When I started college in the Fall of 2015, I knew that I would face some striking differences between the college lifestyle and the high school routines that I had grown accustomed to. The obvious differences were: you don’t live with your parents, you have more freedom to make your own choices and you have to clean your own room and do your own laundry. With that being said, there is one difference that I didn’t know would become my favorite difference between high school and college. I didn’t expect that I would find people so supportive and accepting of who I am.

For those of you who don’t know because I contracted encephalitis at the age of six, I live my day to day life with limited mobility of my hands. Therefore, I am a little different than the average 19-year-old girl. I sometimes need help with what some may see as simple tasks such as tying shoes, buttoning buttons, writing and doing everyday activities. Although you would think that the kids who had been my classmates since kindergarten would be more accepting of my disability, that was not always the case.

Because my hands and arms get extremely tired when I write due to the tension in my muscles, I was and still am allowed to have extended time on any tests or assignments. In high school, this was something I was shamed for by other students. I can recall hearing fellow students make comments such as, “That’s not fair. It’s no wonder why she got a 100%!” or “She cheated on the test because she had more time than I did.” Although I knew it was just petty jealousy, I was always worried that nobody would take me seriously as an intellectual. But then came college.

Coming into college with the mindset that no one would see my full potential because of my disability was the wrong attitude to have. I found out that I would find people who accepted my differences and loved me in spite of them. When I take my test in a different room, I am not shamed for accommodations; I am applauded for my high scores. Never once have I heard the catty comments or snide remarks about my accommodations. Instead, I have heard, “You’re really smart” or “You are such an inspiration. I am really glad I met you!” It’s these kind words that make a person realize their worth.

Because there is so much diversity on a college campus, it is widely known that you will meet people who are not the same as you and that it is perfectly okay. I have been included in kick ball games, scavenger hunts and even offered a job and encouraged that I could do it in spite of my disability. The people I have met at college have included me in activities that I would have never dreamed of in high school. They have made me realize that it’s okay to be different. By far the best difference between high school and college is the people. I will never be able to express how grateful I am for the encouragement they have given me.