I graduated!🐻⬇️ I know that some people likely hear me talk about this all the time, but I’ve never posted anything about it publicly (out of fear of vulnerability on the internet of course,) and wanted to share a little blurb in hopes of conquering that fear, and of being a potential resource for others in the future. I have found so much strength in seeing and reading about other peoples journeys that I wanted to do the same. In October of 2020, I got sick and had to take medical leave from school, and move out of my college house in Arizona to go back to San Diego. After about 6 months of not knowing what was causing me to feel sick, lots of embarrassing doctors visits, a week in the hospital, and finding some AMAZING physical therapists, I started on a path to recovery. Feeling like I was returning to myself again was one of the coolest things in the world. I went back to college in the Fall of 2021, this time dealing with POTS and Vestibular Hypofunction. I do still deal with dizziness and brain fog that I have managed throughout college with physical therapy and some fun lifestyle changes. Though I am now often a self described “dizzy girl,” I feel capable of all I was before being dizzy, and more. PLUS I feel ready to be an advocate for others in the arts who have had experiences similar to my own. I think now, I just feel grateful. There was a time when I didn’t know if I’d be able to get out of bed again, let alone graduate college, dance, and do live theatre. After all of that time, laying in bed, thinking I couldn’t do it, I did it! I especially feel grateful to my parents and everyone who has lifted me up these past 3 1/2 years. To anyone who deals with an invisible illness, or is just a dizzy girl like me, I have such an appreciation for your strength. To me, you are super epic and cool, you are capable, you are powerful, and you are absolutely not alone in what you are going through. At least that’s what I keep telling myself :) Love ya’ll!!!! #freepalestine 📸- @mckinstryphoto