About Me (again) and Update

Hello everyone! It’s been a while; to be honest, I haven’t felt much inspiration or motivation to write. That’s the thing about writing, you go through phases where words just pour out of you then they dry up like the desert as you wait for the next flood. As I sit here writing this, I am rewatching Grey’s Anatomy for about the third time (I have no shame, it’s a comfort show of mine). I am trying to find inspiration to write something because I need to get back into the habit and get the juices flowing; so I apologize for the jumble of words you are reading, I am trying to get back into the craft. The purpose of this blog is to be as open and honest as I can while educating people of chronic disability. That reminds me, I thought I’d re-introduce myself for those who are new and don’t want to scroll all the way back (which I totally understand, I take no offense).

My name is Rose, I prefer Rosie, Correll and I am from Portsmouth, NH where I currently live. I started this blog when I was 19 so I could educate people on chronic disabilities and living with one. When I began this journey I was a freshman at the University of New Hampshire and I have now graduated from there in May of 2021 with a BA in journalism and a concentration in photography. I was born with a rare form of Muscular Dystrophy called Congenital Myathenic Syndrome. I was diagnosed at 16 years old after receiving treatment at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. CMS affects every muscle in my body including my speech.; it does not have any impact on my cognitive functions. I take two types of medication four times a day that help with my muscle strength. With this medicine, I was able to go to college and have a fairly typical college experience.

Being a 23-year-old three years post COVID pandemic is interesting, especially with a chronic illness. Finding a job post-college has been a major struggle for me. It seemed as if everyone was looking for employees, but no one was hiring. I don’t know if I just didn’t have enough experience or if they were put off by my disability, but it was a year of endless applications and interviews. Some companies see a candidate with a disability and worry that they will require a lot of time off for doctors appointments, sick days and PT. I can see where that may be an issue, but most people wouldn’t apply for a job they couldn’t handle, the least they could do is give people a chance, like they do with able-bodied people. I am sure none of this is intentional or done with malice, but it’s frustrating nonetheless.

This summer I was lucky enough to get a part-time job as a freelance writer/editor for the UNH Carsey School of Public Policy. It allows me to make my own schedule and work from home. After a year of no school and no work, it is a bit difficult to get back into the swing of things, but this position allows me to ease back into it. I do miss school, not the exams, but especially with this being the start of another school year for people, it brings up nostalgic memories. The independence college gave me is what I miss the most though.

I hope to be back with another post soon! If you have any questions about my disability, please never hesitate to ask! Have an amazing Friday and weekend friends!