Navigating University with Resilience: Jo's Journey as a Disabled Uni Student
Meet Jo, a 19-year-old freelance photographer and university student diving into the dazzling world of fashion styling and art direction whilst juggling her artistic dreams with a trio of chronic illness sidekicks: endometriosis, myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome, and fibromyalgia.
Jo's life resembles a tightrope walk, striking a balance between her creative energy and her body's demand for rest. Although her imagination shines brightly, her health occasionally dampens her creative spark, leading to feelings of frustration and isolation.
Jo is a beacon of resilience, and her story inspires us. She is finding ways to blend her passion for art with her health limitations. Her journey is a testament to the unstoppable human spirit
We'd love to hear a bit about you...
Hi! I’m Jo or @presentedbyjo! I am a 19-year-old creative from England, but my family comes from Hong Kong. I work as a freelance photographer, I am studying fashion styling and art direction at university and I have many, many artistic hobbies. As well as being Autistic, I navigate life with endometriosis, myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. This cocktail of chronic illnesses means I am left with intense pelvic and abdominal pain, extreme chronic fatigue, orthostatic intolerance, and severe dizziness.
How long have you been living with a disability and how does it affect your everyday life?
I have had symptoms of endometriosis since I first started my period at age 12.
After my laparoscopy surgery in 2021, I didn’t ever recover properly. Because of this, I developed ME/CFS and fibromyalgia.
Living with multiple chronic illnesses is incredibly tough. I am constantly frustrated by the fact that I cannot engage in my creative hobbies, meet up with friends, or even do something simple like cooking a meal without causing a flare-up where I'm left in an intense level of pain and exhausted.
It’s often very lonely, and I grieve the body I once had before the chronic pain and chronic fatigue took over. Being a disabled creative often feels like a paradox. My mind craves art and creation, but my body demands rest.
When did you start using mobility aids, and how did you find the adjustment?
I began using a walking stick when I was 17. A few months after my laparoscopy surgery because I was still having a tough time with stairs and felt incredibly weak so I bought a basic stick from Lidl. It was a significant mental challenge for me to start using it. I was in Year 12 working on my A Levels, and suddenly my invisible disability became visible for all my classmates to see. I faced lots of questions like, “What’s wrong with you?” “What happened?” and “Is your leg okay?” (When will people understand that there are many reasons someone might use walking aids, it’s not always about leg issues!)
To ease my journey with a walking stick, I decided to decorate it with purple star stickers! This led to people complimenting my stick instead of immediately questioning my need for it.
When and why did you transition to Cool Crutches?
I started using the Black Glitter walking stick a couple of months ago after staring longingly at it on the website for months! I am so glad I finally bit the bullet and got it, as I have never felt more confident and comfortable using a walking aid! I get so many compliments on it and the moulded handle is so, so comfortable! (I used to get blisters from my old cheaper stick.) The two friends I live with are also disabled and use Cool Crutches walking sticks!
We are a Cool Crutches household!
Have Cool Crutches changed your view of mobility aids at all?
When I began looking into mobility aids, I found that they were all aimed at the elderly market, and they all looked so… medical. As a young disabled person who is into fashion, this was so disheartening and I didn’t feel confident using my stick in public. When I discovered Cool Crutches, it opened my mind to the fact that mobility aids can be fun and act as an accessory to your outfits. I no longer felt like having a stick was something to be embarrassed about or ashamed of.
Now I have my Black Glitter walking stick personalised with my favourite Miffy keyring and a glow-in-the-dark star to make it even more me!!
What's your favourite Cool Crutches design?
I am absolutely obsessed with the Ombre Diamante Walking Stick!!
It's so pretty! I love sparkles and glitter and if I had one, I would simply just stare at the gems all day!
Is there anything that has helped your mental health when living with endometriosis, ME/CFS and fibromyalgia?
Community is so, so important.
To know that you are not alone in what you are going through. To be able to connect with others, relate, share advice, and send love to each other means the world.
Have you found there to be any stigmas around disability?
The fact that young people can have disabilities and use walking aids is a huge stigma! Walking sticks aren’t just reserved for the elderly, and many younger people may need to use one to help them in day-to-day life. Also, invisible disabilities exist! Just because you can’t see my illness(es) doesn’t mean I am not affected by them. I may need to use the priority seats on trains or assistance at places like airports, and that is okay - please be kind!
Is there anything in the pipeline you want to tell us about?
I am currently slowly making a short film about life with endometriosis to raise awareness and show people what it’s like to have this illness that affects my entire body but is incredibly under-researched and underfunded!
I hope to release it for Endometriosis Awareness and Action Month in March!
My Instagram is @presentedbyjo if you’d like to keep up with me, my life, and my work!
If you want to read more stories of strength like Jo's, then we think you will love these:
Embracing Change: Rosanna's Colourful Journey with Cool Crutches
Fighting Through Childhood Cancer, 9-Year-Old Dylan Dreams of Dressage
The Importance Of Community When Living With A Long-Term Disability With Eliza
