My mom grabbed my face, shaking it gently, “Kate, are you okay? Can you understand me?” I could barely feel, hardly hear, and forgot how to speak. What was only 12 seconds had felt like hours. I was having a seizure, the most oppressive fog I have every known. It was in the fourth grade that I had been diagnosed with absence seizures, also known as petit mal epilepsy, characterized as a sudden lapse in consciousness. Although such incidents had been occurring long before the diagnoses, those around me simply thought I was not paying attention. From this moment on, epilepsy meant spending many absent school days traveling to visit a neurologist, having unanswered questions, and being prescribed medication in every growing quantities.
Living with petit mal epilepsy became a frustrating, and an often embarrassing obstacle I faced for many years. In daily interactions, I would often stop speaking mid-sentence, stare blankly, and return back to a conversation only to completely forget what I had originally been talking about. Making a speech in front of class, meeting someone new, and any other event that would highlight my inability to speak uninterrupted for few minutes would fill me with fear. Despite all the efforts made, no amount of little orange pills would suppress the seizures. Feeling defeated, as a young adult I eventually picked myself up decided that epilepsy was not going to define me.
In my second semester of community college, I enrolled in Speech and Debate. As nervous as I was, I was also motivated. Here was an opportunity to develop the skills necessary to be confident and effective at giving a speech in front of others as well as in day to day conversations. I wanted to face my fears. I worked hard to ensure that no one would know my battle with epilepsy. I spent many hours editing and preparing my argument so as to be confident giving my speech. By the end of the same semester, my seizures had greatly diminished and I felt as though I was finally gaining control. I had a series of check ups in the following semesters with the neurologist who, after running tests, determined that I had improved to the point of no longer needing medication. I have no doubt that the class and my growing confidence had played a large role in overcoming my seizures.
I continued to challenge myself through the rest of my college career while also pursuing my passion for law. I went on to earn Fresno State’s Pre-Law certificate by taking various legal courses. It was in one of such legal classes, that my professor suggested I join Moot Court. Following her advice, I enrolled in Moot Court in my last semester. I learned many court cases, how to effectively apply them, be able to handle interjecting questions, all while in front of rows of my peers. Also during the same semester, I was voted in as president of the Fresno State College Republicans. Becoming president pushed me further to confidently lead, delegate tasks, and command a room during meetings. From being the young girl who would shake with nerves when speaking in front of groups, I could not help but think of how far I had come since I began. Although it was not an instant fix, I believe that my commitment to self improvement is what ultimately helped me overcome my struggle with epilepsy.
Having epilepsy has allowed me to become the best version of myself and gain qualities I believe to be useful for pursuing a career in law. In addition to my long time interest in the field, I have become more understanding to those facing obstacles, I can adapt in times of difficulty, and most importantly I have learned to continuously challenge myself. I would like to apply these skills to my interest in the field of water law. Born and raised in California, I am all too aware of the difficulties both businesses and the environment face when water is sparse. I aspire to work in the legal field as it pertains to real estate development, zoning regulations, environmental matters, and any subsequent litigation. I also have an interest in commercial real estate transactions. Whether on the coast or the state’s Central Valley, I wish to work with my community to help the city, individuals, and businesses flourish while they remain cohesive and environmentally responsible.
