball and Basketball teams for two years and the Varsity Tennis Team for three years. Music has been another primary influence in my life. I began playing the flute in the fourth grade, was the section leader in middle school and then first flute in the advanced symphonic band my freshman year. I still play the flute today, performing in my church choir and orchestra. Loving to sing, I have taken part in the Advanced Women’s Chorus for two years and earned a spot in the Chamber Choir. I’ve also held a job for four years, working summers at a shaved ice shack and working for Regal Cinemas since 2015. Last October, I was awarded “Employee of the Month”.

A new passion of mine is to be involved in international humanitarian efforts. It was here during my 17-day service trip to Lima, Peru with the Humanitarian Experience For Youth group, where I realized how blessed I have been in life. I was able to help build a medical clinic in an area that lacked treatment for families. We built the walls with bricks and cement and I learned how to install rebar. I also helped local school teachers, twice a week in their classrooms, with their English program. I’ve learned to be more humble and grateful due to the sweet Peruvians offering us the little food they had, to show their gratitude. It felt rewarding to accomplish so much in so little time. The work was extremely exhausting, but I would do it again without hesitation. When I turn nineteen, I plan to volunteer for an eighteen-month church service mission. When I return, I will continue my education at B.Y.U. Certainly, my greatest ambition is to marry and raise a family of my own. I know doing so is the ultimate endeavor and service one can render.