Graduating with Ulcerative Colitis: A Journey of Resilience

1. Embrace Opportunity

Beyond my academic responsibilities, I was also juggling a full-time job and caring for four children. Managing these demands was significantly more challenging with UC symptoms. Like many with chronic conditions, I hesitated to let my diagnosis define me, yet I questioned my capabilities.

Despite my anxiety, I decided to hit “submit” on my application. This choice has proven rewarding; stepping into this challenge revealed my strength and potential.

2. Celebrate Your Achievements

A few weeks after applying, I opened an envelope from my chosen school, and my heart raced as I read the words, “We are pleased to inform you…” Overwhelmed with joy, I screamed and cried—what a moment of triumph! Achievements like being accepted into a program or scoring well on exams are monumental, especially while managing a chronic illness. Acknowledging these victories is vital to maintaining motivation amidst hard times.

3. Seek Support

Once enrolled, I made it a priority to connect with my faculty advisor and the student support services team. I wanted to understand the resources available to students like me, battling UC.

To my dismay, I discovered minimal support options for students with chronic illnesses. This experience highlighted a common gap in awareness and available resources in academic institutions. However, I did gain access to the campus health center hotline and a nurse practitioner for urgent concerns. It’s crucial to be aware of the resources at your educational institution, and never hesitate to ask for assistance regarding your health.

4. Strategize for Success

In the months leading up to my semester, I arranged appointments with my gastroenterologist to develop a comprehensive plan geared towards ensuring my health while pursuing my degree. Since my medication compromised my immune system, my doctor emphasized the importance of precautionary measures in larger settings and recommended specific vitamins to bolster my immune health.

By the start of my program, I felt well-prepared to face the challenges ahead. While I anticipated obstacles, having a proactive approach to managing my health allowed me to focus more on my studies.

5. Manage Stress Effectively

The initial months were taxing as I adapted to being both a graduate student and a working mother. This new routine naturally led to increased stress, which occasionally triggered mild UC flare-ups. To combat this, I began practicing kickboxing and Pilates, which not only revitalized me but also provided an essential outlet for managing stress.

Incorporating stress relief measures, such as exercise, journaling, or spending quality time with loved ones, proved crucial. Even amidst a hectic schedule, prioritizing activities that foster relaxation can enhance productivity in academic pursuits.

6. Prioritize Mental Well-being

As winter midterms approached, I found myself struggling with sleep and emotional exhaustion. I decided to seek therapy, a decision that transformed my understanding of my stress management and my relationship with my diagnosis.

Individuals with UC often suppress their feelings to maintain a sense of normalcy, as our condition is not always visible to others. Therapy helped me recognize that this pursuit of normalcy was intensifying my stress and blocking my acceptance of the challenges UC presents. Through counseling, I learned to prioritize self-acceptance and care without fear of judgment, ultimately enabling a healthier mindset.

The Final Thoughts

Ultimately, I graduated from my MBA program with pride, cheered on by my family and supportive community. My journey reaffirmed that UC didn’t hinder my academic aspirations; rather, it showcased what individuals with chronic illnesses can accomplish despite their circumstances.

While UC is a part of me, it does not define me. The path to graduation was fraught with challenges, but I navigated them by leveraging available resources, committing to self-care, and asking for help when needed. With my eyes set on doctoral studies, I eagerly await the next graduation ceremony—UC and all!

Winter Harris (Williams) is a multifaceted author, minister, speaker, conference host, and media personality. With a mission to inspire global audiences through messages of hope, she has written eight books, including her latest, “The Obedience Exchange: Accessing Favor Through the Currency of Obedience.” She is also the founder of a flourishing mentorship community, a professional consultant, and currently a doctoral student, recently featured in the first season of “Love and Marriage: DC.”