hi guys! I haven't posted on here for a few months--been very very busy applying for colleges. I went with my instincts and applied to schools all over the country, because although my llmd is here, I badly need to leave KC.
Because of this, however, it feels like I'm flying by the seat of my pants. My top choice college is in Maine (I live in MO!), and I've applied to colleges in Boston, California, Iowa, Minnesota, and Nebraska.
I'll hear from six of the eight schools I applied to in APRIL, including my top choice, but two weeks ago I received my first ACCEPTANCE letter from the college in Nebraska, the closest college to home. Not only did I get in, but they offered me a merit scholarship and a spot in the Honors Program!! So now I have a safety net of a school that I'd be happy to attend if all else fails.
The reason I'm babbling on like this is just because two years ago TODAY I first came down with the lyme symptoms. Only a few months ago I was still bed-bound, and now I'M IN COLLEGE!! It's just such an amazing feeling, I just can't describe it. After I got my letter, my mom and I just hugged for like 5 minutes, and we both said "the nightmare is over". I feel so proud and happy right now, I just had to share it with people who'd really appreciate what this means..
ps-the admissions director of this college included an individually sealed, handwritten letter expressing her awe at my perserverence. It was touching coming from this person who doesn't even know me, to understand all the hard battles I've fought to get to this point.
[ 22. January 2007, 10:59 PM: Message edited by: strongerangel ]
Posted by Jill E. (Member # 9121) on :
Congratulations! Getting into college is a wonderful achievement for anyone. You have done it despite incredible challenges.
You will be able to bring a wisdom to many of your classes that will be beyond other students your age. I'm sure you will be a good Lyme ambassador, helping educate others about prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
Good luck and have fun! Jill
Posted by 5dana8 (Member # 7935) on :
Way to go strongerangel
good luck & stay healthy & happy Posted by AZURE WISH (Member # 804) on :
Congatulations Strongerangel!!!
This is quite an achievement.
May this be the first of many acceptance letters... and I am sure it will be. Posted by meg (Member # 22) on :
Congratulations!!
I might have missed a post about what you'll be studying, can you share it with us??
Much luck to you Angel--keep up the good work! Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
That is SOOOO awesome, Em!!!! Can't say enough about it! Yes, do tell us what you will be studying!
Posted by Aniek (Member # 5374) on :
Congratulations! What wonderful news!!!!
I remember you mentioning applying to school. I'm sure more will be rolling in now.
-Aniek
Posted by trueblue (Member # 7348) on :
Horray strongerangel! Congratulations! Posted by strongerangel (Member # 10037) on :
Thanks everyone!!
I'm definitely going pre-med! I've been a patient for so long, and have seen my share of doctors-both wonderful and awful. It's time for me to get in the other side of the ring. I'll always remember my experiences, and you can bet I'll remember them when I get those patients who are sicker than dogs with no visible symptoms. I want to diagnose those invisible and "rare" diseases that slip through the nets of the regular mds.
Oh yeah--If I get truly down on my luck, my llmd has already offered me a job. Sure, there are at least 8 yrs before I'll be qualified, but it's nice to dream.
It makes me light-headed to even think about how much the medical profession needs more doctors who think like patients, not like businessmen.
Posted by strongerangel (Member # 10037) on :
Oh yeah--one day I will be creating a Lyme scholarship fund. There is absolutely nothing out there yet that I can find, which is understandable but more than annoying for someone whose family's depleted every penny of savings for lyme treatment.
Posted by Vermont_Lymie (Member # 9780) on :
Congratulations -- and thank you for sharing your happy news!
I hope that you may be the doctor that helps find a cure years from now!
Posted by Michelle M (Member # 7200) on :
Strongerangel, you're a real hero!
I can tell you are going to do all of this, and more.
You go, girl!
Michelle
Posted by Cassie (Member # 2106) on :
Way to go Em,
Congratulations, It's so nice to hear happy endings and new beginings
Take care and good luck your friend Cassie Posted by hatsnscarfs (Member # 6562) on :
This as great news. Congratulations on your accomplishment. Now hurry up and get through school and get those LLMD initials after your name. We need you! hats
Posted by pmerv (Member # 1504) on :
I don't know how healthy you are at this point, but if there is any doubt, you might choose the close to home college for the first year or two, just to be close to your LLMD and home, and then transfer. You'll have a better idea in 2 years what you want in a school, and you can get some of the basics out of the way at a cheaper price. Just an idea.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
I kinda agree pmerv! I'm a little worried about her health and how the stress of college will affect her!
Don't go TOO far!! Posted by hopeful123 (Member # 3244) on :
i'm doing cartwheels. i don't have a cartwheel icon. can't you tell?
so happy for you!
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
How's this, hopeful??
Posted by savebabe (Member # 9847) on :
Congrats! You should be very proud! Posted by trails (Member # 1620) on :
thank you for putting a smile on my face!
I am so very happy for you! this is great news!
Posted by strongerangel (Member # 10037) on :
Thanks all of you!!
I agree that I should probably stay near home, because my health is still fairly fragile (I'm averaging around 40% attendance at school-still maintaining A's though).
As much as I'd love to go to Maine, being so many states away from my home and doctor is a very risky proposition..
thanks again for all your support!!
Posted by bettyg (Member # 6147) on :
angel, em; congratulations! i'm tickled to death for you! a scholorship, and then a personal handwritten letter from admissions director! WOW!
frame that letter; have it on every wall where you live to keep you insprired!
i can't wait to hear we have another GOOD LLMD, EM _______!! boy, do we need you, and your sharing your lyme experiences to colleagues OPENING THEIR CLOSED MINDS TO CHRONIC LYME.
i too recommend being close to home for now until you get your health established! stress of leaving home/college are a huge adjustment for normal folks; not sick folks like we chronic lymies.
but if ANYONE CAN DO IT, IT IS YOU EM! you go girl! we're so proud of you and for sharing your news! Posted by hopeful123 (Member # 3244) on :
tutu, love it!!
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
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Can't say enough about it! Yes, do tell us what you will be studying!
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