Never Give Up

My entry into this world was, perhaps, not unique, however, it has affected the course of my life. I was born prematurely, weighing in at 1 lb 7 oz, and measuring 12 inches in length. While I was a teeny little guy, there was really nothing wrong with me other than I was not fully developed. I was growing rapidly and doing well in the Neonatal ICU, (I had made it to 2 lbs!) so I was moved to the Pediatrics ICU. Unfortunately, while there, one of the nurses negligently broke my left leg. Rather than lifting me toward her, the nurse pulled me by my little foot across the isolet I was lying in and snapped my femur in two. Now, that is just a little insight into my life’s beginning. Of course, I healed and grew to be the young man you see today. However, there were other challenges that stemmed from my premature birth. One of the most challenging developments has been a chronic anxiety disorder. It began around the age of eight and has been a bit of a bane ever since. I have had difficulties with large crowds, loud noises, and sometimes just regular day-to-day stressers can cause a problem for me. My schooling has also been affected, especially with regard to testing situations. However, I have had a tremendous amount of support from family, friends, and teachers in facing my obstacles. I have decided that I will not allow my anxiety disorder to keep me from achieving my goals. I have a dream of becoming an historian; I will do whatever it takes to fulfill that dream. Regardless of the challenges I will face because of my anxiety, I will not deter from my path. No matter how long it takes or how difficult it may get, I will work diligently to become the historian I know I can be.