How a diagnosis of MS influenced my educational and career paths
MS both halted me from scholastic pursuits and shifted me in a new direction
Before I was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis at age 17, I was just a young adolescent eager to attend college but uncertain about my path. However, after my diagnosis, which happened during my senior year of high school, just a couple months before college applications were due, I knew exactly what I wanted to pursue.
My goal was to work toward a degree in prehealth neuroscience at the University of Texas at Austin to advance into medical school. I wanted to understand multiple sclerosis (MS) from a scientific standpoint since I had firsthand experience with the patient’s perspective. I also loved all things science.
Upon entering UT Austin as a freshman, my class schedule was loaded with science, which I was excited about. But I soon realized that prehealth neuroscience was no joke. After two semesters, I decided that medical school wasn’t in the cards for me due to the heavy memorization that was required. I struggled with it due to MS cognitive dysfunction.
Next, I decided I wanted to go to pharmacy school because of all the medications I was taking. But while I was interested in learning the science behind various drugs, pursuing pharmacy school wasn’t something I truly wanted.
According to the university, I was still on the prehealth neuroscience track, but I wasn’t flourishing like my peers. I failed my genetics and general chemistry courses three times and couldn’t continue to the advanced neuroscience classes. At that point, I was the stereotypical college student who had no idea why I was in college or what I wanted to do with my life, which made me feel lost and confused.
Finding my calling
To explore other potential paths, I enrolled in a class in the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences. In short, this class focused on the study of human development in different contexts, such as familial, societal, and relationships. I immediately knew it was the path I wanted to pursue because of the humanity aspect of the field and my desire to help people with disabilities and chronic illnesses.
After this realization, I set up a meeting with a former graduate student mentor to pick their brain about their decision to attend graduate school instead of medical school. Due to my lack of memory, I don’t remember the specifics of the conversation, but I do remember being heavily swayed to research more about graduate school. After that, things started to fall into place.
During my last semester of undergraduate studies, I enrolled in a class called “The Culture of Disability in Education,” with Stephanie Cawthon. Soon after, I began working with her on a Microsoft-funded project on accessibility and inclusion for disabled students in higher education. It was around that time that I stumbled upon a doctorate program at UT Austin in human development, culture, and learning sciences. To my surprise, Cawthon was the graduate chair of the program, which gave me insight into the work of different faculty members.
Being accepted into this program has deepened my knowledge of and passion for better supporting people with disabilities and chronic illnesses. My MS diagnosis has set up a relay of decisions and has shaped my current educational and career path, and for that I am grateful.
What positive developments have occurred due to your MS diagnosis? Please share in the comments below.
Note: Multiple Sclerosis News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Multiple Sclerosis News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to multiple sclerosis.
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Comments
Delia Reagan
I am reminded of the saying "She Persisted." Glad you found your path!
Beth Gordon
I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in my early thirties so I may have suffered from it earlier but I'm not athletic and it wasn't an issue for me. I don't have regular rain scans but I'm pretty healthy. I continue to be interested in any research on multiple sclerosis exspecially in people in their 60s and 70s. Thanks, Beth
Azmeh Dawood
Exactly! MS is a gift if you embrace reality! Well Done you!
Tom A
You didn’t spell out a “moral to the story”, so I’ll add one: Keep on looking and trying. I got lost my first time in school, pre-MS. 10 years later, I knew what I wanted to accomplish (still pre-MS). But because of MS, I was given extra time to complete the national exam (after doctoral graduation) to demonstrate competence in a test for licensure as a psychologist. Numerous things overall in life happened which resulted in a somewhat favorable outcome for me. ADA law suit, bankruptcy, forgiveness of college loans, home ownership with rental income, Medicare (low cost health insurance), interest in antiques and collectables, and more. So yes, don’t give up! Find your place. My outcome was “somewhat” favorable, not fabulous, and I wouldn’t wish this on anyone. But you gotta take what you are given and find a way to work with it. Let me also add however, be smart about it.