“My peanut allergy is just one small part of who I am, but it has played a powerful role in shaping the person I am today.”

Living with a peanut allergy has been one of the most defining characteristics of my life. From a young age, I was set apart from my peers and understood that my adolescence would be different than theirs. From an outside perspective, an allergy might seem like a small restriction, but it has changed how I react in many social situations and has made me gain much responsibility.

I was diagnosed with a severe peanut allergy when I was just three years old, after a life threatening allergic reaction. Since then, I’ve had to develop a heightened sense of awareness that most people simply don’t need to have. I was quickly taught how to read food labels, ask about ingredients at restaurants, and carry my EpiPen with me at all times. While growing up, it seemed like I always had to be more cautious than other students around me when around food with unknown ingredients.

Social situations are the most difficult part of having a severe peanut allergy. It was isolating as a child to have birthday parties, school events, and even normal hangouts interrupted because I needed to ask an adult about the food provided. As a child, I was very shy and always felt like a burden having to ask for more information about the food, so I would simply decline what was offered to me. It can be very awkward turning down a friend’s homemade food or reminding someone they can’t eat peanut butter near me, but it’s a necessary step for my health. Over time, I have gained confidence through these interactions and learned how to advocate for myself in many types of social situations.

Traveling is the experience most impacted by my severe peanut allergy. When at an airport, I need to board the plane early with a medical pre-board in order to have time to clean my seat properly and discuss my allergy with the flight attendants. They are able to make sure nobody near me will eat peanuts on the flight in an attempt to decrease the chances of cross-contamination. Eating out at a restaurant has some complications as well, with making sure the kitchen is notified of my allergy as another way of keeping me safe. While these precautions create more work in these situations, it’s taught me about planning ahead and taking responsibility for my allergy.

I would say the most important way my peanut allergy has shaped me is my outlook on life. I have learned to never take my health for granted and not to assume safety is a given. The awareness I’m required to have because of my allergy has made me more cautious, but also more appreciative of my health. I have learned to adapt to new situations, speak up for myself, and take control of situations when necessary. While I wouldn’t have necessarily chosen this path for my life, I am grateful for the responsibility and opportunity it has given me to grow as a person. My peanut allergy is just one small part of who I am, but it has played a powerful role in shaping the person I am today.

- Anonymous