“I used to see my food allergy as a vulnerability; however, I now view it as a source of power.”
My heartbeat pounded while I sat paralyzed with fear. Sirens from the ambulance driving in front of us blared. Around thirty minutes prior, my family was preparing to eat dinner together for Christmas Eve; however, the festive mood quickly shifted into panic when my throat began to tighten and I realized that the trail mix contained peanut bits—a food that both my brother and I are severely allergic to. So here I am in my dad’s car, trying to breathe through what feels like a small straw while my throat closes up.
After various epinephrine shots, antihistamine, and cortisone injections, I returned to a stable condition, countless hours later. I then had to remain in the hospital for the rest of the night so that the doctors could promptly catch and treat any additional complications.
I used to see my food allergy as a vulnerability; however, I now view it as a source of power. Throughout my various allergic reactions, some worse than others, I came to accept the fact that while I can’t control my allergy, I can control how I react to it. My peanut allergy has taught me that embracing and overcoming challenges stands as a necessity in life. Instead of allowing my allergy to harm me, I have turned it to strength as I now confidently read every ingredient label, request accommodations when needed, and educate others whom I interact with about my allergy and safety.
Not only has my peanut allergy pushed me to become more resilient and adaptable as I navigate through life, but it has also increased my awareness and empathy towards others. Ever since I was born, my peanut and tree nut allergy has posed a substantial life challenge to me, forcing me to go the extra mile to stay safe: constantly checking food labels and standing up for myself in social situations. However, my allergy has taught me that although life’s challenges may cause much frustration and grief, they can also act as building blocks for growth if you allow them to. This willingness to learn, which I’ve adopted because of my allergy, has caused me to become more aware and empathetic to others facing their struggles. As I possess an invisible challenge through my peanut allergy, I’ve become more considerate and encouraging of others who carry invisible challenges, no matter what they may be.
In addition, my allergy has contributed to my aspirations to study nursing in college. Because of my allergy, I have understood the importance of sincere, supportive, and adequate healthcare. By entering nursing and the medical field, I would like to help those who have and are going through the same health issues I have had, with the same assistance that several nurses and doctors have provided me.
My peanut allergy has given me the wisdom to navigate the strife and uncertainty in college and throughout life. I am ready to use each setback in life as an opportunity to grow stronger and more resilient.
- Garrison M.