Justin Curtis

 

 

My name is Justin Curtis. I am currently a 20-year-old sophomore at Bishop State Community College, majoring in graphic design. I will graduate in the summer of 2025 and plan on transferring to the University of South Alabama.

When I was six years old, I was diagnosed with brain cancer in the middle of first grade. My mom was extremely worried about me and rushed me to the hospital, while my sister had to stay behind with the rest of the family as I couldn't be alone. I hated being there. Time seemed to slow down, and every second felt like a decade.

When I turned eight years old, I was finally released from the hospital, and thankfully, I was cured of my cancer. At a young age, I had to learn to be resilient. Childhood advice like valuing each moment and the importance of cherishing the people and things that matter most in life truly resonated with me. This experience shaped me into the compassionate, empathetic person I am today, with the determination to become an advocate and a role model for others facing similar challenges.

To anybody reading this, be kind to those around you, especially those facing disabilities or other challenges. They have a history; they have a story, just like you.