“This allergy has taught me that life doesn't have to be perfect to be meaningful.”

I could write about my severe peanut and tree nut allergy that has, and continues to severely limit my social interactions. I also could write about the intense fear I have when I go out to eat in a restaurant where the ingredients aren’t readily available.
I could bring up the near death experience I had while I was in Italy this past summer when I ordered a simple margarita pizza, told them I had peanut and tree nut allergies and was assured my food was fine. After devouring this little slice of heaven, my mouth immediately started to itch and my tongue started to swell. But how? I had been so careful… except the pizzeria wasn’t. They had baked a pesto pizza right next to my personal pie and they touched. This small interaction caused a huge commotion. I had to run to a farmacia to get something that resembled Benadryl and hope I would not have to use my Epipen - or worse - figure out a way to get to a hospital.

Allergies have certainly shaped my life, but not always in a negative way. Sure - I have to be extra careful when ordering food and I have to inconvenience the workers at the ice cream parlor to open up a new tub of ice cream for me and use a clean scooper. I have never had the joy of trying a Nutella sandwich or a Reese's peanut butter cup. However, I have found joy in many other aspects of my life because of my allergies.

I’ve learned how to eat healthier, how to read nutrition labels and how to cook from home. I’ve become an advocate for other kids with disabilities because I knew how it felt to be different and excluded from fun things like class birthday parties and field days because no one thought to make sure there were snacks for the food allergic kids. I joined the Special Olympics club at my school to help students with physical disabilities learn how to play sports, so they, too, can feel more included. I also take a yearly mission trip with the Appalachia Service Project to help marginalized Americans have warmer, safer and dryer homes.

This allergy has taught me that life doesn't have to be perfect to be meaningful. It’s pushed me to be more aware, more careful, and more empathetic. I’ve learned how to take responsibility for my own health, but also how to look out for others who feel different or excluded. I might not know what a peanut butter and jelly sandwich tastes like, but I’ve gained something more important—perspective, resilience, and a real understanding of what it means to support the people around me.

- Matthew M.