The Visor

Unknown struggles of a classmate inspire

May 27, 2010

Jessica Contrera

Every day we wake up, we choose love, we choose life and we try – it’s too easy just to fall apart…”

I can imagine no words better than these lyrics to describe someone who is my best friend, my inspiration, and upon our graduation, is the perfect role model for the Class of 2010: Shannon Davey.

Before beginning, I would like to thank her for allowing me to share her story and lesson– it is a testimony to her continuing strength.

Last year, Shannon was diagnosed with a complicated neurological condition known as Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). It has burdened her with a number of life altering medical issues – most noticeably constant sickness, fainting, migraines, dizzy spells and more. Her medications have crippled her with side effects ranging from stomach pains to being unable to read.

Most people with POTS do not attend school. They have to withdraw from their regular life activities and live in a state of anticipation in hopes that the end to the syndrome will come.

However, Shannon Davey has not let this “little problem,” as she likes to call it, stop her from anything. Every day she fights it. Somehow (and how is beyond me) despite her setbacks this year she managed to find ways to come to school, even if only for a few hours, and kept her grades high. Although she is no longer allowed to exercise, she stayed loyal to the girls’ soccer team. She performed in the Musical, excelled in AP Art, held a job and perhaps most impressively – led the Mock Trial Team to place 3rd in the State after being named Outstanding Attorney…twice.

Not only did Shannon complete these amazing feats after being told she would not be able to do any of them, she did it with a perpetual smile. I can honestly say that I spend the majority of my free time with this girl, yet I never once have heard her complain about her condition.

While many students may have heard of her fainting, I am betting that reading this column is the first and only time you will ever hear of her struggles – because to Shannon, they are not what is important. What matters to her is only that she lives her life, loves her family and friends and brings happiness to others.

In no way is this story intended to evoke pity or sympathy. In fact, it’s not even about Shannon.

Think about yourself and your own life. So often we complain about tasks like going to school, being part of a team or club, working a part-time job or dealing with family obligations. Yet, for so many people, these simple opportunities are dreams that have to be fought for.

I know that having to struggle to take on everyday life has taught Shannon the value of those simple life events. Now that she has overcome most of her POTS symptoms and will be attending New York University next fall, she will appreciate the opportunity to attend college more than anyone.

The struggle Shannon endured to accomplish what most people see as everyday tasks, and her subsequent appreciation of life is the essence of what our last moments of high school should be about: looking back with gratitude for all the small things and looking forward with appreciation for the opportunities to come.

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