How does it feel to be ridiculed for something you cannot change? To be poked fun at, mistreated and even asked to do things that are impossible due to a condition you were born with? How does it feel to be misunderstood and judged? Sadly, I can relate to all of these experiences, and they occurred during a particularly vulnerable time in my early years of grade school.
Doctors initially told my parents that I would grow out of this condition like many infants born with essential tremor (ET) do. However, I did not, and over the years I realized it made simple tasks more difficult and challenging because of my hands, legs and body shaking unpredictably. These episodes seemed to happen more often when I was under a lot of stress or expected to do something within a timed period – like during a test.
Ironically, in kindergarten I picked a sport that involved steady hands and concentration – twirling a baton! I fell in love with it and continued to pursue twirling for twelve more years. Today, I am a majorette in my senior year in high school. While it has not always been easy, the support and encouragement from teachers and peers have made this experience rewarding and it continues to bring me joy year after year.
As I grew older, I realized the importance of advocating for myself in order to reach my potential and not miss opportunities. I began requesting extended testing time and isolated testing environments to reduce stress-induced tremors. I started informing teachers about my tremors before I even walked into their class, so they would better understand when they saw my messy handwriting or visible shaking. Many allowed me to bring my computer to type notes instead of making handwritten ones, which was helpful. Most teachers were eager to assist with accommodations. These conversations with them opened the doors of communication immediately and fostered understanding and support.
Learning self-advocacy has helped to improve other areas of my life as well. I am actively involved in volunteering with different-abled children. I am able to be more empathetic and patient due to having my own obstacles to overcome. I serve in several leadership roles at my school including ambassador, president of the National Art Honor Society and member of the Youth Leadership Council. I also work part time at Chick-fil-A to help save for college, tutor younger students at my school, serve as a mentor and leader at my church and volunteer every summer at kids’ camps.
Living with essential tremor has presented ongoing challenges, but it has also taught me valuable lessons in life – resilience, perseverance and perspective. I refuse to let ET define me or limit my aspirations. Instead, I continue to move forward with purpose and determination so that I can give back to others and fully embrace all that life has to offer.
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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.