Page 36 - The Ultimate Guidebook for Teens with Food Allergies

When things go right
High School Non-Confidential, by Nicole
There were a few strategies that I used which made my transition to high school very easy. I had a few close friends who I had trained to use my auto-injector. In every class, I ensured that at least one person aside from me was trained, and comfortable, using my auto-injector in the event of an emergency. Even though high school has different classes with different teachers, I took the time to notify each of my teachers about my allergies. I carried my epinephrine in my purse and kept this with me at all times. I just didn’t feel secure storing my auto-injector in my locker. How would anyone get to it in an emergency? My high school had a lot of extracurricular fundraisers and special events. I found that, if I joined committees, I could have more of a say in the planning process. This allowed me to contact venues and help create menus for things like semi-formal events, leadership camps, and the prom. Overall, using my voice and planning ahead really made high school an enjoyable time for me. I definitely didn’t let my allergies stop me from doing the things I wanted to!
Confidence Breeds Safety, by Michelle
Going through high school with an allergy can seem like a daunting task but, really, if you understand your allergy and know how to be safe, high school can be a breeze. I was careful to make sure I had knowledgeable friends who would stand up for me just in case I had to deal with someone who didn’t understand. I also brought a lot of extra auto-injectors to school. I had one in my locker, just in case I forgot my belt one day, one in my lunch bag, and two on me at all times. In the beginning, I kept one in the office and left some with my teachers too. But that seemed unnecessary. So just keeping one in my locker, and two in my purse as I got older, was enough security. Whenever there were class parties or cooking classes, I always made an effort to make suggestions for alternative, safe foods that I could bring or others could easily find. Making yourself heard and being confident enough to explain the necessity of your safety are key when it comes to creating a safe environment for yourself.
Quick Tip - The two-person rule: It is always a good idea to make sure that there are people around you who know about your allergies and who know what to do in an emergency situation (including how to use your auto-injector and where you keep it). These people can be friends, teachers, coaches or anyone else you trust.
When things go wrong