Five months ago my concerned parents moved a car, a closet full of clothes, and a frail 108-pound girl home from college in the middle of the semester.
That weak girl somewhat resembled myself, but looking back I can hardly remember the haze my jumbled-up brain had become from severe insomnia caused from Post Concussion Syndrome and suffering three concussions in the past year and a half time span.
When the threats of diseases such as brain cancer or Multiple Sclerosis became too much to ignore any longer, my college life as I knew it came to an abrupt halt.
After losing the strength to tie my own shoes and the mental capacity to cross the street on my own, the probability of having to withdraw from college classes, and maybe even the entire semester was increasing by the day.
If not for my strong Christian faith and belief that God had a greater plan for me, I wouldn't be where I am today.
When my whole world fell apart it was my family, friends, and most especially, my sorority sisters that carried me through my darkest days and led me back to the light.
To Tristan, my Big, thank you for knowing what I needed before I ever realized it.
To Madison, my Little, thank you for the endless phone calls and listening to me ramble.
To Sarah Ann, my best friend, thank you for always putting a smile on my face even on the worst of days.
To Fab5, even though none of us go to the same schools anymore, thank you for the constant prayers and encouragement.
While things were pretty rough for a while as I lost my confidence, strength, and passions for things I used to love, eventually I made it to the other side.
With the help of my advisor and parents, I finished out the semester and even got cleared to study abroad in Prague for the summer. While my neurologist was hesitant to let me leave the country after my challenging last few months, unplugging from life in the States was just what I needed.
Through this whole experience, I have gained so much more than I lost and am thankful for all that my concussions taught me, as now have a newfound gratitude and appreciation for all of the little things in life that I used to take for granted.
Also, through this all, I've learned that things often have to get worse before they get better. And once you get through the bad, it makes the good times all that much better.
No matter how tough the road ahead may seem, never lose the faith. Everything will work out in God's timing because His timing is perfect.
"When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze."
-Isaiah 43:2
After a summer abroad, I've quickly gained my missing pounds back and am ready to take on my third year of college, fingers crossed, injury free this time.
