As citizens of the world, we have a deep responsibility to fulfill each other’s dire need to be molded and shaped into people that will make the world a better place. We have a responsibility to impact others. A responsibility to change lives. Luckily for me, I was born with Von Willebrand Disease, which I have been able to use as an extra opportunity to impact other people’s lives.
To the average Joe’s of the world who sacrifice thriving to just merely survive, a bleeding disorder looks like a burden at face value. Incorrect. So many people who are diagnosed with bleeding disorders don’t realize the immense value of advantages that they are given. Though my experience living with a bleeding disorder I have been able to realize that one of the only things that is better than the value of life itself, is helping others see the value of life.
My bleeding disorder had pushed me into a place where I was broken down to the point of living in an emotional state of envying the dead and constantly wishing that I was obliterated from this earth. I have Von Willebrand Disease to thank for that. I have also realized my own self worth, overcame my darkest demons, and successfully exterminated all suicidal thoughts from my life completely. I have learned to truly and genuinely love life and the people in it. I have Von Willebrand disease to thank for that as well.
Life is precious. Sadly, hearing other people say that doesn’t always make a person truly realize life’s value. Sometimes it takes another person loving you so fiercely and so consistently to realize that you are worth of being loved. Other times it may take a simple simple smile form someone you hardly know to keep you alive and breathing for just one more day. Von Willebrand disease has helped me realize that it’s up to me to be that person.
Having realizations and thinking about what I should do means absolutely nothing if I don’t act on it. The fact of the matter is that if being diagnosed with Von Willebrand disease only changes my life, then I haven’t been living as intentionally as I should have been. Reaching out and loving others is so important. Because of all my experiences with medical professionals that have helped me thus far, I have decided to pursue a degree in the medial field so I can help others the way that I have been helped.
Currently, I am a freshman at Ferris State University hoping to graduate with an associates degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography and a bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Systems Administration. My goal is to graduate from college and use those specific degrees to serve in a health care facility in order to help other people. I think that the only appropriate way to close this essay is to end with two very important “thank yous”.
To whom it may concern: Thank you for taking the time to read and evaluate my essay. Your job is a very critical part in a process that helps students achieve their goals. To Von Willebrand Disease itself: Thank you for molding me into a person that looks out for others. A person that utilizes personal hardships to help others. Thank you for changing my life in such a way that motivates me to be a helper, encourager, and lover of people.
~~Grace Miller