Personal Narrative: Grey's Anatomy

The initial chaos of the emergency lasted merely an hour. Saline fluid filled my veins and computerized tomography scans sliced coronal views of my brain. I tried to relieve my anxiety by pretending that I was on an episode of Grey’s Anatomy- a director would call cut, the fear would subside, and the scene would end. I did not understand that I was facing a serious medical emergency that the doctors could not solve. I tried to muster the strength to move my lower extremities. My focus moved from the doctors’ confused faces to the people who stood in front of me. My family, gripping the spooks of the bed, reminded me that I should not compare the situation to an episode of Grey’s Anatomy. I realized that a director would not conclude the day with an oration on the success of our TV segment. Rather, a neurosurgeon would come in the room and tell me that I possibly had a stroke and that I had severe head trauma in the form of a concussion.
The chaos in the hospital has been the apex of my life.
When I was released from the hospital, I endured severe migraines, amnesia, and depression for several months. I needed a treatment that would make me feel better, so I decided that teaching other people how to overcome tragedy would be the best medicine. Proudly, I spend my time mentoring children who struggle with the same challenge that I have learned to overcome: realizing that a disability is not a limitation. I coach a running team that provides sports programming for special needs children, and I serve as the founder of a club that works with a preschool that enriches the lives of autistic
children.

Whether I am encouraging a child with autism or coaching a child with cerebral palsy to reach his or her limits, I realize that this injury made me the person I aspired to become. I know that I will use the leadership qualities I have gained to motivate my fellow UCF classmates to accomplish their goals. My injury is my most unique characteristic, so I want to help inspire my classmates with my story and make sure that they all graduate despite any challenges they face. While on campus, I will use my sense of discipline, resilience, and commitment to help struggling students exceed above any academic or personal limitations. I will join clubs such as the American Red Cross Club and the Best Buddies Club. I want to make a huge impact on the success of the clubs and on the lives of the people they serve. I hope to bring the club I founded to UCF’s community and to partner with a local preschool that empowers children with disabilities.

I am proud to say that I am a traumatic brain injury survivor who overcame the impossible, and I cannot wait to make an impact on the UCF community.