It’s usually when I’m in an enclosed area with someone for a long time that I get the question.

“What’s the scar from?” they ask.

The last time I remember being asked was last September at Disneyland. I was standing in the line for Pirates of the Caribbean with a family member. I have been told I have a silly reaction when people ask about the faded 4-inch scar across my neck. But I’ll always explain how I’ve had two thyroid surgeries and cancer.

I don’t know why I am still shocked when anyone notices, because I’ve been answering questions about it for 11 years.

Doctor appointments, a little pink pill every day and blood tests are normal parts of my life. It makes me feel a lot older than I am. While my illness has taken a lot of time, energy and resources, it has also taught me that every day is a gift.

I only get one chance to be 22 years old, and while being in college is rough sometimes, I have to remember I’m lucky to be here.

There are many people that have had it worse than me when it comes to diseases. But I can’t let it be a crutch for me to not accomplish what I want in life. I have faced a lot of rejection in my life based on my health at certain times, but for me, it makes my victories even sweeter.

It’s a crazy thought that some of my fellow students do not have health insurance and haven’t in years. For my medical care, I have to go the doctor to make sure I’m OK every six months, or my thyroid levels could get messed up and I could get really sick, quickly.

It’s a hassle to go to the doctor. But at first, it also was a hassle to go see a counselor. I originally started going to see a counselor when I was 18 years old for depression stemming from my disease. I thought I was tough, and going to see a counselor felt like I was defeated. Three years later, however, after seeing someone on a regular basis, I feel like seeing a counselor has made me a better version of myself.

If you or someone you know is going through cancer or an extreme illness, don’t be afraid to seek help. There are a lot of potential issues that could arise from untreated stresses and depression that can come from having an illness at a young age. Believe me, I know.

There are a large number of services available for students on campus, including the Counseling and Testing Center on Grace Wilkie Hall’s second floor. The first appointment is free, and the rest cost $10 per appointment.  Advisors are also there to help you get through school, so give them a call if you need assistance.

College is supposed to be an exciting time of personal discovery and self-revelation. But cancer can cloud the experience and create problems quickly. There is no shame in being brave enough to talk to someone about fears, depression or stresses with a counselor in college.

I don’t regret anything I have or anything that has happened, because I think it has made me appreciate life more. Cancer is not something someone just gets over. After my treatment, I got up the next day and went on with my life, but it made an impact on me. Every day when I look in the mirror, good day or bad, I am smiling.

My scar is crooked because of the way they did the surgery, but it is a part of my story and who I am today. People ask me why I’m positive a lot of the time. It’s because I feel lucky to be here. Even on my worst days, I’m still smiling through my scar.