Artie Character Analysis

When searching for a character from a book or a TV show that I related to, I was looking for someone that demonstrated the ability to overcome a challenge. A character that did not let any type of medical or physical challenge stand in the way of them achieving their dreams. It was important to me that this character also lived their life making positive choices and demonstrating a good foundation in morality.

The character, Artie Abrams, is a member of the New Directions show choir on the TV series Glee. Artie suffers from paraplegia, an impairment in motor or sensory function of the lower extremities, and is in a wheelchair. When Artie was eight years old, he was in a car accident resulting in the loss of function in his legs. When I was eleven years old, I was diagnosed with Type One Diabetes. I related to Artie because at a young age we both had to adapt to life-changing circumstances. Though

Type One Diabetes is nowhere near as severe as paralysis, Artie refused to let his disability stop him from pursuing any dream that was important to him.
From being a member of a dancing show choir to joining the school’s football team, Artie was very active during high school and succeeded against all odds. Much like Artie, I have been very involved throughout high school and it hasn’t gone without its obstacles. I have never let having Diabetes be a deciding factor for me when wanting to do something. I have had to make adjustments and accommodations so I can participate, but it is a small price to pay to be able to be a part of something that I love.
Diabetes can be unpredictable and no matter how prepared one may be, unexpected things can happen. Sometimes these challenges are small, like finding a place on my body to carry all of my supplies under my marching band uniform. Other times they are more involved and take a lot of planning. When my band traveled to Arizona for a parade during my junior year, I was in charge of handling my diabetic needs. Despite that everything had been managed correctly, my insulin pump randomly stopped working. This quickly could have escalated to a life threatening situation and while the other kids were out swimming in the hotel pool, I was experiencing extremely high blood sugars. My doctor in Ohio had to be contacted to get the insulin I needed in injection form at a local pharmacy. I was fortunate that one of the band directors had rented a car and was able to drive me to the pharmacy. I was also lucky that it happened on a day that the band wasn’t traveling or performing. It took some quick thinking and adjustments but I was able to continue on with the trip as planned. I even went horseback riding that afternoon.
The character Artie did not let what others said about or to him stand in his way. He was sometimes discouraged by others against participating in certain activities, especially the football team. I have never been discouraged by peers, but I have often been treated differently. It can be as small as the look of shock on a person’s face when I am checking my blood sugar. Worse is “that person” who feels the need to lecture me on how my diet isn’t appropriate for a diabetic because they are uneducated on the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. I found that this situation often requires patience on my part and a willingness to learn on theirs.
I do not to let other people’s reactions to me or my diabetes determine how I choose to live my life.

For example, many high school students often experiment with alcohol and drugs. This can be extremely dangerous for a diabetic. Earlier in High School, I made the decision to join the Drug Free Club of America. I have been able to avoid peer pressure from other students by surrounding myself with friends that share my decision to live a clean, healthy lifestyle.

While watching Glee I noticed Artie’s life was full, despite the devastating injury he suffered as a child. Living my life with diabetes has been an adventure. It has taught me that things may not always be fair and that people often don't understand what you're going through. Though diabetes is difficult, it has helped me to become more responsible, compassionate and a better problem solver. I have become more understanding of others’ misfortunes and have become more willing to help. I am more than any disease. I am not defined by my diabetes and my body will not hold me back from achieving

greatness.