HOUSTON, Texas — Navigating high school is hard enough and like many, Karol Garcia began her journey online during the pandemic.
But, that’s nothing compared to what happened shortly after Garcia's senior year began at Aldine ISD’s Victory Early College High School.
"Two weeks after my 18th birthday,” said Garcia.
A black spot in her vision became total blindness in her right eye and issues in her left. It ended a championship roller skating career and her ability to drive.
“I spent a whole month in the hospital and that really devastated me because I felt that I was going to lose everything,” said Garcia.
That included her 4.0-grade point average and position at the top of her class, which she managed to maintain while seeing things much differently.
"The best way I can describe it is that when I look at a person it’s like looking through a cracked windshield,” said Garcia.
Turns out, Garcia's eyesight issues were symptoms of a bigger problem that may end up guiding her future as a prospective neuroscientist.
"I want to study MS, Multiple Sclerosis, which is the disease that I have," said Garcia.
Garcia will live with the chronic condition affecting the central nervous system for the rest of her life, but even that isn’t slowing her down.
“I think she’s not only a lesson for other students here at Victory Early College, I think she a lesson for adults," said principal Phyllis Cormier. "And for anyone that encounters any kind of obstacles.”
Garcia leaves high school better prepared to combat any obstacle she encounters.
“I’d really like people to know that you’re really stronger that you think you are, regardless of what you face,” said Garcia.
Medical bills and insurance hassles are currently among Garcia’s ongoing challenges. Those are things she and her family hope to get help with.
Meanwhile, she plans to attend Texas A&M Commerce in the fall.
Garcia has set up a GoFundMe for anyone wanting to help her in her fight against MS.