It's been three years since I got that fateful call from my doctor. I'd been in his office the previous morning complaining of frequent trips to the bathroom and eyes as dry as a desert. "You have Diabetes," he said positively, after reviewing my blood tests. "Go to the emergency room now." Until then, I'd collected an 11-year string of good fortune: a lucky upbringing in a well-rounded home, near-perfect health and a promising school career. However, maybe getting diagnosed with diabetes was for the better.
             The thought of lifelong insulin injections and finger pricks-not to mention the possibility of disease complications, was intimidating to say the least. During the first few weeks, Diabetes confused me. If I wasn't reading nutrition labels at the grocery store or juggling test strips and syringes, I was finding the hard way that playing lacrosse and soccer affected my blood sugar.
             On that day when I was diagnosed I remember the words of my doctor: "Your life will be different from this day forward. And maybe for the better." I could have rolled my eyes or waved off this interesting remark, but instead the words struck me. The words played over and over in my head and at that moment I realized he was right. Even though I felt like my whole world was crashing down, I remembered the last words he said "...And maybe for the better," and maybe it would be. Maybe the responsibility of a chronic illness would give me motivation and direction and help me lead a better life. I was disappointed when I realized this took time, not immediately.
             I wish I could say that diabetes has focused me on some far-fetched goal that will help everyone, but I can't. The truth is, four injections a day and constant monitoring of my blood sugar levels can get annoying and frustrating. But the disease has truly affected my outlook on life. With diabetes, I adop
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