Ms. Altavena, a senior majoring in journalism and urban studies at New York University, is a former intern of The New York Times Learning Network and The Choice.
Your health should always be your number one priority. For many college students, taking care of themselves may only require basic hygiene, but for students with chronic illness, balancing a hectic college schedule and their disease is a constant uphill battle. Since sophomore year — when my Crohn's disease started flaring after being in remission — each semester of college has been defined by whether I was ill or not. In July, a week before I was hospitalized for my Crohn's, I was forced to leave an internship and move home, subsequently taking an incomplete in the adjoining credit course. Dropping everything to move home has not been easy. In fact, slowing down this past month has been one of the biggest challenges of my life and one of the most necessary.
I never thought that my illness would interrupt my life completely, however, until about a month ago. Previously, I had managed flares with tons of bed rest in between classes and persistent doctor's visits. This time, I was too malnourished and too anemic to attend my internship daily. At my parents' urging, I made the decision to quit my internship at a top magazine, take an incomplete for the internship credit course that was attached, and move home to Scottsdale, Ariz., for the rest of the summer. The week before I left was a blur. I spent most of it crying and in bed, feeling lost and sick.
A month into my stay at home, I was not yet fully recovered, but began to transform into someone I used to know. I was not as plagued by fatigue or dealing with constant Crohn's symptoms. I had the time to work out every day, read for pleasure, go to doctor appointments, and work on creative projects that I ignored during the year, as well as projects for my part-time, paying job as a student ambassador for Dell. I had the time to think about my post-graduation plans. I had time, period.
I had always imagined myself at a high-profile internship in the city during the summer before my senior year, but I don't mind where I ended up instead, spending time with my family and friends.
If you have a chronic illness, you should realize that leaving in the middle of the semester or in the midst of an internship is a real possibility. To that end, you should know that if this happens, it's not the end of the world. You are not a failure. You will come back and there are people at your university there to help you when you're ready. You'll also feel a lot better when you come back—if you stay dedicated to being healthy.
Here's some advice for what to do if your chronic illness forces you to take time off:
Get Out of the College Mindset and Recover
It might be tempting to try to make up for classes missed online or at a local college, but the first thing you should do is take care of your health. This might mean sleeping all day for a few weeks or working out to regain your strength. It might be tough, but think in the present; don't think about what you left behind.
Jane Boomer, the director of services for students with disabilities at Oberlin College, said that she's noticed some students feel guilty for having to take time off.
"My first suggestion would be to work on recovery, to not stress out," she said. "Students see college as four specific years, and it doesn't have to be that, they have to be able to find their health."
Take on a Project or Two, But Don't Overload
Depending on the amount of time you are taking off, you'll likely reach a point where you find yourself with a lot of free time. Take that time and focus on a project you never found time for at school — maybe studying for a graduate exam or learning a new language. Just remember that the goal of taking time off from school due to a chronic illness is to lessen stress, which often aggravates chronic conditions. While I was tempted to work on a long list of projects, I mostly focused my part-time job and on studying for the GRE. I gave myself plenty of time to hang out with friends and family, read, and work on my physical fitness.
Look Into a Tuition Refund Program
Leaving in the middle of the semester can also be a huge financial hit. Luckily, many schools have a tuition refund program through an outside program. Students should sign up at the beginning of the year with the bursar's office so that, in the event of an unexpected departure from campus, all tuition is reimbursed. These programs do cost money. At NYU, for example, the fee is $505 for students with a meal plan who live in a dorm. The easiest way to find out if your school has one is to ask the bursar's office.
Keep in Touch With Your Advisers and the Office for Students With Disabilities — and Register Before You Reach School
It's important to register with your school's office for students with disabilities as soon as possible—preferably before your illness flares. These offices can offer you help throughout the year, including giving academic advice specific to your disease and working with faculty if you have to miss a class.
"We set (students) up in the best way to be supported from all fronts in the administrative processes," said Kate Noonan, the director of student development and retention at Rice University.
Working with your academic adviser while you're away is also crucial. Call or e-mail your adviser with any questions and make sure you know your exact academic status for when you get back. Complete your registration and finalize your schedule for the next semester before you return to campus.
Have a Plan for When You Get Back
Be realistic about next semester's schedule and make your health a priority. Don't overschedule or commit to anything that might be too stressful or challenging. Ease yourself back into school. I know, for example, that I need to set aside at least an hour a day for the gym. Ms. Boomer sometimes suggests that students coming back from time away take a lighter load to manage their stress level. Most importantly, make sure you know where you'll be able to get any new medications, and which doctors you need to see. Make an appointment with any new doctors when you're back on campus, even if you are feeling well.
Know That Your College Career Will Wait for You While You Recover
"We want students to address their health," Noonan said. "They will be able to come back to our campus and start their academic life again, and we're looking forward to having them back."
This is Ms. Altavena's second post about her experience with Chron's disease. Please feel free to read her first post on this subject, and to share your thoughts in the comments box below.
By LILY ALTAVENA 20 Sep, 2012
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Source: http://thechoice.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/09/20/chronic-illness-2/?partner=rss&emc=rss
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