St. Michael’s student appreciates ‘everything I have’

Michaela Drahman’s years at St. Michael’s Academy have been bittersweet. She’s played sports, served on student council, volunteered and excelled academically. But she wishes her older sister had had the same opportunities.

“It’s been harder, me doing stuff that she would have done but she never got to do,” Drahman said.

Four years ago Nichole Drahman became sick with Lyme disease. She was a high school junior. Though she managed to graduate with her class, her day-to-day life changed drastically and she continues to fight the debilitating illness.

“She has bad headaches. Her whole body hurts but the headaches are the worst thing. She tries to sit up for 30 minutes but some days she can’t even do that because she’s in so much pain,” Drahman said. “Seeing how much she’s suffering makes me realize how lucky I am to have health. Even something as little as running. She can’t run. She hasn’t run in over three years. It makes me appreciate everything I have.”

Drahman said she likes sports and plays basketball and softball. She also enjoyed Irish dancing with her sisters throughout childhood but didn’t want to continue without her sister.

“I did Irish dance until eighth grade,” she said. “When my older sister got Lyme disease she had to stop, so I stopped too.”

Sister Michael Marie said she’s impressed with the perspective Drahman has shown while coping with her sister’s illness.

“Passing her sister up in some of those things, I think she realized she needed to appreciate it … it helped her appreciate it and have a broad view of education and involvement and dedication and volunteerism,” said Michael Marie, adding that Drahman is dedicated, helpful and thoughtful.

“Everything she does is focused and intentional and purposeful. She has a beautiful soul. She’s impressive for her age in how thoughtful she is,” said Michael Marie, describing how she can always count on Drahman to get things done.

“Anytime we have a big get-together or a big project, she’s always the one who’s staying behind to make sure the job is done, taking care of details. But she’s quiet about it,” said Michael Marie. “I’m most proud of her for her day-in and day-out. No matter what the circumstances she has a positive, cooperative attitude.”

As a student Drahman has excelled, earning straight A’s and becoming class valedictorian. “It makes me feel really good. I try to do my best on every little assignment I get, just do my best on everything,” she said.

It’s an approach she applies to most endeavors. “With sports, if I strike out or I don’t make a basket, knowing that I tried and I still strike out, I’ll just practice harder the next time,” she said. “I try hard with school and with anything I do.”