Senior Taylor Rathburn had problems with fainting and feeling weak when she was young. Later on in life, she was diagnosed with vertigo.

Vertigo is the sensation of rotation, rocking, and spinning even when a person is standing still. Symptoms include dizziness, nausea, fainting, vomiting, and weakness.

Vertigo is caused by several things, one being peripheral vertigo, which arises from problems in the inner ear. Tiny crystals and stones develop inside the ear and cause irritation to the hair cells within the inner ear canal, and this causes vertigo.

Rathburn learned she had vertigo when she started feeling dizzy almost everyday.

“I would often get very dizzy and nauseous,” Rathburn said. “I kept having to leave school early because of my symptoms. After months of visiting the doctor’s office and having blood tests, I was diagnosed with vertigo.”

Rathburn had to adjust to new eating and drinking habits.

“I have to eat as healthy as possible and drink as much water as I can,” Rathburn said. “I also pack snacks to help me get through the day.”

Rathburn has shiny white teeth, short blonde hair, and a girly sense of style.

She enjoys photography, travelling to new places, and hanging out with close friends.

Senior Emma Boychuk became friends with Rathburn at the age of 13.

Boychuk has witnessed Rathburn’s struggles with vertigo.

“I have seen Taylor struggle with vertigo, and it can be really scary,” Boychuk said. “There are certain things she can’t do or she will become dizzy. Sometimes it can get pretty bad to the point she’ll almost pass out.”

Boychuk said Rathburn has had a positive influence on her.

“Taylor is honest, gives good advice, and is easy to get along with,” Boychuk said. “I can tell her anything, and I know she won’t judge me.”

Senior Rachel Miller met Rathburn through Girl Scouts, and the two have been close ever since.

“Taylor has been there for me through the worst,” Miller said. “When I lost my sister, she was by my side the whole time. She makes me laugh and pushes me to be positive even when I am having a bad day.”

Rathburn said her mother, Mrs. Jennifer Rathburn, inspires her.

“My mom inspires me to not let vertigo be an excuse to not succeed in something or to do poorly in school,” Rathburn said. “She helps me keep a positive attitude, and I continue to work hard.”

Rathburn has a 3.2 GPA and plans to study nursing at Saginaw Valley State University.

Her dream job is to be a neonatal nurse where she would take care of infants who need medical attention.

“The TV show ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ was a huge inspiration to me in making this decision,” Rathburn comically said.

Rathburn enjoys pop and rap music.

“I enjoy listening to artists like Drake, Ed Sheeran, and Harry Styles,” Rathburn said.

To the end the interview, Rathburn told me how she manages to get through her struggles with vertigo.

“My family and friends,” Rathburn said. “They are always there to support me and give me advice. We do things like travel, and go shopping to distract ourselves. I will never take their love for granted.”