“I often feel a majority of people create misconceptions about Narcolepsy. People tend to think I just fall asleep when I feel slightly tired, but what most people don’t know is that I’m unable to feel the sudden urges of exhaustion. Along with other misconceptions, people don’t understand how I can drive. I tell them ‘with my foot on the pedal’. When I first found out about my diagnosis, I was overcome with a huge wave of relief. It felt it was always an issue we had no answer to and to finally have the answer it was nice. My parents and friends support me by understanding my circumstances and asking for ways they can assist me in any way. My parents encourage and make sure I get to bed on time, so I get enough sleep. As well, they usually take my phone at night to prevent any interruptions to my sleep. Aside from everything else, where I notice most the effects of my diagnosis is school. I often find myself falling asleep every day in any class. This is both frustrating and an obstacle to my learning. When I do fall asleep, I miss out on material, classwork, and basic conversations that assist my learning. My narcolepsy usually just annoys me considering there’s nothing I can do about the occurrences, but I feel content knowing I’m able to use my support systems at home and at school. Overall, I’ve learned to use my diagnosis as a learning curve for my education and my daily life. I appreciate the support and kindness I’ve received from my parents, friends, and teachers as I navigate this process,” Sr. Holden Hollingsworth said.