Two weeks ago as I was flying back to the little town of Starkville that I love so much, I experienced one of the most painful moments of my life. As soon as the plane took off the pain and pressure in my ears was unbearable, and then just like a balloon getting popped by a knife, my eardrum burst. My body couldn’t decide whether to cry, throw up or pass out. When my ear began to bleed I was sent into full blown panic mode. At the time I had no idea my eardrum was completely ruptured, but after not being able to hear anything out of my right ear for two days, I knew something must have been wrong. As I was sitting in the doctor’s office anxiously awaiting a diagnosis it began to dawn on me just how tough the next two weeks would be if I was not going to be able to hear. I had come back to Starkville to participate in my sorority chapter’s spirit week and recruitment week, and if you’ve ever experienced either, you know it is an incredibly tiring, stressful and loud ordeal.

Tears ran down my face as the doctor told me how severe my injury was. The doctor began to explain there is a possibility my hearing would not be fully restored and that surgical repair might be in my near future. I was fully aware that this was not the worst thing that could’ve happened to me, but I’m not going to lie I was scared and very upset. After my mind had thought up all the worst case scenarios and some more nervous tears were cried, I realized something very important. Bad, painful, frustrating, stressful, annoying, terrible things happen to people every single day, and that day happened to be my turn. I made a decision to face the future with peace, positivity and faith that I would heal. I decided to tough out spirit/recruitment week with a smile on my face. I decided to keep from complaining even though some would say I have a reason to complain. I have more things to smile about, than to frown about in my life and smiling is exactly what I did.

As I am writing this I am still currently unable to hear from my throbbing right ear, an ongoing sinus infection has clogged my left ear as well, and I spent more time coughing than breathing today. Throughout all these complications I still find myself full of joy to be surrounded by people who love me and care about me. I am so grateful to be back in my favorite little town while working to better my beloved sorority chapter (#recruitmentislife #gopiphi). This whole situation may sound overly dramatic to some, to others I may currently be living your worst nightmare, whatever you think about me or my story so be it, but please hear one thing. Bad things happen to everyone. Everyone is dealing with something, not just you, and although it may be hard we must understand that some problems are bigger than others. Sometimes, other’s needs are more important than our own. Be there for people, be kind, and be positive.