I was diagnosed with Type One Diabetes at the age of five, so I hardly can remember my life without it. Being diagnosed at such a young age and barely even understanding it myself, it was difficult for me to explain to people what Type One Diabetes really is. Because I was unable to clarify the cause of the disease, people began to observe my situation and ask questions based on misconceptions. I often think about what my life would have been like were I not diabetic, and if there is a possibility that I could be more successful without it. I have come to the conclusion that nothing would be different (besides the crazy blood sugars and needles of course!). I have lived a completely normal life. My parents continued to treat me the same after I was diagnosed as they were treating me before I was diagnosed. They knew they could not pity me and baby me because of it because it would set me up to fail, to use the disease as a crutch and an excuse to not have to work for the things I want in life. They made sure I always understood the huge responsibility I had (and still have) to take care of myself, because if I did not there would be detrimental long term effects. Because I understand the responsibility, my parents trust me to be out on my own. Type One Diabetes has not stopped me from doing one thing I want to do. I have been out of state multiple times without my family. I go out to movies and dinner dates with my friends, I walk around malls and do everything everyone else does. The only thing different is that I have to watch my blood sugar. I am also fortunate enough to have friends who care for me and look after me when I am with them. Unfortunately, although I have been blessed with friends and family who support and believe in me, there have always been people who have doubted me because of my diabetes. Growing up my whole life, I have heard people tell me that there would be things I wouldn’t be able to do, things that would be too hard because of my “disability”. I was told that sports would be very difficult for me, that it was going to be too much for me to play sports and watch my blood sugar at the same time. People said that I would make terrible grades in school because I would miss notes and important information because I had to leave class several times a day to check my blood sugar. But despite the adversity, I did it. I proved people wrong, I showed them that I can do everything equally as anyone else, and even better WITH my “disability”. I play year round competitive basketball, I’ve been state free throw champion. Even though I have had to leave class often to manage my blood sugars, I am ranked 12th out of almost 700 students in my grade with a 4.375 gpa. Nothing anyone can say can stop you from doing the things you want to do. But it hasn’t been easy. I went through a rough period where I really struggled. I tried to hide my diabetes from people, and some people went months before they found out I was diabetic. I was so afraid of being remembered as “the girl with diabetes” because of how people viewed the disease. I really let people’s insensitive comments and ignorant jokes get to me. I was angry. I was confused. I didn’t understand why this had happened to me and why I deserved such a terrible thing. I felt like a burden to people who had to take care of me.  I looked at Type One Diabetes as a completely negative aspect of my life, and that’s how I began to view my life as a whole. But now I have grown and come to realize things. Type One Diabetes does not define me. It doesn’t limit me at all. I understand now that everyone has their own battles, their own obstacles to overcome. If you choose to let your obstacle get in the way of your dreams, then you will not succeed. If you find a way through it, you can accomplish anything in the world. I have come to look at my Type One Diabetes as a blessing. It has had such a positive impact on my life and brought so many amazing people into my life. Life is short, so you have to make the most of every situation you’re in, even if you have a dead pancreas!!!