When I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes I was only 10 years old. Being a little kid who only cared about Disney Channel and what type of candy was at my house, it was very hard. Having to mature at such a young age, prick my fingers 5+ times a day, and giving myself insulin shots was a very tough change. Also being a dancer it was hard to get back into doing what I love. Just in case my levels were too high or too low. I had to frequently stop what I was doing to go check and for a little it was a wrench in my dance career. And often thought I was somehow...different. As I got older, I realized ANYTHING is possible no matter what. Type one does not make you different, it makes you unique and super strong. I created this page to show not only young dancers but young kids AND dancers with diabetes that you can still achieve your goals and do what you love. Even with type one. It has been a pleasure getting to share my life on this page with people all over the world and local. I hope to continue doing so and grow my page even more. |
Dancers and how we help.
Being a dancer does not just mean we go to practice, we perform, and perfect. Although that is a big aspect of it, I have also taken my dance skills and life skills and put them together to help others in and outside of the dance community. My absolute favorite thing to do is dance, so when I got the opportunity to help my teacher teach a class I took it in an instant. Being able to teach younger kids my passion was always a goal of mine. Seeing people come to practice with a huge smile on their faces ready to learn and grow made the job as a teacher assistant so awesome. I am also the co-captain on the Tracy High Dance Team. We do community service and help fellow studios with recitals. Two summers ago we got to help run a recital for a local recital. Being able to help the children dance, change, get the nerves out, and go on stage was an amazing experience and it reminded of me and how much fun going on stage for the first time was. Because of COVID we could not do it again for their most recent season but I hope to help more in the future.
Summer Bridge Program
During this past summer I signed up to help with the summer bridge program. Not knowing what that really was, I signed two of my best friends up as well. Bridge is a program to help incoming freshman have a "head start" to their freshman year and new campus life. For two weeks, 7:45am to 1pm we helped Mr. Chitwood, Mr. Wasurick, and Mr. G with the students. They learned about AVID, note-taking, teamwork, and more. Of course getting up that early during our summer was a struggle but I do not regret it at all. I grew closer to my friends as we spent everyday before, during, and after Bridge together, I got to see the kids grow and come out of their shells, and the best part is seeing them around campus and them asking me questions or even just to say hi! I hope we made an impact and relieved a little bit of stress as they enter Tracy High.