Hi, I’m Ellie! I am from Austin, Texas, but am currently in College Station, Texas, studying public health at Texas A&M University. I was diagnosed with celiac disease when I was eight years old and have lived through the struggles of managing a strict gluten free diet both as a kid and as a young adult.
Celiac in College
In college, I have struggled with celiac more than ever. I’ve found it extremely difficult to meet up with old friends and meet new ones, because a lot of social events revolve around food. Additionally, I lived in a dorm without a kitchen or a meal plan my freshman year, which made my already hard transition into college much more difficult. As a Beyond Celiac ambassador, I hope to make Texas A&M a safer and more enjoyable environment for people with celiac disease, and encourage other universities to do the same. Additionally, I want to spread awareness that celiac disease is not just a gluten free diet, it is a mental load, a barrier to social activities, an awkward conversation in work places, and something that can sometimes make fun activities feel daunting. With more information and advocacy about all of the implications of celiac disease, I believe we can get to a point where celiacs can live and eat freely.