By Anjali Nayak
“Stay positive,” Senior Amanda Kappenman suggests, “especially when that’s all you can do.”
And that she does.
Along with a big heart, infectious laugh, and impeccable style, Amanda also has a stubbornly resilient attitude that defies laws of nature. Who else would be able to combat the harshness of chemotherapy and cancer treatment with bright smiles of optimism?
It’s easy to get lost in the imminence of the future and the absoluteness of the past. To wonder and ruminate about each detail of each decision; a paradoxical spiral of apprehension and disbelief. Yet, Amanda inspires me to make the most out of every hour, minute, and moment. “I’ve made the most out of every day,” she grins, “and I’ve been able to participate in a lifetime worth of experiences I used to only dream of.”
Of course, her mindset shows. Each time I greet Amanda with a typical “How is your day going?” she answers with a rose rather than a thorn. Even amidst a waking nightmare of MRI scans and painkillers, she finds glimmers of positivity: funny moments with her cat Willow, ironic jokes, good movies. Because a glimmer is all it takes. She has the strength to do anything, and while most trip over anthills, Amanda ventures past mountains.