Something That Defines Me

Nicolas Siino

ENGW 100 Writing Skills Workshop

Professor Young

09/19/2014

 

                The thing that defines me as a person is that I have lived with rheumatoid arthritis for 17 years and have had to overcome many obstacles.  There are many different qualities that a person may poses that would contribute to their personality.  For example, I have suffered with arthritis a disease that is debilitating however, I have learned to rise above it. RA has affected my hips, knees and ankles which has made it difficult to walk, run, and perform simple tasks.  I was always told not to worry about being the last person to finish a race or having to take multiple breaks during gym class, but I did worry.  Over the years  I felt that combating these issues was so much harder than living with physical pain.  RA has brought a lot of issues into my life that I can’t control, however I constantly remind myself that the one thing I can control is my attitude. My favorite sport and one I loved to play was football. Being part of a team and having comradery was something I took pride in.  As my disease progressed, I could no longer participate in the sport that help me forget about the pain. Once, I entered high school I felt that things were more within my grasp.  I volunteered my time as an assistant coach for my younger brother’s football team. It was very rewarding to have children look up to me with respect and valve my guidance and determination. My experiences have helped me grow, mature, boost my confidence and increase my self esteem. This has given me great satisfaction that I have actively done something for my health, not just taken an injection, but physically and mentally contributed towards conquering my RA.  I am more than this disease; I will not let this overcome my life, my conversations and my attitude. No one will ever take my identity or any of the things I have accomplished away from me.