The burden of being “fragile” in a world that demands strength

“Be careful, she’s made of glass”

That’s the phrase I heard for much of my life at school — and still hear today. My name is Ketelyn, I’m 16 years old, and I have Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) Type 1, a rare genetic condition that makes my bones more fragile.

Growing up with OI means growing up afraid of everything and everyone — a constant fear of being bumped in the hallways or at recess, of a simple fall, or even of pain that no one else can see. But the greatest burden isn’t the pain itself — it’s the stigma.

I remember spending years sitting in the bleachers during physical education classes, reading just to pass the time. The loneliness of that “protective” exclusion hurt more than any new fracture, because it told me my place was that of a spectator. The bullying wasn’t physical — it was isolation.

This journey taught me that the mental health of a young person with OI needs just as much attention as their bone density. It takes courage not to be brought down by the comments that try to limit our dreams to the size of our physical fragility.

Willpower made of steel

Even so, I decided that if my bones were made of crystal, my willpower would be made of steel. When I was selected by Ganhando o Mundo — an initiative of the Government of the State of Paraná that offers international exchange opportunities to students within the public school system — to study in Ireland, I proved that my place was never meant to be inside a glass dome. It was always the world.

My message to anyone who also feels “fragile” in the face of the world: don’t let others label your abilities. Our mind is our greatest structure, and there is no barrier we cannot overcome.

Ketelyn Ramos, a student and follower of the SNF Global Center in Brazil, decided to share her experiences and inspire other youth. If you would like to share your story, reach out to us at brazil@childmind.org.