Set the Goal to Graduate

Part of planning for your future is doing your best in school. With the frequent absences that occur as a result of living with Sickle Cell Disease, keeping your grades up and gaining an education can seem like an impossible mission. It is, however, a mission that can be accomplished and accomplished well. Though I missed 50% of my class time in high school, I was able to maintain decent grades; generally a B average.

Though Sickle Cell may be a hindrance to your physical activities, it does not—unless you have lasting injury from a stroke—restrict your intelligence. You can achieve anything you put your mind to; though you may have to work harder for it than some people. When you work hard for something, it means all that much more to you when you accomplish your goals.

The first thing I have to say about going to school is set the goal, if you haven’t already, to graduate high school and do so with a good GPA. The skills you gain by earning good grades will remain with you throughout your life. It will help you develop a work ethic and give you the confidence needed to achieve the things you want in life.

I remember the day I graduated High School. I was filled with such a sense of satisfaction as I walked off that stage with diploma in hand. Missing 50% of school gave me a great amount of make-up home. Fortunately I had the time and motivation to do it.

Near the end of my senior year I had become deathly ill. This nearly prevented me from graduating. Fortunately I had teachers and counselors who were aware of my needs and willing to help me. I couldn’t have done it without them. Receiving my high school diploma represented the pay off to all that hard work outside the classroom. With focus and determination, you can experience that feeling also.