Turner Syndrome Showed Me How Strong I Am - by Morgan Salmela

Hi, I’m Morgan. I’m 27 years old and I was diagnosed with Turner syndrome (TS) when I was 15 years old. When I was diagnosed, I went through tons of tests including echocardiograms, MRI, ultrasounds, and bloodwork to make sure I was healthy. Luckily, I was.

Like many women with TS, I was told to use growth hormones daily for a couple years to help me get taller. At first, I feared how this would affect my life and relationships. Both my parents and my doctors assured me that I would live a long normal life  and that having TS just meant I would need more doctors than most people. Through their support I was able to realize I would be okay and have a normal life.

I have been very lucky to not have a lot of health problems because of my amazing team of doctors and how many tests they do. I have faced many challenges in my life because of Turner syndrome but have never let that stop me.

I struggled with math and science throughout grade school. Because of this, I had to go to lots of tutoring to help me get better at those subjects. Through lots of hard work, I was able to succeed. And years later, I graduated from Winona State University in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a minor in history. The reason I went to school for business administration is because ever since I was in middle school and volunteered at my local library, I knew I would one day become a librarian.

Books have always been my safe space, and I couldn’t imagine not being obsessed with them. My favorite books are the Percy Jackson ones because I can relate to them. Percy, the main character, has struggles in school and feels different socially but gains confidence and becomes strong - just like women with Turner syndrome!

In 2022, with my degree and my love for books, I landed my dream job as a librarian and now I get to share my love and passion for books with my community, which is what I have always dreamed of doing. Even though books are a huge passion of mine, I also have lots of other passions like Zumba, yoga, Pilates, cycling, barbell, and Hitt classes at the gym. I also love music and go to lots of concerts with friends and family when an artist I love is playing. I love watching movies and I love the Olympics.

The thing I am most proud of with my Turners syndrome experience and diagnosis is that I never let it stop me and have used all my strength and knowledge to overcome my struggles. I had lots of fears and anxiety when I was younger, but having TS and going through all the tests made me face those fears and get over it. I gained so much confidence in myself when I saw how many fears I overcame - like living on my own in college. It showed me I can do anything I put my mind to and be independent.

Having this condition showed me that if people can’t accept me for who I am and what I have then they shouldn’t be a part of my life because I see it as a strength, not a weakness. It has allowed me to make connections with other people who have chronic condition like me. One of my friends is autistic and we support each other and our disabilities. I am so thankful to have an amazing support system from my parents and my doctors who all keep me happy and healthy.