What College is Right For You?

The preparatory school that that I attended as a teen was a high school that I found while searching for a high school for students with disabilities. My neurosurgeon had also mentioned this school to my mother.

Side note: It’s important to remember that a school’s reputation doesn’t always reflect how well it will meet your needs. I found this out on my own.

Navigating education with epilepsy and finding support

Epilepsy was not well known, and the faculty at school was not helpful with bullies. Usually, if a seizure took place,  I hid in a bathroom stall crying or sat on the floor with two students who helped me.

The head dean gave college recommendations and discussed what summer school college to attend. I was only recommended programs for people with disabilities. I went to a pre-college in Vermont, and it was like reattending the preparatory school I went to in high school, so I did not have an interest but made many friends.

When it came time for me to graduate, I initially had no intention of attending any college or trade school. However, my parents were able to locate a college in the vicinity, and the disability program was not something that I had considered. They did offer a lot of assistance, and I participated in a program that provided me with a tutor that was assigned to me automatically for the first term.

I had all mainstream courses, but the tutor stopped after the first term. If one was needed, just like any other student, I had to make an appointment, which rarely took place, but everyone is different.

Finding the right supportive school

All of the security, most of the professors and students were aware of my epilepsy. Friendship even happened because of viewing a seizure. Indeed, not everyone remained friends, but I am happy to still have friendships with four people and friendships with two professors. All of them understood and accepted having epilepsy and needing accommodations.

Be careful because another college underestimated and mistreated me because of dizziness, claiming it was a seizure. This is why it is so important to pick the right school. My first high school was great, and I regret leaving it for the school with the big name. The first college I attended for my Bachelor of Science was also great.

Live fully and trust yourself

To accomplish as much as you possibly can, you should make the most of your life. When you do anything for the first time, you never know how far you can go. Don't wait to get anything done if you want to do it; get it done.

At the same time, patience is needed. Never forget how great you are, and believe in yourself. It is never worth quitting because then it will be difficult to move further and have positivity in life. Love you just the way you are.

Do not make words or experiences bring you down. Because you are beautiful no matter what you are.