I was fortunate enough to become a part of this great organization by complete chance.  I found the Students with Diabetes organization through a random search for anything for students living with type 1 diabetes and SWD popped up on my screen.  I couldn't believe that there was actually an organization devoted entirely to college students with diabetes, and when I saw that there was also an intern program I knew that I had to join and apply for the internship.  Applying for the internship was something that was completely out of my comfort zone, but I knew that I needed to give it a shot.  The reason that this something so out of the ordinary for me is that until applying for this internship, I had never done anything related to diabetes.  In fact, I had actually pushed my diabetes to the side and acted like it wasn't something I lived with everyday.  I have always been very good about managing my diabetes, but it was something that I chose not to share with people that I met because I was embarrassed. 
    Finding SWD gave me a reason to embrace my diabetes.  I had always assumed that no one could ever relate to the experiences that I have  had living with diabetes so there was no point in joining support groups or  attending camps for people with type 1 diabetes; I could not have been more wrong.  Attending the SWD Leadership Academy and Conference introduced me to so many great people who knew what it was like to juggle being a college student while living with diabetes. It was so refreshing to be able to talk to people about the lows and highs of living with diabetes (literally).  In addition to meeting all these great people, I learned so much from the motivational speakers, as well as those working towards a cure and helping to advocate for those living with diabetes.  I am so grateful to have discovered such a great organization that has helped me to advance my career, while providing me with a wonderful network of people that I can relate to.

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    Tess
    22 years old
    Biology Student
    T1D, 10 years strong

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