When I was younger, I was diagnosed with severe asthma. By ten, I had been admitted to the hospital for asthma attacks at least three times. One time in particular my mother rushed me to the hospital late one night because I had been having symptoms of a severe attack. It was that day that my lungs quit working and I went into respiratory failure. The doctors at the hospital told my mom that there was nothing they could do for me and they transported me to Roanoke.
I don’t remember much of the days I spent in the hospital, but I remember I felt like I was always there. When I wasn’t, I was at home, constantly being forced by my mother to take prednisone, the steroid the doctors had prescribed me to take daily. During those days, I felt entitled to everything; extra babying, extra love, because I was the “sick girl.” Now, I just laugh at myself because of how silly and ignorant those thoughts were. It was not until my mother told me about how much my sick days made her so grateful that she is able to have me living and breathing next to her that made me appreciate everything.
At Radford, I’ve worked a lot with students that are on academic probation by working for the Students On the Road To Success program and here recently, the newest endeavor of UNIV 150, which is a mesh of SORTS and UNIV 100 combined. With each of the programs, I’ve gotten to know the students on a personal level, which to me, is what is so great about these jobs. Some of the kids, yes, are just “slackers” and do not improve and ultimately, are not able to return for the next semester. More than not though, the students will do a complete 180 and earn a 3.0 or better, all something they never would have achieved without a second chance. Each of their unique circumstances led them to be in the situation that caused them to fail. Some of the situations were completely out of their control. For those students, I am so thankful that they were able to get a second chance and improve themselves and increase their chance of leaving Radford with a college degree.
I think second chances are important, because not only are people able to work out their lives to become a better person, but also because second chances can create a new sense of strength and empowerment. Second chances can iron out the wrinkles and create even better, stronger people the second time around.
Today, I’m so thankful to be here, and three years free from steroids. My asthma is under control, and I only have to use my inhaler on occasion. I’m thankful that I’m able to work with students that also need second chances, and to be able to help them a little bit on their journey to finding themselves.