Hustling from one activity to another is how I am hard-wired – until I couldn’t do it. During my sophomore year of college, my need for sleep and all-around lack of energy continued to increase. I lost interest in learning and social events, stressed about losing my job if I fell asleep, and found a host of bizarre places to catch some ZZZs. Eventually, it became a safety hazard when I could not drive for more than 15 minutes before dozing off, so it was time to look for answers. After multiple unsuccessful doctors’ appointments, at-home sleep studies, and a hospital stay back home in Kansas City, all of which required me to miss school and work, I was diagnosed with narcolepsy. I learned that narcolepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that affects the brain's ability to control sleep-wake cycles. People with narcolepsy may feel rested after waking, but then feel very sleepy throughout much of the day. While I was relieved at the diagnosis, I was embarrassed at the same time. It was great to know that my struggles were believable and real. I also was able to finally get meds and receive counseling about how to live my life normally. However, I don’t like using it as an excuse. I want to be a normal 21-year-old person who has energy for days and “can sleep when you’re dead,” but that’s not possible for me. It’s not something that is curable...it is a lifelong issue. Yes, my medication helps, but it doesn’t fully “fix” the condition. It’s not in my control, and this is not something I could have prevented. For someone who likes structure and routine, it has been tough to battle with, physically and mentally. Children are commonly misdiagnosed with a learning disability because of their low-functioning nature, meaning that my high-functioning efforts as a student covered up my narcolepsy for years. I continued the same level of service I had been pursuing since the age of 11. In the fifth grade, I could be found hanging campaign posters for my elementary school’s presidential election. Although staying focused in class was tricky during my undergraduate career, I ensured my grades did not suffer. While my parents and brothers who reveled in taking pictures of me sleeping in wacky positions were shamed, I now have a cool fun fact to share in every new social setting when I’m asked, “What’s a fun fact about you?” Unbeknownst to me until I was diagnosed, narcolepsy is a recognized and protected disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act. I have been able to get assistance from my university related to my learning, and I no longer fear termination from work. The mental and physical relief of knowing that I have protection is something I do not take for granted. Having worked in human resources where policies and procedures are used for employees’ and the company’s protection, I understand how difficult it can be to know every law and caveat for any situation that comes up. Having an internship in Human Resources the summer after I was diagnosed helped me gain a deeper understanding of how policies and procedures are used for employees’ and companies’ protection. I also appreciate how laws help people who have conditions out of their control have rights that protect them. Given what I have learned about this complex issue and my personal connection to this topic, I want to be an advocate for those who do not have a voice or understand what can be done on their behalf. Now, and in the future, I plan to use my passion and skills to assist others. To achieve this goal, I plan to attend law school and attain the additional knowledge needed to be successful in my pursuits of helping others.

Hustling from one activity to another is how I am hard wired – until I couldn’t do it. During my sophomore year of college, my need for sleep and all-around lack of energy continued to increase. I lost interest in learning and social events, stressed about losing my job if I fell asleep, and found a host of bizarre places to catch some ZZZs. Eventually, it became a safety hazard when I could not drive for more than 15 minutes before dozing off, so it was time to look for answers. After multiple unsuccessful doctors’ appointments, at-home sleep studies, and a hospital stay back home in Kansas City, all of which required me to miss school and work, I was diagnosed with narcolepsy. I learned that narcolepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that affects the brain's ability to control sleep-wake cycles. People with narcolepsy may feel rested after waking, but then feel very sleepy throughout much of the day. While I was relieved at the diagnosis, I was embarrassed at the same time. It was great to know that my struggles were believable and real. I also was able to finally get meds and receive counseling about how to live my life normally. However, I don’t like using it as an excuse. I want to be a normal 21-year-old person who has energy for days and “can sleep when you’re dead,” but that’s not possible for me. It’s not something that is curable...it is a lifelong issue. Yes, my medication helps, but it doesn’t fully “fix” the condition. It’s not in my control, and this is not something I could have prevented. For someone who likes structure and routine, it has been tough to battle with, physically and mentally. Children are commonly misdiagnosed with a learning disability because of their low-functioning nature, meaning that my high-functioning efforts as a student covered up my narcolepsy for years. I continued my same level of service I had been pursuing since the age of 11. In the fifth grade, I could be found hanging campaign posters for my elementary school’s presidential election. Although staying focused in class was tricky during my undergraduate career, I ensured my grades did not suffer. Unbeknownst to me until I was diagnosed, narcolepsy is a recognized and protected disability under the Americans with Disability Act. I have been able to get assistance from my university related to my learning, and I no longer fear termination from work. The mental and physical relief knowing that I have protection is something I do not take for granted. Having worked in human resources where policies and procedures are used for employees’ and company’s protection, I understand how difficult it can be to know every law and caveat for any situation that comes up. Having an internship in Human Resources the summer after I was diagnosed helped me gain a deeper understanding of how policies and procedures are used for employees’ and company’s protection. I also appreciate how laws help people who have conditions out of their control have rights that protect them. Given what I have learned about this complex issue and my personal connection to this topic, I want to be an advocate for those who do not have a voice or understand what can be done on their behalf. Now, and in the future, I plan to use my passion and skills to assist others. To achieve this goal, I plan to attend law school and attain the additional knowledge needed to be successful in my pursuits of helping others.