It all began the second week of my sophomore year of college. It's the year when you begin to feel comfortable. I was a dance line member of the UNA's wonderful marching band and had made many friends. That all changed when I woke up one morning with shortness of breath and was very tired. I decided to go to the infirmary to find out what was wrong with me. That trip to the infirmary sent me further to the ER. At one point, I was sitting at the infirmary in the doctor’s room with both of my arms out resting on my legs and my palms up. I looked up and saw two nurses trying to draw blood from my body and before I knew it the nurses doubled. Seemingly, four nurses stood in front of me trying so hard to draw blood from my body. Nothing was done. My next trip was to the hospital's ER where I was able to get blood drawn and was sent home. Later on a nurse would call me with the results. I was then rushed to the ER, where later on I found out that with the amount of blood in my body I was not suppose to be walking or talking.
After being referred to four doctors, I would meet my angel. My doctor was my best friend. One I counted on to get me well but also to pray with me through this hard time. I would have many bone marrow biopsies through my struggle. I would learn who God was. I would find myself through all of this chaos. I began falling in love with the children at Children's Hospital. These kids became my best friends. I learned from them and they learned from me.
A year later, I would enroll back in school healthy and happy. I signed up for the Miss UNA pageant in hopes to be a representative of UNA. The night of the pageant was amazing and I walked away with the crown and with more determination than I had ever had. I wanted to be the best me during that year. I wanted to learn from others. I spent that year serving my community and school. I began seeing the growth in myself. Every appearance made me more passionate in wanting to help others. I wanted to do even more every time. I fell in love with the fact of helping others by promoting my platform, "A Chance to Dream." I wanted to help others recognize their dreams and goals and to keep pushing towards those.
January 28, 2012 I would give up my crown in hopes of another Miss UNA having the same love and determination I had. I loved every second of being Miss UNA. God put me in that place for many reasons. In hopes of growing as a person, touching others lives and being a role model for kids.
But my blessing in disguise doesn't stop there. I am now determined to create a non-profit organization for kids with Aplastic Anemia and blood disorders. I want to be their support system, their other doctor. I will continue to push myself to help others more and more. Be a voice for them and cry with them during the hard times. I sincerely want to help others. It’s my love! I have found my gift on earth, and it is to truly be an open door for others. Help them get through the hard times.
My blessing has come out of this disguise. A disguise that I didn't let hurt me but help push me toward doing more. Miss UNA was a stepping stone for me, and now I have reached another step; to love, comfort and help kids with chronic illnesses. It is what I love. I hope everyone finds what they love and does just that. It will bring you such joy! Love what you do, and do what you love!
