For someone with food allergies, leaving home and venturing to college can be filled with anxiety and confusion that differs from your classmates. You now have to allow someone else to cook for you that may not know the dangers of cross contamination or the details of ingredients that go into what is on the menu, which could leave you with an allergic reaction.
I was diagnosed with 28 food allergies after 17 years of pain and frustration, while doctors told me I was “stressed” and would “grow out of it.” I was thankful for the diagnosis so I could finally begin a journey of learning what was best for my body so I could feel better. Just as I began to understand my allergies, the looming question of college came. I did not think about the problems living away from home and having a meal plan would cause for my strict and specific diet.
I began the search for not only what school had my major and clubs I was interested in, but what school I could eat at.
My search stirred up frustrations with my body and my allergies. I was not going to be able to live in a normal dorm with the amount of food I would have to cook myself and I could not eat in school cafeterias when I visited on tours. I did not know what I would do.
When a representative from California Baptist University visited my high school and I expressed my concerns, she was the first one who was able to address my situation.
I was able to move into a community of freshman houses on campus, which has a dorm feel but allowed me to have a full kitchen, eat on campus with friends and not feel defined by my allergies.
With six different dining areas that had an array of food I could eat, I was able to live a life on campus that a year ago I never thought would happen. With gluten-free boards and special diet order forms, to help reduce the risk of cross contamination, I was able to eat on campus.
But sadly, not every school is like this. With the amount of children with food allergies increasing 50 percent from 1997 to 2011 according to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2013, I am hoping to see the number of schools that take precaution for students with food allergies to rise. These changes allow more students like myself to feel integrated into student life and be able to experience college to its fullest.
While I try not to draw attention to my allergies and can feel uncomfortable asking questions, doing so is beneficial. Your school cannot help you find a meal plan that works for you if you do not ask what ingredients are in a dish or express your concerns. While it may feel awkward in the moment, it can make you feel more comfortable at your school and safer while eating.
If you are still trying to find a university to call home, contact your admissions counselor or see if the school's website has information of nutrition councilors or someone from food services that can help answer your questions that would not be in typical freshman or transfer information packet.
While I am still cooking some meals for myself and learning more about my allergies everyday, I have been able to have a college experience I never expected was possible.
