We recently met another blogger through Instagram who lives with agenesis of the corpus callosum. We are excited for you to meet Kara through this interview and hear how she got through her challenges in school and overcame worries about her future.

Q:  Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Kara. I’m 30 years old. I was born in New York on Long Island, in a small town and moved to North Carolina in elementary school. I love carbs, music, photography, and plants. I have an Associate’s Degree in Medical Office Administration, despite my disdain for school, that’s a long story lol! I am passionate about self-care, mental health, and skin care. I have had a blog for over four years called The Up Side.

Q: Will you share your diagnosis journey and how you were told about your brain condition?

I got diagnosed with Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum (ACC) when I was 4 years old after I had a seizure. I have known about it since I got diagnosed. I was told that I was missing the part of my brain that connected the two hemispheres. I have had a few seizures since then, and as an adult I found out I have Partial ACC after I got an MRI after I had another seizure.

Q: School was a struggle for you, but you got through it with your mom’s support. Can you talk about challenges, what helped and the positives that came from the difficulties?

I have trouble staying focused and getting organized. I got diagnosed with ADHD in middle school. Later, I got diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder while I was in college. My problems with focus and organization did lead to me feeling so much pressure and stress in school. I often fell behind with my work. Positives were getting accommodations and an open line of communication between my teachers (later instructors in college), and I was able to get the help I need. Although through school, I wondered and worried about my future, but with the support I have, I no longer have as many worries.

Q: You recognize your mom as your biggest cheerleader and advocate. Can you share how she’s supported you over the years and what that means to you.

My mom being an advocate for me played a huge role in me getting the support I needed academically and care I needed medically. She has been my rock and is my best friend. Her support has gotten me through my toughest moments, and it means the world. I love her so much, her strength and grace is incomparable.

Q: Several years ago you started a blog called The Up Side. Tell us about the blog and your writing.

I started the blog in 2017. I was dealing with major anxiety and needed an outlet. So, on a random night in March, I created an Instagram account to use for my blog and then a Facebook page that night. I later created a website, Twitter page, Pinterest, and TikTok for my blog. I did not really have anything in mind when I started the blog, but it blossomed into me posting a lot about skin care, plants, and travel. I’ve also talked about other things on the blog too.

Q: Tell us about your life as an adult and how you spend your time.

I started my blog in 2017 and it’s still going strong, I’m on social media quite a bit. I tend to my plants and watch them grow, it is so rewarding and a lot of fun. I love reading. I absolutely love skin care!!! I enjoy taking photos. Trying new food is also something I love to do!

Q: What are you most grateful for as you look back on growing up and your journey with partial agenesis of the corpus callosum?

I’m grateful to have the support system I have. I would not have gotten through the things I have faced without my mom, dad, & sister. I’m also grateful for the people I have come across via Instagram and Facebook in the DCC (Disorders of the Corpus Callosum) community.

Follow along with Kara on all The Up Side channels:

Instagram: Instagram.com/theupsideksb

Twitter: twitter.com/theupsideksb

Pinterest: Pinterest.com/theupsideksb

TikTok: tiktok.com/@theupsideksb

The Blog: theupsideksb.Wordpress.com