January 21, 2008

Here we are at the third week of school and it’s beginning with a break! We don’t have school today because of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and I’m so thankful for some time off. Last week went well, and I got a lot accomplished. In fact, it was pretty much perfect until Friday.

I guess this story really starts over a year ago when someone handed me a flier about giving blood. If you were or are a student at OSU, you probably know that the Oklahoma Blood Institute visits campus often. It seems like there is always a blood drive going on.

During one of these blood drives, I decided to give blood for the first time. Although I had never given, I am not a stranger to the process. (My mother gives blood every time OBI is in Hennessey.)

I went to the fourth floor of the Student Union and was surprised to see how many people were there. After waiting for my turn, I filled out what seemed like endless paperwork, and then the process began. The lady who was helping me was perfectly nice and she asked me questions about how my day was going and what my plans were for the upcoming weekend. As she talked, she told me she was going to test my iron. I thought, “OK, no big deal.”

I was wrong. As soon as she pricked my finger, I could feel myself getting a little dizzy. I have fainted multiple times in my life (once in front of my entire youth group – people still make fun of me for that) so I know what it feels like. I glanced over to see what was taking so long, and that was not a good decision. I started to get pale, and she asked if I was all right. I said, “Yes, but I feel a little dizzy.”

Immediately, she yelled, “We’re having a reaction.” She told me to lie on the ground and two people brought me Gatorade and a cool washcloth. When I felt well enough to stand back up, I left feeling so stupid. Who almost faints before they even start giving blood?

The lady that had helped me told me to come back and try again someday. I wasn’t sure if I would, but this week, when my roommate and I saw the blood mobile on library lawn, I decided it was time.

After class on Friday, I went to the Student Union to give it another try. The line wasn’t as long this time, and I got to answer questions on the computer instead of on paper. It was going so well. Then, the process started and I could feel myself getting nervous. I tried to think about something else, but it was no use. When I started seeing black spots, I told the lady I couldn’t do this. She looked at me kind of strangely, and asked if I was all right. I said yes, and after regaining my composure, I walked back to my car.

I was so disappointed. Giving blood is not only something that’s easy to do, but it can save someone’s life.  The average person doesn’t get the opportunity to save a life that often, and I wish I could have been able to donate. I am a perfectly healthy person and I’ve always wanted to give blood. However, my body doesn’t seem to agree with me. I’m so thankful for people like my mother, who are not only willing, but also able to give blood. Without them, who knows the lives that would be lost?

Maybe after a while, I’ll try again. After all, people always say the third time’s a charm.

	This week was the first Public Relations Student Society of America meeting of the semester. The officers gave presentations about their internships and this is a picture during mine.
	This is a picture of the blood mobile. I’m not sure if that’s the correct name, but that’s what my friends and I call it.
	I took this picture while I was waiting to give blood. I’m so jealous of those people.
	This is a picture of me after giving blood. Instead of one of those cool brightly colored arm wraps, all I got was a band-aid!