Despite facing the daily challenges that accompany diabetes, Harper continues to play the sport she loves and grow close with friends.
While she has noticed the transition from middle school, she is enjoying the new environment. She feels high school is not just more homework, but overall more responsibility. While being diabetic, she has had to learn to communicate with a new building of people.
“I constantly have to monitor my blood sugar, but it’s on my phone, so I don’t have to put it in the phone pockets like others,” Wills said.
She’s not only affected by diabetes in school but also golf. This is her first year playing the sport competitively and she has noticed the effect of diabetes during practices and tournaments.
“Sometimes I feel like crap while golfing, and sometimes I feel great. If I don’t feel well, I usually don’t play as well,” Wills said. “When it’s hot, I usually get low and feel like I am going to puke or pass out.”
While many would be discouraged by uncontrollable poor performance, Wills has pushed through. While there are bad days, there are many good ones. She has to be very self-aware and responsible with her health making her very mature for being a freshman. Her dad also has diabetes and was in the ICU this summer. While having a parent suffer from the same disease is scary, Harper has had someone to help her.
“My dad helps me change the patch on my arm every ten days, and it doesn’t usually hurt,” Wills said.
Diabetes requires constant attention and monitoring. Despite this challenge, Wills manages to be a good student and outside of school, she enjoys being with friends and family.
