Heather Svenson

I was nine when I was diagnosed with epilepsy. I write this resume today as an 18 year old woman. No one should ever have to go through all the struggles I went through just to find out that your anti epileptic drugs aren't even controlling your seizures. I lost myself for so long, and now it's just a real slap in the face to know I'm never going to get those years back when none of it was my fault. I struggled a lot. I battled even more. Between ages 9 and 18, relationships had been lost and fractured, weight had been dropped, Keppra had caused rage, but it was all "okay" if I wasn't having a seizure right? Wrong. Everyone always sees epilepsy as flashing lights and shaking and foaming at the mouth, but what they don't see is what the person who actually has it has to deal with. It's not just convulsions. It's constantly putting your own needs and wants aside for medicine for a slight chance of it working, it's not being able to drive for 6 months, and it's having to work 10x harder than the average person just to keep up in school. My seizures started off as something so minor I probably wouldn't have even realized if my teacher hadn't while I was reading. Sadly, they just kept getting worse. However, 9 year old me would have been very proud to see everything that I've accomplished over the years despite everything that I have going on. I earned straight As throughout high school, I played varsity sports, I love hanging out with my friends, and I'm loved by an amazing family. A true fighter looks a challenge in the eye and gives it a wink. Each day is a new day for me. That's why I go out and attack epilepsy with optimism and a smile on my face. I'm a fighter. And epilepsy messed with the wrong girl a long time ago.

• Straight As throughout high school
• Despite every challenge that has been thrown at me, I keep persevering with a smile on my face
• I advocate for epilepsy awareness
• I got into my dream college, William and Mary

I have epilepsy and narcolepsy. These two disorders are very big struggles that I deal with every day, but I'm still just as capable as everyone else with a few limitations