You have probably heard this before, and although I don\u2019t condone changing your entire personality before starting university- (you\u2019re probably already great and it will not be a sustainable choice)- I do think that moving out of your hometown and basically changing your whole life does provide you the unique opportunity to become the best version of yourself. I initially thought this meant pretending my CF did not exist. After all, I am so much more than my disability.<\/p>\n However, the encouraging nature of the people I chose to surround myself with in Bath forced me to discover that my CF may not be my entire personality, but it is a key factor in making me who I am- and, if anything, just makes the person I am more unique- I literally ran a marathon when I was 19 despite having a lung disease, and I believe this should be shouted about, to show what I can do whilst having an illness, not hidden in an attempt to prove I am \u2018normal\u2019.<\/p>\n Therefore, the reinvention of myself in Bath included embracing the disability I have and being the person it has made me today with pride.<\/p>\n I really hope anybody reading this with a disability, visible or invisible can embrace the person they are too, you\u2019re amazing and do not need to prove anything, even if it takes you a little while to realise it.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n The ability to see my disability as an opportunity. <\/strong><\/p>\n I mean this in multiple ways, not only did disclosing my CF mean I qualified for a disabled student Also, the opportunity I was given by the University of Bath to educate and (hopefully) inspire people on being honest and proud of their disability. This is in the form of blog posts I have written, (this is number 3!) and being the social media director of the Disability Action Group (DAG) throughout my second year, which allowed me to meet a range of incredible people and be a small part of an amazing community, which would not have been possible if I wasn\u2019t honest with myself regarding the fact I do have an invisible disability. This opened my eyes to the fact I am not alone and pushed me to become a better version of myself, taking help and listening to others will never have negative consequences!<\/p>\n Support is very accessible. <\/strong><\/p>\n The welfare support office is available to all students, as well as any extra support which may be needed, such as financial advice or a Disability Action Plan The amazing and supportive friends I have met al<\/strong>ong the way. <\/strong><\/p>\n I am nothing if not an advocate for the people I have met in Bath, the last 2 years at this university has shaped the person I am today, but I would be nowhere without the people I am friends with.<\/p>\n![\"picture](\"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/students\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/81\/2023\/07\/IMG_1762.jpeg\")
<\/a>It\u2019s true, University is a great time to re-invent yourself. <\/strong><\/p>\n<\/a> accommodation in my first year (a huge win in itself), which was a perk for just being honest on some forms about my circumstances (in which I would ordinarily just tick the \u201cno disability\u201d box as a result of internal denial)- but luckily I decided to be honest with some forms and get extra support.<\/p>\n<\/a> (DAP)- which involves a personal meeting, focusing on any exam support such as extra time requirements any student may need. Having this support as an option was very helpful for me, especially in my first year since moving out of home is a big step for anybody, but this stress can be even larger if you identify as disabled, so be aware support is always available if you need it and you do not have to suffer in silence!<\/p>\n