When Life Throws you a Curve Ball, Hit it

It is difficult to realize when we need to make changes in our lives because we are so used to our daily routines. It is easy to get comfortable and believe that everyday routine is how our lives are supposed to be lived. But just going through the motions is no way to live an entire life. Often times, people need a wakeup call or a “life-changing” event to realize they need to make a change.

These wakeup calls can occur throughout our lives. For Vanessa Ascencio, it was when she was 18 years old. Last year during the week of finals in the spring semester, Ascencio was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Ascencio said, “Before I had my diagnosis, I lived life very negatively. I had a bad attitude towards my classes and teachers which led me to also have little to no friends during life. I would rarely leave my room and not be thankful for anything in life. I would just live life with the idea of I just need to get by. Do the bare minimum to get by was my life motto.” Coming to terms with her diagnosis was the event that helped her turn her life around and develop a new perspective toward living. She asked herself how she wanted to spend the rest of her life. From that point on, she has been more productive, positive, and more outgoing. “I completely turned my life around in a few months and I am very proud of myself for that I have accomplished that in such little time,” said Ascencio.

Ascencio currently lives in O’Fallon, Missouri, where she has lived her whole life. She attended Liberty Highschool and was in the second graduating class there. Ascencio didn’t attend typical high school activities such as going to football games and pep rallies. Instead, she stayed home and studied. When it came time to choose a college, she liked the idea that she would be close to home if she attended Saint Louis University. She also liked that SLU was in St. Louis City. She spends almost all of her summers in Mexico City visiting family, so she was accustomed to city life and thought it best suited her lifestyle. Ascencio’s parents are both from Mexico but moved to America when her dad accepted a new job at Pacific Technology. Although she was born and raised in the United States, all of her extended family still lives in Mexico. Going to school in a metropolitan area reminds her of being in Mexico City and the memories she has made there with her extended family.

At SLU, Ascencio is majoring in communication with a concentration in advertising. She hopes to mainly work on social media advertising for Marvel Entertainment or Marvel Studios. Her love for Marvel first started when she was 8-years-old when she saw Iron Man for the first time in the movie theater with her dad. Ever since, her love for Marvel has only grown. Ascencio said, “Growing up Marvel has been such a big part of my life and is something that has brought genuine joy and motivation into my life. If I have the opportunity to work at Marvel someday, then I will have accomplished the biggest dream of my life.”

Now with the current COVID 19 situation causing students to move back home, Ascencio said she misses being in the city, seeing her friends, and being independent, but she enjoys being at home. While at home she can get a regular sleep schedule due to the absence of her roommate. She also enjoys home-cooked Mexican food made by her mom. Most importantly, she gets to see her dogs, Jackson and Troy, 24/7. With all of that making her enjoy her time home, Ascencio is still nervous about the COVID 19 Virus. The medicine prescribed for Multiple Scoliosis weakens her immune system. This leads her to be particularly cautious, but with the support and distraction her family has given her, Ascencio has found the quarantine to be as enjoyable as it can be.

To see more pictures of her dogs, Jackson and Troy, go follow @JacksonandTroy on Instagram!