When I fell ill at 17 years old while finishing my senior year, my whole world seemed to stop. The worst part was, it was an invisible illness that I struggled to explain to others,-while they struggled to understand- including doctors. It took a long time for me to self-advocate, get diagnosed and move forward with my college, and then graduate career. During that time, I struggled with symptoms, changes in myself and my capabilities, and the loss of many friendships. I also discovered what I was capable of amidst adversity, strengthened my communication skills through self-advocacy and re-approached my passions, to design a life that was more achievable for me. It took years of “becoming” in my 20-30s and readjusting plans to achieve a secure sense of self, such that, as challenges continued – and they still do – I approach them with a consistent readjusting of the sails, rather than collapsing. The best gift I have given myself is grace, and I would love to show that to others.