To say that this has been an interesting week- does not even begin to describe or serve it justice. at all. I have gotten so much cleaning done because I have been so angry… it’s ridiculous. I am going to go from least angry moments of the week to the angriest moment of the week. I think a lot of this has to do with finals as well as I have reached my limit for disrespect.

First off- There’s this whole idea of being respectful. I think more people should try it more often. Everyone has opinions- yes. But you should be respectful of everyone else. If you are not respectful to me and give me a reason to not be nice- be oh so ready for me. I will no longer be nice. No one ever believes me until they experience it themselves. I also don’t take constant excuses well all the time- I feel like everywhere I look they have been flying at me lately. Like literally everywhere. Just own up. Also, if you keep putting yourself in a negative situation, and you get the same results each and every time. Isn’t it time for a change? Just a thought.

Secondly- I have been hearing over and over and over again- how lucky I am to be studying abroad in Paris this summer. Yes, there is some aspect of luck in there. But I will not be allowing you to belittle this at all for me. I worked my butt off to go. I planned this for years. I saved for this for years. I applied to go. I researched everything. I worked hard. for this. It is not simply luck. You want to go? It is possible to make it happen. Too expensive?- Called save for it. Maybe get a job? Maybe be careful with money. I don’t know. Whatever works for you. This is the opportunity of a lifetime. That I have earned.

Third of all- I apologize to anyone who thinks that it is my job to be pleasing them, and making sure I do what they want, and making sure I say and act a certain way. Oh wait. No I’m not. Not at all. I don’t do that anymore.  I am living my life for me. What makes me happy. BUT. I do try my best to make sure that I do not harm or disrespect anyone in the process. So if it doesn’t actually concern you or impact your life in anyway… sure you can express your opinion. But do not act like it is the end of the world, and I am directly responsible for you being upset. Ummm. No. It is not the end of the world. You decide how you feel about situations. I did nothing to you. It had no impact on anyone besides myself. Example- my tattoos and how I am utilizing my time studying abroad. and what I want to do with my life.

Lastly… The big event that made me go absolutely nuts. I knew this day would come. I knew eventually this kid would make a diabetes comment that was rude and incorrect. All semester he has been rude and disrespectful to everyone in the class. We are talking about medicalization. and then he starts talking about how a lot of medicines are made that could actually come from natural ingredients (to an extent I believe this is true). But then… HE RELATES IT TO DIABETES. WHAT?????????????????
Apparently, a Chinese herb drink can cure diabetes (type 1 and type 2). Insulin doesn’t actually do anything. It’s just an opinion that insulin keeps me alive, and it’s the wrong one… What

I instantly raise my hand.. but then I think I am so angry right now… better not. so I put my hand down. The teacher still calls on me later. I respond with nothing. She talks a little longer. Then calls on me again. I take this as permission to rip him a new one.

I tried to be nice when I responded. That nothing cures diabetes and that insulin keeps me alive. I was polite about it. I explained that even Type 2 doesn’t get “cured” that insulin is not a cure. There are things that make management easier. and for me- with Type 1- IT WILL NEVER GO AWAY UNTIL THERE IS A CURE NO MATTER WHAT I DO. ( i was nice about it)

Insert his rude comment. “that’s just an opinion and it is wrong.”

WHAT. Science is an opinion? the fact that this keeps me alive and saves lives and gives me the chance to live a long healthy life is just an opinion… What…. Even if it was an opinion- that comment should have been kept to yourself.

Before I left for class, he puts his hand on my shoulder playing politician… first of all. DON’T TOUCH ME! Second… you should have quit before you were ahead… So I tell him that it keeps me alive. and some other things. and I did raise my voice. Then he leaves, and I leave.

After class, as I was leaving, I heard him talking about it. so I said… “if this was the case and it was as easy as an herb, don’t you think I’d have cured myself by now? Don’t you think everyone would have by now?”
No response.

He knew that I had Diabetes. He knows that the kid in front him has a parent with type 1. He knows the girl next to him has a sister with Type 1 and a mother with type 2. along with others. So umm… what? You don’t really know what is going on, and you were so rude about it too.

I’m nice until you give me a reason not to be. You sir have given me a reason. Have fun. He is an example of part of the reason why I am doing what I want to do with my life. In class today, he barely spoke at all… and when he did he was calm… and he said I think or I feel or I believe…. and he was much more respectful.

Maybe this kid needed a reality check? Maybe he has never realized that he needs to be aware of what he says? Maybe you should try not to be offensive? Maybe respect is a good idea? Everyone has their own opinions? Concepts I wish the whole world knew about.

I would like to point out…

This is the first time it has been this bad in college. I have heard comments about Diabetes that are incorrect, ignorant, and/or cruel… but when I have said something to educate these people. nicely. They usually (or pretend to) listen to me. Often I have heard thanks. or more questions, and you better believe I am all for more questions. I will gladly educate as much as I can. I have not had someone be like since High School. College is so much better than high school. At least it is for me. I do not miss k-12 at all. especially middle school and high school. I am not constantly having to stick up for myself.

I would like to note that-

While in college it has been completely the opposite of how it was in high school. Often people (students, teachers, etc) are interested in learning more. They often get excited about the cause – of finding a cure, of raising awareness, of camp. These people are AWESOME. I am not constantly having to beg people to get involved or care- finally.

Love, Words, Inspiration, and Insulin! -Until next time! and until there’s a cure!

 

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We’ll both be glad you did! -Mindy