Shots Suck

Growing up, I had Aichmophobia--a fear of needles/sharp objects--to the point that I would scream, hollar, struggle, cry, and run out of the room if given the chance. I just couldn't sit still when the shots came out. My skin tingled in frantic anticipation, my heart jumped like a jackrabbit, and my eyes doubled in size. My parents and a nurse or two would have to restrain me so that the doctor could help me.

But by seven, all that changed. My world was wrapped in fog--it was as if my senses were made of cotton, making it impossible to truly feel. Well, I take that back, I could feel nausea and thirst and pain just fine, but happiness and the like were nearly impossible to grasp. We went to the doctor; we got the news; my parents sped me to the hospital.

My body was killing me. Diabetes is a disease that essentially coerces the body into commiting suicide, where every mistep causes dangerous complications. But I wasn't scared for myself. I was terrified at the tears and runny noses and broken postures my parents couldn't hide. Even when the doctors filled the first syringe with insulin, I didn't care. When it pierced my arm deep, stinging my muscle, I didn't care. I just wanted the fog to clear and my parents to be okay.

Needless to say, I no longer have Aichmophobia. When you go a decade giving yourself shots and hanging out in hospitals, silly fears ebb away. I still fret over my mom, but she's strong and so am I. We'll get through this.

College Lit: An Introduction

Hi, I'm Stefanie! A Senior now, I like books and biking, animals, martial arts, jokes, spicy food, drawing, and lazer tag. I also love to study linguistics and travel. Currently, I am studying Latin, Spanish, and Polish. In my free time, I do the same, but with Irish-English, Hindi, Urdu, and a bit of Bengali. Obviously, I love words. I worked and saved my way to both Poland and Slovakia last summer, and will do the same for India this summer. Wish me luck! (And if anyone would like to come as well, lemme know! :) We have plenty of room!)

As for college, I've applied to six schools and may still try more. My dream university is currently Lawrence University, which seems to be the only small school in Wisconsin offering a Linguistics class, let alone a major. Sad day. I plan to study language, perhaps some biology, and work to join the Peace Corps.

My favorite book? The Moorchild, my childhood favorite, tops my list. My favorite movie is either How To Train Your Dragon or The Girl Who Leapt Through Time. And since I practically live with my headphones in, just one musician is difficult, but Frighten Rabbit is an absolute love.