Tell us your name and where you are currently going to school?
My name is Courtney Scott, and I currently attend Montana State University in Bozeman, MT.
We’ve heard Montana is nice, What are you studying there?
I am studying microbiology and genetics, and hope to attend Medical school or Physician’s Assistant school in the future.
Would you like to tell us a bit about your story?
When I was 11 years old, I was diagnosed with severe scoliosis, which is where your spine curves into an ‘S’ or ‘C’ shape. It can cause a lot of pain and discomfort, and severe cases like mine often require surgery to resolve. So, I had a spinal fusion right before I started middle school to fix my spine. It was a very daunting experience, and I had no one to talk to about it, because no one knew what I was going through.
How did it go, and what happened after?
After surgery, I depended a lot on my family to help me with basic everyday tasks. I wasn’t allowed to play sports for a year, and going into the start of middle school, where I knew no one, I was terrified.
Middle School is not easy as it is, what happened?
I felt out of place, and it was hard for me to participate in activities, especially since I required added accommodations for my back. I spent a lot of time with my teachers, talking and playing card games with them. I built some incredible relationships that helped shape me into who I am today. I was able to share my struggles with scoliosis and my surgery with a teacher that had a similar experience, and I learned to not be ashamed of what I went through.
So those experiences really had an impact on you – tell us a bit about how?
Since then, I have connected with other individuals who are going through spinal fusion surgery and have been able to share in the ups and downs as they happen. It was truly the most difficult experience of my life so far, but it taught me a lifetime of lessons about myself, and who I want to be. It shaped my work ethic, my passions, and ultimately showed me that your story is worth sharing, because, chances are, it will help someone else push through. That is why I applied for the Games For Love Scholarship because I truly believe that sharing your story and being part of a bigger community can make all the difference while enduring life-changing events.
Tell us what’s next for you, we would love to hear!
Looking forward, I am not totally sure what life has in store for me. However, I know I will pursue my passions in the medical field, and hopefully help those who have been diagnosed with scoliosis and continue to endure struggles with it.
