T1D in the Test Room

After I returned to school, the school health center advised me to sign up for the 504 plan, which allows students like me who need time to check and adjust their blood sugar levels, take snacks, and so on. Additionally, it permits me to bring my phone to take the SAT. This is a great relief because I can be safe and don't have to worry about my health on an important test day.

However, I learned that in Korea, there is a highly important national college entrance exam, called Suneung, but students and parents are still fighting with the education minister to allow students to take their phones into the test. This is critical because the Suneung lasts approximately 5-6 hours, and having no phone during that time can be devastating. Not having extra time to manage and care for your blood sugar, not knowing what you are, is all messed up. I cannot imagine having to deal with that level of stress on such an important day.

The fact that students have to fight and deal with these accommodations shows that society lacks awareness of the disease and its daily risks. Those against it argue that it is unfair for some students to have phones, but for us, it is not just a phone; it is our lives. I want to help fix the issue.

At the college fair, grateful for the opportunities I have.