How Has Having Essential Tremor Affected My Life? (Scholarship Essay)

Shaped by Essential Tremor: A Journey of Resilience and Growth
Living with essential tremor (ET) has shaped my life in ways I never anticipated. From a young age, I noticed my hands shaking uncontrollably, making simple tasks like writing, eating, and using scissors far more challenging than they were for my peers. At first, I struggled with frustration and self-consciousness, fearing that my tremor would define me. However, instead of allowing it to limit my potential, I chose to see it as an opportunity for growth.

During elementary school, I was diagnosed with ET, which affected tasks like using scissors, printing, and coloring. These challenges persisted throughout my school years, necessitating adaptations. For instance, in Home Economics class in grade 8, my teacher told me that I would not pass her class due to my shaky hands, particularly in tasks like threading a needle. However, I overcame this obstacle by using a needle threader as an adaptation and ultimately completed the class with an “A” grade.

An analogy that I share with people who do not necessarily understand my experience is imagining someone shaking the chair you’re sitting in while attempting simple tasks such as clipping your nails, chopping vegetables, or drawing—it illustrates the difficulties I faced and the adaptations I had to make due to my tremors.

Learning to live with ET made me stronger in that I learned how to advocate for myself. Little did I know what was coming for me in 2023—OCD. I was diagnosed in 2023, and this further complicated my academic and personal life, leading to periods of significant struggle. There was a time when simple activities like walking to school or refereeing hockey felt insurmountable. However, with the support of mental health professionals and my determination to push forward, I regained control over my life. I resumed refereeing and coaching, proving to myself that my conditions would not define my capabilities.

Although my journey has been shaped by health challenges, they have become sources of resilience and inspiration. They motivate me to find solutions not only for myself but also for others facing similar barriers. I have excelled academically while balancing sports, volunteering, and overcoming personal obstacles. These experiences have shown me the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and the power of giving back.

In the future, I see myself flourishing in the technology and business sectors, using my knowledge and skills to build a more inclusive and accessible world. My goal is to solve problems, particularly those affecting individuals with disabilities. Whether through developing adaptive technologies, designing accessible software, or launching businesses that promote inclusivity, I am committed to creating solutions that empower others to reach their potential.

I learned to seek out help and adaptations for my ET, and looking back, I now recognize that this ability allowed me to seek help for my OCD. Essential tremor makes simple tasks difficult, but it has also given me the strength to recognize when I need help and the courage to ask for it.

***********

If you want to be involved in supporting students with essential tremor as they work toward their higher education goals, consider making a donation to the Catherine Rice Scholarship Fund. The IETF awards up to 10 college scholarships each year to students with essential tremor.