gray metal
They/Them
I am non-binary and and I am an engineer / machinist.//
When I was 21 I was diagnosed with severe chronic migraine syndrome. I was told that this would impact my day-to-day life significantly. I would no longer be able to drive past a certain time of day, no longer able to exist in certain spaces with loud noises or bright lights. At the time I was working in my dream field of audio production as a quality technician at a synthesizer manufacturer. I wanted to climb my way to the top, but determination aside, I ultimately had to quit my position due to the medication I was placed on having am affect my work performance. I sought solace in an online migraine support community but was told that I should just quit while I was ahead, as symptoms only tend to get worse with age. A career in machine shops would not work for me. I turned back to food service positions, gearing up to accept defeat and leave my dreams in the past.
When Covid hit in March I went on unemployment. Finally having some time off work, I had the space to reflect on the direction my life had turned since my diagnosis. I began to experiment with different migraine pain relievers. Special headphones in loud spaces, eyewear with color filters to work under fluorescent lights. I got off the heavy-duty medication and found a medicine that gave me more agency in my routines. As I made these changes, I knew one more change was needed: it was time to try at my dreams again. I enrolled in a single class that semester at the College of Dupage. It was online and I could take it at a slow pace. The next semester I took a few more courses, and have found my way to being a full-time student this semester. I am working mindfully to keep my migraines in check, while also pushing towards my goal of one day becoming an engineer. I am so proud to be a student at the College of Dupage and feel grateful for how much they have worked with me and my abilities. I hope to be able to keep following my dreams, one step at a time.