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Christin Urso / Spoon
Life > Experiences

Figuring out College with Celiac Disease

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at SAU chapter.

For over 2 years, I have been diagnosed with celiac disease. For those of you who do not know what this is, it is an autoimmune disease that damages the small intestine, meaning that those with celiac can not eat gluten. For me, I have always been slightly unable to eat gluten. Over the years, it got worse and worse till I could not eat gluten anymore. 

Here at college, it has been an adventure to try to find food that I can eat. I live in the dorms, meaning I mainly only use a microwave to cook meals. The cafeteria does its very best to be accommodating, and they do an amazing job. I am very cautious about what I eat, though, because I do not want to become sick. One of my favorite foods I have eaten in the cafe is gluten free sausage pizza. They always make it perfectly, and it always tastes the best.

In my dorm room, I have gotten really good at finding creative ways to make food. I have some frozen meals, but I also have made meals that work well for me. I have learned to make a microwave baked potato, which was a fun experience. Learning the time it took me to cook fresh vegetables in the microwave was an adventure with a lot of guessing to find out. I have made some different meals that have meats and vegetables that taste really good. I also have fruit and peanut butter which create amazing snacks. 

Since starting college, I have found creative ways to eat meals. Eating is important, and having fun with what I create to eat makes it a fun experience.

Sarah is a writer at HC at St. Ambrose University. Beyond HC, Sarah is involved in Campus Ministry, Swim and Dive, Quercus, and Honors Program. Sarah is majoring in Elementary Education with endorsements in middle school and special education. In her free time, Sarah likes to read, go on walks, sleep, and go camping. A fun fact about Sarah is that she was born without part of her left knee.