Struggles Shape Who We Become by Kyle

Struggles Shape Who We Become by Kyle - April 2019 Scholarship Essay

In June 2016 I suffered a traumatic brain injury and spent the summer recovering. In August I was still under the care of several doctors and therapists. Previously I believed I was a successful, college-bound student. Ironically, after a college visit, the probability of me attending college was in question. Before school began, we met with the school nurse, counselor, and principal to discuss my progress. My doctors were about the length of the school day, the fluorescent lights, numerous stimulations, the rigor of the course load of advanced placement and honors classes, and the potential risk of additional injury.
By August I was walking unaided, my speech was no longer slurred, the mood swings ceased, and I had not had another seizure. What lingered was the loss of coordination, sleep issues, and difficulty reading and writing; all necessary for class. As the summer ended, I came to terms with not returning to the soccer field. However, the dread of not being capable to grasp concepts, retain or recollect knowledge was terrifying; completely overwhelming. Accommodations were made which allowed me to gradually handle the academic challenge. My teachers commented they were surprised by my performance, yet I struggled to feel complete and able. Homework took hours, I sought help for almost every lesson, and my mom worked with me to stay organized and be sure I did not push too hard.
Weeks passed. I learned patience, grew deeper in my faith, and discovered the act of asking for assistance is a sign of self-awareness rather than frailty. By September’s end, the changing seasons appeared to parallel my progress. My friends commented that my laugh and expressions had returned, the doctors remarked on the lively look in my eyes and fluidness of my movements. My mom cried when I initiated a hug for the first time in months. Signs of my personality were returning. With each small improvement, I was processing the experience, the struggle, and realizing the possibilities I feared vanished were achievable. Academically, as a personal goal, I made up the work from which I was previously excused. By October, I felt like myself, regained trust in my abilities and found new confidence in support systems at school, in the community, and at church. I was followed by doctors and the school counselor until December.
On December 24, my grandmother suffered a massive stroke and died on New Years’ Eve. Being at the hospital, discussions of brain scans, seeing her unable to talk or walk brought back fears I recently experienced. She supported St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital; I recognized the calling to act on her behalf and support those in her honor. I held many shoe drives and soon our garage was full of shoes. With each pair, I became more motivated, gaining a deeper understanding of compassion, generosity, gratitude, and kindness. I recruited my mom, brother, aunt, friends, and a few teammates to help with collections, sorting, bagging, and spreading the word. In total, I collected over 1,000 pairs of shoes for the people of Guatemala and raised $350.00 for Saint Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. For all the love in my heart for my grandmother, I wanted to give so much more; yet reminded myself she would be proud of me.
Now, as a high school senior enrolled to attend Franciscan University, I was so touched when my brother announced he was spearheading a project to support firefighters and EMS teams in honor of me. He is collecting snacks and other items for eight fire stations in four local cities. My younger brother was the only family member with me in North Carolina, witnessing my injury, seizure, and he was told he could not travel with me to Duke Medical Center but was told I was not expected to survive the 8-minute drive. My mom got a call I am sure all parents dread from the fire chief. She endured a four-hour drive from Virginia to the medical center. For the next six hours, I was kept alive by machines. When I regained consciousness and could follow some basic commands the doctors were amazed because I had no brain activity for about five hours. The medic from the ambulance came back to see me and he shared the team did not think I would survive, and my condition haunted them during their shift.
On 1 June, I will walk across the stage at graduation, restored, healthy, and proud of the efforts made physically and emotional to overcome the biggest struggle of my life. This scholarship will enable me to afford the cost of college. My future involves service to others as a Deacon, teacher, coach, and active community member. I hope to help others of various ages using my knowledge of how the body responds to movement and is nourished by faith. My goal is to help people recover from injuries or adopt practices to help enrich their quality of life. My injury in 2016 ignited a desire to help others recover and realize that challenges and struggles are temporary. It is our effort, integrity, and faith that create permeance.