Who am I? I am Charon, facilitating the abandonment of one life and aiding in the entering of another. I am Cronus, closely inspecting my past in order to change my future. I am a team player, not only in the classroom but on the ultimate frisbee field. I am a teacher, not of math or science but of trust and confidence. I may have cyclothymic disorder, but I am a overcomer.

Cyclothymic disorder has forced me to grow, to abandon alcoholism and fight to better myself. Settling for a life of self medicating is no longer acceptable. Now I strive to complete an accelerated program and receive my Masters in Healthcare Administration as well as a business minor and animal behavior concentration. I know I have set the bar high but I know I have the strength and determination to prevail.

Despite being disabled, I continue to push myself to do new things. When I first began playing ultimate frisbee I knew nothing about the sport, the culture, or how the team would react to a disabled player. To my surprise, walking onto that team was one of the best things I could have done. Not only did I find acceptance for both me and my emotional support animal but I found a support system. A support system that encouraged me to continue with treatment and accepted me for who I am. I may not be the best on the field, but I can honestly say that I would do anything for my teammates.

Sadly, I haven’t always been able to find happiness or acceptance with humans, but I was able to find it at Longhopes Donkey Shelter. Each animal came in with their own past, just looking for some type of certainty to hold on to. I was the giver of certainty. After seeing the effects of their past lives I provided these animals with a sense of security and gave them someone to depend on. No longer did they have to struggle through life, rather they learned to forget their struggles and to accept the new ideas being presented to them. No two cases were ever the same, but I am and will always be their teacher.

Despite the challenges presented to me in life I am proud to call myself an overcomer. I may have been diagnosed with a disability but I refuse to let it control my life. I will continue to push myself academically, to try new things, and to show others what it is like to have someone to depend on. I know this will be a long journey, but I believe I have the tools to be the overcomer that I know I am.

Essay: Emotional Support Animal

When the topic of disabilities arise one of the first questions asked is, “So what medications are you taking for that?”. Although medications have been helpful and beneficial for numerous disabilities they are not a long term solution. Disabilities do not disappear overnight or even resolve over a number of years, but sadly it is unlikely that the original medication and dosage prescribed will control the symptoms of a disability for its duration. Medications have limitations, but the power of companionship does not.

Companionship is a powerful thing. Not only does companionship raise moral, but it also gives a person a purpose. Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) are the only treatment that can offer such benefits. As an individual with an emotional disorder I understand the need to have a purpose. Without a purpose an individual like myself has no reason to get out of bed, no reason to go outside, no reason to live. ESAs force an individual like myself to take care of something, to provide the necessities of life, and most importantly to think about something other than his or her self.

Emotional Support Animals also offer a long term treatment plan for individuals. One animal is likely to live and be an effective treatment for 10 years or more, unlike modern medications. Long term solutions are best for individuals with disabilities, the structure provides a sense of security and stability. ESAs also have the ability to travel with those with disabilities making social interactions easier and professional connections to be made. Without Emotional Support Animals it is unlikely that individuals like myself would have the confidence to make connections and have a sense of security.

Emotional Support Animals are the upcoming treatment plan for individuals with disabilities. Not only do they provide structure and constant companionship but they also are more dependable than medications. In the future I see Emotional Support Animals being as widely accepted as Service Animals. My Emotional Support Animal has improved my life significantly and I know they can do the same for others who find themselves newly disabled.