I am Briana, and I attend St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas. I am majoring in biology with a minor in chemistry. I have dreams of becoming a physician. I also have sacral agenesis/caudal regression syndrome (SA/CRS). SA/CRS affects me in a multitude of ways such as having bowel and bladder issues, short stature, and walking difficulties. I can ambulate without crutches or a walker but require a brace called an SMOAFO on my left leg to make walking easier so that I can keep up with my peers. Now that you know a little bit how SA/CRS affects me, I can discuss how it has played a pivotal role in my college experience.

College life is a challenge for anyone. However, having SA/CRS has made for some unique challenges that are particular to those who have this syndrome. For instance, I have to plan my classes and activities around my bowel and bladder issues. I also have to be careful where I park on campus so I can make it to class on time because of walking difficulties. In addition, I have to use the university’s disabilities service department so I can have extra testing time in the event I have an accident (incontinence episode), have to use the restroom more frequently because of my bowel and bladder problems, or miss a class because of illness or doctor appointments.

However, these daily challenges have not hindered my ability to keep up with my studies or peers. I am very involved with our premedical club called the American Medical Student Association (AMSA), undergraduate research (starting this coming fall), and being a teaching assistant and tutor for freshman biology students.

Last, I think that having SA/CRS has helped shape the person I have become. This birth condition, I believe, has made me more determined to keep up with everything so that I can attain my goals and dreams. Being “handicapped” has not handicapped me in the least. If anything, it has made me a stronger and better person.