Aliyah Gortarez Gortarez 1

Dr.Powell

Advanced Composition

11 August 2020

Prompt: The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success.

Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what

did you learn from the experience?

My Journey of Overcoming Scoliosis: Aliyah Gortarez’s Spinal Fusion Recovery

I looked over my shoulder into the full-body mirror at the 16-inch scar running down the

center of my back. I turn to the side and feel my right shoulder blade that sticks out a few inches

further than my left. I turn to the left side of my body and run my shaky hands down my rib cage

that pokes out much further than my opposite side. My eyes were holding back tears; I threw my

softball jersey on and stared myself in the eyes. Who would’ve thought I'd be standing here

today, ready to play another game? When I was younger I would always find myself being

scolded by my mother to “stand up straight!” and “fix your posture!”. Finally, after realizing my

posture was quite abnormal, my mom took me to my pediatrician. From there they appointed me

to a spinal specialist where I had my first MRI. I was later diagnosed with Scoliosis. The

abnormal curvature of my spine was 1exacerbating rapidly. I had curves ranging from forty

degrees; a back brace would not be capable of reversing my curvatures. The only option was

spinal fusion surgery. This would be the most 2strenuous challenge I would have to overcome.

Immediately I started to panic, frantically asking questions about playing softball again; and

how this surgery would affect my lifestyle. They didn’t have many answers for me, I would just

have to wait and see how my body recovered *post-surgery.

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I remember dozing off into a deep coma-like sleep. The pain was so intense, so extreme,

so agitating. I had to learn how to sit myself up, walk, lift objects less than only 10 pounds, and

more importantly how to love my scar. I was able to learn patience throughout my slow recovery

process. Patience is a skill that I was able to strengthen while in the process of getting back to

where I used to be. The only thought on my mind once I was finally able to escape the hospital

was: I had to learn how to play softball with my restricted movements. I was later informed that

playing softball within the next year seemed unlikely *— my heart sank to the bottom of my

stomach. I had been playing year-round since I was 7 years old; now they expected me to not

pick up my glove for a year. I was absolutely devastated.

Months went by, every morning I would stare at my scar for a while and begin to

palpitate with horror. How could I embrace such a 3repugnant scar? I was so disturbed that this

4malicious uneven line down the center of my spine was ruining my chances of becoming a

superior athlete. Instead, I was just a convalescent child, desperate for triumph. After a dozen

rehabilitation sessions and a few tears shed, I was finally able to look at my scar and thank it for

changing my perspective on life. I embraced my scar, for it has transformed me into a go-getter.

Before I came to the realization that this experience was a beautiful lesson to be learned, I only

saw it as a 5ignoble setback. As I found myself being gratingly forced back to square one after

years of training, I took this experience as an opportunity to reflect and become eternally grateful

for what I have. This surgery and recovery process opened my eyes to how quickly life can

change. I had to push aside my frustrations and decide to look on the brighter side of this

situation. I had to be strong and focus on the bigger picture; becoming the finest softball player I

could possibly be. I may have sounded weak, felt weak, appeared weak, but my heart was
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vehement about becoming robust once again. I was changing from a fixed-mindset to a growth-

mindset; I was done feeling sorry for myself.

After over 8 months of working hard to strengthen myself in order to be ready to return

to the softball field. Return back to my hardcore training. Return back to my hardworking team.

Above all, I was ready to return back to who I was before this surgery. I had another check up

with my surgeon who performed my spinal fusion. I 5queried for what seemed to be the

hundredth time, “Will I be able to --“. I have no idea if he was tired of the question or he actually

thought I was ready, but he interrupted me with a ”yes...and I need you to be careful and know

your limits.”. That’s all I desired to hear -- along with a lecture from my parents on taking care

of myself -- and from that moment on I began training to become stronger than ever. All I could

possibly ponder on was everyone who had ever told me I would never be the same again. I was

prepared to do whatever it took to prove them wrong.

Spring came around quickly and so did tryouts. I had been training in physical therapy,

on the softball field, and even my backyard. My confidence was skyrocketing; I was ready to

conquer. I made the junior high team as the starting pitcher; leading my team into an undefeated

season. That year I was awarded the MVP certificate. All my hard work was paying off and it

was only the beginning. Overcoming this obstacle in my life had to be the most significant lesson

I had grasped. I learned how to be strong, to fight for victory, to never back down, to keep my

head up, and most importantly to love who I am. My scar tells a story. I had to learn to

appreciate it and embrace it. I am grateful today for the lessons I gained. I truly believe that if it

weren’t for this experience, I wouldn’t be the leader I am today. I recovered, I fought, I

overcame, and I succeeded. Now I am prepared to take on any obstacle thrown in my direction.