Grr my first attempt at this went badly! Ok so once again November 20, 2009 was one of the most amazing days of my life. I was a nervous wreck but the adrenaline rush was amazing! ha here's my speech because I know I fumbled over a few words :)
Good evening, my name is Enma Recinos, I am fifteen years old and I have been living with Epilepsy for about a year now. It is an honor to be able to play with these wonderful people. I still find it surreal to be standing on this stage.
I remember the day I received my diagnosis. I didn't cry or mope around, I was just in complete shock. I didn't know how to react. I was confused and part of me didn't want to believe it.
Unfortunately, my second seizure took place at school. My teacher and classmates helped me through my episode. I am eternally grateful to them. I know, if I were in the same situation I would most likely panic and not know what to do, they stood calm through it all.
I dreaded the fact that I had to go to school the following Monday. I was greeted with smiles, hugs, and the occasional tear here and there. In a matter of a few days most of the school knew. Students I had never spoken to, came up to me and asked if I was "the girl who had a seizure during class." I thought about how I could handle it all. I could go one of two ways. I could wallow away in self pity and hide from everyone or I could embrace the fact that people were aware of my Epilepsy. I went with the second one.
That day in school gave me the courage to talk about Epilepsy with my teachers and friends. What I once tried so hard to hide from the world became the hot topic of my life. At first I couldn't even start a conversation about Epilepsy and now I find that I can't shut up about it. I believe that in order to raise awareness you have to talk about the problem. You need to get the truth out and let people know how to handle things the right way. Many of my friends now know what to do in case I ever have an episode around them.
In school I am part of marching band, concert band, Key Club, and Conflict Resolution. I am still my happy self, and I stand here before you today very proud of who I have become and who I am. I have hope that one day I will be seizure free. I plan on driving someday and living just as normally as I do now. I go out with my friends, get yelled at by my parents, fight with my siblings, practice my flute, do chores around the house and just live like most fifteen year old girls do. I have learned to be more careful with what I do, but I refuse to let my condition slow me down. I cannot hide away in my room for the rest of my life. There are bigger obstacles in life than an occasional seizure, nothing is going to slow me down.
In a way having Epilepsy isn't so bad. I have a new appreciation for my life, my surroundings, and the people who I love and love me. My biggest support system is right at home with my Mom, Dad, Rick, Mia, Carmen, Danny, and Ellie...I love you all so much, you're the best. My wonderful friends who put up with me and are always around when I need to vent, I'm not sure I could get through my days without you. Ms. Lowenthal, my first music teacher, because of you I love to play music, thank you for being the sweet person that you are. Mr. Haviland, Mr. Connor and Mr. Bonacci, I have had many laughs with you and hope to have many more, I have also learned some very important things with you, I appreciate it so much. Dr. Charles, you are a pretty spectacular person, and I am beyond lucky to have you as my neurologist. And Patty, what can I say, you have a special gift. You took my playing to a whole new level through the course of one summer and I will never stop thanking you for what you've done. I'm not sure if you know the huge impact you've made in my life.
My teachers, dear friends, and family, have been sitting right by my side from the beginning. Each of you have helped me in your own way and as I get older I will always have you in my heart. Even at my worst you've made me smile. I love each and every one of you for caring so much.
Once again thank you so much for being here. This has been a nerve-racking experience and I can't believe I made it through this speech! I really hope you enjoy the rest of the show.
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Julius Fucik - Florentiner Marschby Vyron9263,886 views
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