Larsen 1Taylor LarsenMr. George12/25/95English IV Responsibility & EngagementThrough "Health" and BackAs I laid on the all-too-familiar lumpy mattress, breathing in that all-too- familiar smell that hospitals have; almost like a mix of medication and bleach, floating around in the air like a constant presence. After two hours of dozing in and out of consciousness, I overheard the doctor creep in to talk to my mother. My mother had broken out into tears and I jolted up, my heart r ...view middle of the document...
I was told I had appendicitis, and that I would require immediate surgery.This came at an inopportune time in my life. It was in the middle of my junior year, arguably the most challenging year in high school academically. This wasn't my first health concern either; I had just recovered from mononucleosis in the weeks leading up to this. I thought following my appendicitis surgery I would have no more major health issues. I was wrong. The aftermath of the surgery led to numerous infections and unexplainable stomach pains that still affect me today.When I was young, my mother told me to never let anyone tell you that you cannot do something. These health issues caused me to miss copious amounts of school which led to my grades suffering. My teachers, counselors, even my parents told me it would be impossible to get my grades up. Instead of giving up, I proceeded by getting tutors, and got my grades up to the best of my ability.Going into my senior year I am healthier, and more determined than ever. I am not going to let my health keep me from doing succeeding academically. I am continuing to get treated, pushing through my pain to attend school and get good grades. All of my health problems were just a few of the obstacles I will have to face, but I am not going to let them stop me from making my dreams a reality.
