I'm enrolled in a course this semester called "Disability and Culture." In this class we are looking at representations of disability in film, art, writing, etc. A major take-away from our first lecture was that representations of disability are inherently value-laden. This means that every single time a character or piece of art presents with a disability, there … Continue reading Examining Representations of Diabetes
Could it be the Novelty?
Many of us (people living with diabetes) share a story: we have experienced periods of isolation due to diabetes-specific challenges. Some of us went years before ever meeting another person living with diabetes. And perhaps most pertinent to Diabetes Online Community (#DOC) members, we know that magical feeling of complete relief when we are finally … Continue reading Could it be the Novelty?
On Saying Yes: Another MasterLab Reflection
Have you ever been witness to something unjust - someone being teased or treated unfairly? Chances are you have. Chances are also high that upon witnessing such an event, you have felt a specific kind of deep-seeded urge to somehow restore that balance and justice. However, if you are anything like me, that urge is … Continue reading On Saying Yes: Another MasterLab Reflection
#MasterLab Recap and Thanks
Last week I attended #MasterLab, an advocacy event put on by Diabetes Hands Foundation through their Diabetes Advocates program. Overall the day was a spectacular success. Throughout this week, I will release reflections on specific talks. For now, a general overview of the event with gratitude toward the organization that made it all happen. Brief Recap: … Continue reading #MasterLab Recap and Thanks
Pre-Conference Excitement: MasterLab Edition
Diabetes advocates are my favorite people and I get to see many of them in just a few days. Suffice it to say I'm a little more than giddy. I'm practically bouncing out my chair right now as conversations in the Facebook group turn to packing tips and roommate assignments. So what is bringing all of … Continue reading Pre-Conference Excitement: MasterLab Edition
What is the Story We Tell?
The following post was inspired by the twitter chat #dsma on June 1st. Diabetes Social Media Advocacy is a great organization in the diabetes online community that connects people with diabetes to the support they need via social media in many ways. The twitter chat using #dsma is one such method. With that said, this post is … Continue reading What is the Story We Tell?
Diabetes Blog Week: Illness Imagined
Well, it is day four of Diabetes Blog Week and the topic today is about our experiences with healthcare. In this post, I shift the focus a bit to an ideological issue I see as pervasive in the medical community. It has to do with imagined hardship. Last year, while working as a bartender, a … Continue reading Diabetes Blog Week: Illness Imagined
Diabetes Blog Week: Wordful Wednesday
The topic for today asks bloggers to discuss their diabetes language preferences. What does each blogger prefer? "Person with diabetes", or "diabetic"? I'm thankful to the community member who proposed this topic, because my views on it have somewhat shifted since I wrote about it last. My perspective changed because I've learned some disability history! … Continue reading Diabetes Blog Week: Wordful Wednesday
Diabetes Blog Week: Tuesday Take-Away
Welcome to Day 2 of Diabetes Blog Week. The topic revolves around the mental and emotional aspects of living with diabetes and what each of us bloggers does to cope with the stresses diabetes brings. The coping mechanism that suits me best as I move through the trials of diabetes is curiosity. Becoming a researcher … Continue reading Diabetes Blog Week: Tuesday Take-Away
Diabetes Blog Week: Message Monday
I am beyond thrilled to have started The Chronic Scholar blog in time for the Seventh Annual Diabetes Blog week! Karen over at Bitter-Sweet Diabetes is such a gem in our community and I am so thankful for her work here. Today's topic was my suggestion. I wrote this suggestion under the impression that our … Continue reading Diabetes Blog Week: Message Monday
The Chronic Scholar 