Meet 2023 Diabetes Scholar Izabela G
Beyond Type 1 is honored to highlight the 2023 Class of Diabetes Scholars, which make up our future doctors, nurses, policymakers, educators, pilots, athletes and more!
Read this Q+A to get to know more about one of our 24 recipients this year and Izabela’s aspirations and hopes for college.
What are you most looking forward to in college?
What I am most looking forward to is the independence that comes with going to college. I can’t wait to be able to create my own schedule and plan out my days without needing to worry about anybody else.
I’m also looking forward to meeting new people from different backgrounds and hopefully getting the chance to meet some fellow type 1 diabetics as well.
More than anything, I am just really excited to make memories that will last a lifetime.
What are your favorite hobbies?
I’m grateful to say that I was raised a very eclectic person, and I have a wide range of hobbies that I enjoy. I’m a big fan of reading books, watching movies and listening to music. I can do any of these things for hours on end.
I also enjoy being active and working out. One of my favorite types of days are the ones where I can get through an entire workout without my blood sugar dropping. I’m also a big coffee drinker. I love thrifting, and I grew up hunting and fishing.
What advice do you have for anyone getting ready for college with type 1 diabetes (T1D)?
My biggest piece of advice for any other T1Ds getting ready for college would be to never be afraid to reach out to people and step out of your comfort zone.
I recommend checking to see the programs and clubs that your college may have for type 1 diabetics or students with chronic illnesses. This is a great way to make sure that your school is aware of your diabetes just in case of any emergencies. Finding clubs that relate to this seems like a cool way to meet people and hopefully some T1D friends as well.
We’re all very excited for these bright Scholars, so make sure to learn more about the rest of the class of 2023.