Sometimes I wonder if I would be on the path I am now if it was not for being diagnosed with ITP. I was diagnosed about 5 years ago and had encountered so many highs and lows in such a short period of time. I dreaded going to the hematologist just to be told that my platelets are low and having the agonizing feeling of missing exams in my undergraduate career because I was below 5,000 platelets per microliter of blood.

Living with this condition was an emotional rollercoaster. One moment I am taking colorful pills to help improve my platelets, but the moment they start to crash I am then poked and prodded by endless needlesticks, various injections and infusions. When all of that failed it escalated to something I did not think would happen, a splenectomy. Little did I know, that procedure helped me tremendously. With that, I learned I can survive and keep up with my studies, while also overcoming any challenges that come my way. As I am now in my second year of graduate nursing school, I understand there will be more challenges to come. But like my journey with ITP, I know I will overcome adversity.

Growing up with several health issues and later being diagnosed with ITP, has influenced and motivated me to pursue a career in healthcare. It has allowed me to develop the skill of empathy, one that cannot be taught, but can be developed through life experiences. I am grateful for all that I have encountered, the ups and downs, because it has given me the opportunity to empathize with current and future patients who need and deserve someone who truly understands what they are experiencing. I have taken the time, undergone adversity, persevered and am currently working towards my dream as a healthcare professional.

I have grown tremendously as a person and truly believe it has shaped me into the person I am today. While for most, it takes years to mature and become the person they think they want to be, for me it was sped up and I had to grow up quickly. My outlook on life is more positive and the time spent living should be spent doing what we truly love and enjoy. With that, I started graduate school and have started my clinical rotations in the hospital setting. I have encountered a diverse number of patients with many diseases and illnesses and have had the opportunity to empathize with them. I believe my journey with ITP has prepared me for this setting and has given me the ability to provide quality care with true understanding of my patients.

I am passionate about what I am studying and look forward to serving as many patients as I can in the near future while also spreading awareness about ITP.