Carrying Determination

As I was dismounting from the beam I felt a sudden pain in my right knee. I immediately collapsed right onto the mat- I wanted to cry so badly. But instead, I held myself together. I looked around to try and find my mom and saw everyone watching me. I felt embarrassed, I didn’t know what just happened. I looked down at my knee to see it all swollen and red. It was at this moment where my life would change forever. At only six years old I was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in my right knee. I didn’t understand what this meant at the time, but later on, as I grew older I began to understand the effects it would have on my life. I remember the doctor saying, “You are going to need to take a break from gymnastics.” That was when it hit me. My body was shaking- I was in shock. I didn’t know what to think. I just sat there and cried. At only ten years old I was being told to quit the sport that I did for almost six years. I didn’t know how this could happen, I just wanted my life to be normal. From this moment on I began to carry determination. I was determined to fight this disease and continue my life playing sports even if I had to take a break. I didn’t know what the future would hold, but I knew that I was determined to stay active and get through this roadblock. A couple of years go by and my doctor breaks the exciting news to me that my arthritis has gone into remission. I was so happy, this meant I could finally live my life normally again. All of the determination helped me reach my goal of fighting off arthritis. I started running cross country and became a real good runner. I finally felt like my life was normal since I was able to participate in sports again. I continued to carry determination with me because at any moment my arthritis could come back. Flash forward a couple of years, now I’m running in the last cross country race of the season and I roll my ankle mid-race. Each time I sat my foot down on the wet grass I felt a pop. I ignored the pain as I was determined to finish the race and not quit before the finish line. I ran as fast as I could and even sprinted at the end, all I wanted was to end the season on a good note. After many tests, doctors’ appointments, and physical therapy, I found out that there was now arthritis in my ankle. This moment really brought me down, I knew my arthritis could come back but I didn’t think it actually would. However, I didn’t let this stop me I continued to carry determination with me. I went through many ups and downs over the past couple of years with arthritis and I had some days where I didn’t understand why this had to happen to me. Getting diagnosed with arthritis gave me the determination to carry and that is what kept me going. Although I had to fight through the pain and quit sports that I loved I ultimately learned a huge lesson and that is you can do anything if you are determined to do it. Learning to carry determination impacted my life for the better. I now am determined to overcome any obstacles that may come my way such as dealing with arthritis. I wouldn’t be where I am today without carrying determination. I am happy to say that this past year I have felt very minimal symptoms and I am almost off medication. This is because I was determined to fight no matter how hard it got and that ultimately has led me to success in overcoming arthritis again. Carrying determination allows me to feel motivated to accomplish my fears and mental blocks as well as helping me get through tough situations that are thrown my way.