I got a lot of questions from parents with kids about
college and I did my best to answer how my experience was; I figured I would
sum it up here and break it into the advice I would give you. My college
experience was amazing; it was one of the best things I did for myself. Moving
away from home, playing soccer and pursuing my interest in photography. For as
great as the entire experience was I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have trouble
managing my narcolepsy. Ask my mom or dad how many times I called them crying.
She probably won’t remember the number but it was tough for me to balance
school, soccer, health and a social life. I can’t say it was ever in a perfect
balance, I felt that a lot of days I had to pick 2 and hope the other 2
wouldn’t suffer too much. My parents, each time listened and sympathized with
me and at the end of the conversation they said. “No ones requiring you to do all that you are doing” It was always
a reality check for me. I didn’t need to get an A in every class, I didn’t need
to be on the starting line up for every game, and I didn’t need to be out every
other night being social to maintain friendships. I was the one holding myself
to this high standard and when I didn’t reach it, I was the only one who was
suffering or who was disappointed in myself.
Apply for disability.
If
you don’t think you need it, step back reevaluate and think of the worst
possible situation you might find yourself in and then go and file with the disability
office. You might never use it, but your teachers will have a better time
understanding you missing something, needing extra time or falling asleep if in
their eyes you have always had narcolepsy. If you end up needing it and you’re
not filed as disabled then you will
look like you are just making up some random excuse when something does come
up. Also note takers can be a huge saving grace for studying, reviews, and just
as a general help to you doing well in class.
Teachers
Some
teachers are sadly no longer interested in their students’ education let alone
their health. After the first day of every class I registered for, I took my
professor aside said something along the lines of… My name is Sarah, I have a rare sleep disorder called Narcolepsy. It’s
a medical condition that can cause me to fall asleep randomly. I am hoping it’s
not going to be a problem in your class, however if I am to fall asleep during
class I want you to know that I’m not doing it to be rude or disrespectful. I
would like to be woken when I do sleep, but would appreciate your help in
making sure it’s not done in an embarrassing way. If you have any questions
about it or concerns please feel free to ask me about it at any time.
Usually my teachers were extremely understanding, asked a
few questions and then moved on. However I did have the odd teacher that just
blew me off and it was like K sick, kind
of busy here. Not much you can do about those teachers, it will cause you
more harm and disappointment trying to educate them on something they are
choosing not to come to terms with.
Meal Plans (If you’re away from home)
If
your college has an option for a meal plan, even if it’s not the full meal deal
but so many things per semester I would highly recommend it. I found I was so
exhausted in between practices/classes and homework that I would pick napping
over eating and I was rather unhealthy. Having the meal plan option could
ensure you are eating on days where it’s just not physically possible to make
yourself a sandwich.
Smart Schedule
If
you’re not a morning person and that’s where your main struggles are, do yourself
a favor and don’t sign yourself up for the 3 hour 7am class. You’ll never make
it consistently and you’ll waste your money. Don’t schedule classes from 7-5
with no breaks if that’s not a time frame you’re ever able to stay awake for
without naps. I took a few evening classes to help with having breaks for
soccer practice/naps and maintaining my sanity. I also took a few online
courses so that I had the luxury of having a day off in the week for catch up.
Motivation
I
know it’s common to go to college right away and figure out what it is you want to pursue, but I highly recommend
that you don’t go unless you have a motivating factor. You’re not going to want
to do your homework let alone show up to class if you feel like it’s not
something you’ve got strong interest in. I wanted to play soccer, and I loved
photography as a hobby. If I didn’t show up to class or got bad grades, my
coach was getting an email from my professors and I wasn’t going to play. I was
beyond motivated to get those grades so I could play in every game.
Social Life/Party Life
Parties
are fun, drinking is fun, being social is all part of the big college
experience. However it’s not a requirement and can really set you up for
failure. That party where you stay up till 4am will all be a blur years from
now, but that class you don’t show up for because you were out late will stick
with you forever. I’m not saying don’t party, don’t be social but pick and
chose your nights and you can go to
a party for an hour, not drink, and leave. If they’re friends worth keeping
they will be happy you showed up and will be understanding of your choices. Be
smart about whom you drink with, whom you party with and how much you do it. It
really takes a toll on your narcolepsy.
Doctors
For
me this was a huge one, I moved countries to attend school so if something came
up I couldn’t do much of anything until I was home for the summer or winter
break. My doctor was a gem about it all, sent me with a letter explaining my
diagnosis, and also a complete copy of my sleep study. That way if I got into
an emergency situation etc I had a copy of my sleep study, a copy of the meds I
take and of course a letter to contact my doctor etc.
All these factors are in no way shape or form rules you should
follow, they’re just more or less things I found helpful in my college
experience. Some things work for people that don't work for others, figure out what is best for you. I had much success despite the struggles I had with narcolepsy. I
graduated Photography with a 3.6 GPA and also managed to get a certificate in
business management. On top of my academics I was an All American athlete two
years in a row. For anyone who doubts being able to finish college, I’m living
proof that finding the right combination of everything related to your
narcolepsy can leave you having success.
Cheers
