Advocacy for the Hidden Disease by Jaelyn

Advocacy for the Hidden Disease by Jaelyn - May 2026 Scholarship Essay

Growing up, I was often bullied while in school, which made it hard for me to feel comfortable in my skin and confident in who I was. I was a true people-pleaser, and I feared speaking my mind. I thought these behaviors would go away with age, but I realized they were still present. It followed me into my work and personal life. It was not until 2021 that I began to realize that my voice mattered and I could advocate for what I wanted.

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In 2021, after several years of chronic pain and being dismissed by every doctor I went to, I was diagnosed with endometriosis. Endometriosis is a chronic, painful disease where tissue similar to the lining of a woman’s uterus grows outside of the uterus. These lesions outside the uterus can significantly affect surrounding organs and the body's inflammatory response. 1 in 10 women have endometriosis, and yet there is limited research, no cure, and few skilled surgeons trained to properly excise the lesions.

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Before 2021, I was being pushed around by several doctors. My last doctor prior to my official diagnosis was a male gastroenterologist. He told me that it was all in my head after determining I did not have celiac disease. He prescribed me an anti-psychotic and sent me on my way. My next doctor was a female gastroenterologist, and I felt anxious going into the appointment because I wanted answers to my debilitating pain. When I logged onto Zoom, I clearly stated to the doctor my experience and told her I just wanted answers. I expressed my needs and advocated for my symptoms. She listened to me and took diligent notes. After she let me say all I needed to, she looked at me and asked if I had ever heard of endometriosis because she highly suspected I had it.

That day serves as a reminder for me when I go to the doctor's office or if I find a new provider. There are times when you need to advocate for yourself to get what you need. However, I know that this is a privilege I have. Not everyone can advocate for themselves, or they do not know how. That is why I am pursuing my Master’s Degree in Disability Services in Higher Education. I want to help advocate for students with disabilities who are unable or unsure of how to advocate for their needs.

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Receiving this scholarship will allow me to continue to pursue my goal of advocating for students with disabilities in higher education. This is often a time of transition, exploration, and confusion for any student, but it can be challenging if you do not have a person in your corner ready to help however they can.