My Disability Doesn't Define Me

At age seven, I had heart surgery to cure a condition called atrial septal defect (ASD). This means I was born with a hole in my heart along with other issues. I've never had perfect health, I've never felt like a normal kid. After having mono in fourth grade, I found out I had lifelong conditions, including POTS, MCAS, hypermobility, and other health issues. 

Growing up with health issues is never easy. I remember crying in my kitchen after getting diagnosed with POTS. Part of me was relieved to find out why I was so sick but I was disheartened to find out there is no cure for what I have. I don't go out like most teenagers do. I know my life on social media is different because on social media I'm doing stuff like New York Fashion Week, but my body pays the price after these events. When I'm not in front of the camera I'm mostly at home, school or the doctor's office. 

Modeling makes me feel I have a purpose, something to be proud of. I've always been known as a sick kid, but now I'm known as a teen model. Being a sick kid can be pretty lonely, you fall out of friend groups and start to isolate yourself. I became a model to show others with disabilities they aren't alone, and that being disabled does not mean you can't accomplish your dreams. 

I've always been told not to call what I have a disability, does it disable me? Yes it does, but it also empowers me. I have to work ten times harder than my peers. I got no credit my freshman year due to my health issues as a result of that I juggle online and in person classes while trying to make money for my future. Being me is not easy but I know there's others who struggle like I do. The main reason I model is to bring awareness to what others and I go through, the hell of wondering how you will make it through the day. I want to show everyone who labeled me as the sick kid how much a “sick” kid can do, I want to empower others like me to follow their dreams no matter the obstacles in their path to victory.