Obstacle is the Way: Employment and T1D

Obstacle is the Way: Employment and T1D

I attended last June’s DHF scholarship ceremony, where I got to hear Peter Atkins give an amazing acceptance speech to his new position as Board Chair at DHF. Furthermore, I got the opportunity to speak to him privately on matters of employment and T1D, and each of my experiences with Atkins have been incredibly inspiring.

Atkins’ speech hit an important chord for me on that important day. As I am sure many of us young diabetics know, we hardly get recognized for the things we do on a day to day basis, and the struggles we go through simply fly over other people’s heads. Which often leaves me asking, “We go through all of this struggle for what?”

For a long time, I would mull over this question in my head, trying to find some sort of purpose in my diabetes, some sort of acknowledgement for what I have gone through. My searches would turn up dry, beyond the undercurrent of resilience, grit, and determination that us diabetics are built on.

Peter Atkins, District Chief, Toronto Fire Services and the new Chair of Diabetes Hope Foundation shares his personal story of transition into the workplace. As one of the first firefighters with Type 1 diabetes, his story serves as an inspiration to youth living with T1D who are transitioning into the workforce, especially into careers that were traditionally non-accepting of individuals with diabetes.

When I heard Atkins’ speech, I finally found that purpose and that unsung acknowledgement that we all desire. Ultimately, as young diabetic students, we have something that other students lack. And because of that, it makes all the difference.

Because of our diabetes, and our struggles, we have had the opportunity to become incredibly strong and resilient individuals, we have a drive and realism that gives us great advantages in the race of life. What stands in our way, becomes our way.

Atkins spoke of how our drive acquired from diabetes places us ahead of our classmates at school. From my own experience, I can confirm this. Because of my diabetes I have learnt the art of working. I know that nothing comes easy, that certain things require a lot of work to achieve, and from this comes humility and a deeper understanding of life, which I am sure many of us diabetics feel too! This ultimately puts us at an advantage in life, as we have learnt from a young age how harsh reality can be.

I left that ceremony feeling inspired and ready to tackle whatever comes next. I am a big fan of philosophy, Marcus Aurelius quote always stood out to me,

“The mind adapts and converts to its own purposes the obstacle to our acting. The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.”
~ Marcus Aurelius.
 
“Obstacle is the way” (Simplified) ~ Ryan Holiday.

A mouthful at first, yet this encapsulates accepting the diabetes experience perfectly. Because of Diabetes, we have been given this wonderful advantage in life.

Accepting my Diabetes Hope Scholarship Award, sponsored by Pratt & Whitney Canada, and presented by former Scholarship recipient, DHF Board Director and Scholarship Advisory Committee member, Matt Pacchione.

My second experience with Peter Atkins comes from a phone interview with him. Atkins has worked most of his life as a fireman with The City of Toronto. He has faced many challenges from discrimination within The City. Because of this, he has great insight into managing diabetes and work. Physically strenuous work at that!

When I heard about Atkins’ experiences as a fireman, I got very curious. As I am myself an Aquatics city worker, I wanted the opportunity to thank the person who paved the road for us ‘Diabetics in the City’. Furthermore, I have interests in trying out for the Canadian Coast Guard, which would be challenging because of my dear friend, Diabetes. I managed to get in contact with Atkins through our great Heather Miller (DHF’s Executive Director), and later we arranged for a phone call.

I had many burning questions for Atkins, to name a few (such as?), “How do I manage lows in a physically active job?”, “How do I start the discussion with coworkers and higher-ups about my diabetes?” and lastly, “What else do you have to share?” Fortunately, he took the time out of his day to answer them all! To say the least, I left that phone call incredibly motivated and full of new found diabetic wisdom…

Managing lows on the job

Lows are my number one sworn nemesis, always striking at the most inconvenient time, and as someone who already works a physically strenuous job, I know how rough lows can be at work – I hold the unofficial title of “Fastest Gatorade Chug” at my workplace in an astounding four seconds. Atkins and I were able to form some ideas around low management at work, simple things such as carrying sugar on you at all times and disconnecting your insulin pump can do wonders, and I can attest to this!

How to start the discussion around diabetes

This is a rough talk to have, especially in rescue jobs where your physical and mental condition is crucial not only to your team but to a victim’s life too! Atkins stressed the importance of communicating the quality of control you have on your diabetes. If you can prove to your higher-ups that lows are uncommon and manageable, then you will be at a better position. Going back a few paragraphs, prove to your higher-ups that you have had the opportunity to refine skills that other people haven’t had the chance to refine! And do not be afraid to reach out for help! You can even get an endorsement letter from your doctor if needed.

What else do you have to share?

Much like Atkins faced difficulty when starting out as a fireman due to his diabetes, many of us will experience difficulties when starting out somewhere new. Atkins left an impression on me that still lasts to this day, “Our diabetic community needs people who challenge adversity.” So go out there, try, and try again, for each experience we have, our community only grows stronger, lead by example!

I would like to leave you all with some quotes…

“The cure for the pain is in the pain itself” ~ Mawlana Rumi

“What hurts you blesses you, darkness is your candle” ~ Mawlana Rumi

“Sometimes even to live is an act of courage” ~ Seneca

“A gem cannot be polished without friction, nor a man perfected without trials.” ~ Seneca

“No man is more unhappy than he who never faces adversity. For he is not permitted to prove himself” ~ Seneca

“What stands in the way, becomes the way” ~ Marcus Aurelius