Creativity Heals

Creativity has healed me more than the medication for my illness ever could of. When I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis in May of 2021 after a 5-day hospital stay, I was devastated, terrified, and helpless. I have always been independent. Relying on myself is what I do best, but I was being told that my body was the thing that was making me sick. I had no clue what to do or how to cope with that. Creativity helped me cope. I looked forward to my voice lessons every week because I got to express my feelings through song. I painted pottery during my hospital stays and when I was home, and it gave me my best friend in the world and a way to distract myself from the room that trapped my illness. I cooked different meals every week so I could keep learning about my passion but still support the attention to my food that colitis requires. Creativity has reminded me that no matter what, I am a person. I will always be able to find new things to try, new ways to express myself, and new ways to cope with the terrifying things that chronic illness brings.

By: Maggie Boland

Year: Freshman

Major: Marketing and Entrepreneurship

Hometown: Grove City, OH

Fun Fact: Creativity has healed me more than the medication for my illness ever could of.