Emily

In Emily’s first and second years of high school, she enrolled in a certificate program for The Moth, a brilliant story-telling organization, offering participants an opportunity to share both life-changing or interesting, personal experiences. “Hearing these stories made me think, Wow! What a strong person to have gone through that. I found it engaging and a way to present myself to others — all by telling a story.”

And what stories she has to tell. Emily shares her difficult journey with a chronic disease, diagnosed when she was ten and in the fifth grade. Coming to grips with the implications, impact, side effects, and treatment was tough. Her doctor prescribed medication and assured her that although the disease wouldn't go away, it would heal progressively. She learned how to manage and live with the symptoms, enabling her to join the friends she had been avoiding, and to live a full and joyous life.

“It shouldn't have mattered what others thought or why I canceled plans. What mattered was that I faced my disease head-on. Having a disease doesn't make you different—it makes you resilient. That's a lesson we all need,” she said proudly.

Emily faced other anxieties in her young life. She was terrified of getting hurt. Of falling or drowning. Her teacher said, “Take the risk, or lose the chance,” a phrase that has stayed with her. Perhaps it’s the reason she plans on studying psychology. What she learned about herself and what she conquered can be the touchstone for somebody else.

The mentor that has made the greatest impact on my life is my counselor, Milena Uribe because I could go to her anytime and she’s always available. Whenever I need her, she advises on things I would want to hear, but then also shows me the reality of it.