My Epilepsy Story: Fighting Memory Loss at UT Austin

by Nicholas Vasquez

The First Seizure

In the Fall of 2011, I began my first semester at the University of Texas at Austin pursuing a B.S. in Biochemistry. In the fall of 2012, I had a seizure.

My seizure caused complete memory loss, leaving me to relearn everything. I underwent numerous health procedures while still enrolled at UT Austin. I thought with hard work I’d be able to recover and pass my classes with no problem. However, I quickly found that was not the case at all. I withdrew at the end of the Fall 2012 semester knowing I had missed classes/exams and lost credit. I tried to continue my education in the Spring of 2013.

Over the next few years, I had many pitfalls as I struggled with memory loss, something I still do to this day. Due to memory loss, I couldn’t understand the basics needed for my coursework. While some professors worked with me, others wouldn’t and left me to bridge the gap between what I could remember and what I was learning. I found myself doing well in the courses where my professors were able to be of help. However, lack of support and a heavy course load prevented me from continuing school.

Memory Loss and Mental Health

In 2013, I earned 54 credits. Using the accommodations from the Student Disability Services office, I reduced my coursework for most of this time. It allowed for a more thorough recovery from the memory loss. Ultimately, it didn’t help with the mental health issues I didn’t know were underneath the surface.

Not only did I face physical health problems due to my epilepsy, but I faced mental health issues that remained undiagnosed until my first suicide attempt in June of 2016. After this diagnosis, I was referred to an Intensive Outpatient Treatment Program (IOP) group to help me process through things. While I found love and support from peers, advisers, and educators, my mental health continued to decline to the point that I could no longer continue with my education.

I was losing my financial aid and couldn’t pay for my schooling. In Spring of 2017, I lost my financial aid and the two jobs I had. As you can imagine, this added to my stress to graduate. By the end of the 2017 spring semester, I needed to take time off from the university. I didn’t have the funds to provide for my basic needs, let alone to pay off a $10,000 debt to the university.

Regaining My Footing

Being out of school from the summer of 2017 to now has allowed me to recover to an extent. Still, it left me depressed and with more anxiety than I knew what to do with. In August I attempted suicide again. Fortunately, I went to a more fitting IOP that helped me build the necessary and healthy coping skills I had forgotten. I started attending support group at the Epilepsy Foundation Central & South Texas and met people who understood the struggles I was facing.

I now have a regular psychiatrist and therapist who actually listen to me and help meet my needs. Let me tell you it’s working too. Now, I’ve started to reconnect with my family and build relationships with people who I’ve left at the wayside for far too long. The most fulfilling things have been teaching my younger cousins all things school and life.

Working Towards the Future

I’ve been working and saving to be able to pay the debt I owe to the university. It hasn’t been easy and actually proved to be close to impossible. However, I am determined to graduate. As of December 1st, I have applied for admission to the University of Texas at Austin to finish my degree. Originally, I started in Biochemistry, but will be finishing in Chemistry after multiple discussions with my advisers. Also, I’m adding a teaching certificate to my degree in order to help other students who need the same help I needed.

I plan to finish my courses between the Spring semester of 2019 to the end of the Spring of 2020. To finish all my courses in the next year and a half. I am going to re-register with the Students with Disabilities office to accommodate my epilepsy, my anxiety, and my depression. During the semester, I will work at Kerbey Lane Cafe to pay for courses and any other necessities for school since I no longer have financial aid. Currently, the only thing standing in my way is the debt to UT. With the help of friends, family, and kind strangers, I know that I’ll be able to reach the finish line.

Editor’s Note: Nicholas’ situation is the exact reason why we offer scholarship resources for our community. View our scholarships at EFCST.org/help/scholarships.