“I have type 1 diabetes. Basically, my pancreas is dead. It doesn’t work. I found out when I was 14. It left me angry for a lot of years. But then when I started college, I wanted to stop feeling bitter and wanted to try to embrace it.  So I’ve been doing that and it’s been really healthy for me. Instead of having self pity, I look at it and think it could be so much worse. Taking 5 or 6 shots a day is just a habit. I don’t even think about it anymore, I just do it. I make it work into my lifestyle and accept it now as part of who I am. I remember life without it, but not really. We are only here for so long, so it’s important to stay as positive as possible. The hardest part for me now is trying not to be too hard on myself and realizing that this is all part of the journey.”