The Ledger

By Becky Holland

As A’teriyah Taylor prepares to graduate from Bleckley County High School in just a few weeks, she’s stepping into her next chapter with faith, determination and a deeper sense of purpose.

At 18, A’teriyah has already faced challenges that have shaped who she is today.

Her college decision is made—but for now, it remains a secret. Only her mom, Alecia, and her stepdad know where she’s headed.

“I was nervous about picking a school,” she said. “But I really spent time in prayer about it, and I feel like this is where God wants me to be.”

That reliance on faith didn’t come without reason.

Three years ago, A’teriyah’s life took an unexpected turn.

“I was having a lot of headaches, staying thirsty all the time and going to the restroom a lot,” she said.

Her friends noticed, too.

“They told me I looked pale and that I was getting smaller. They knew I wasn’t feeling good.”

After calling her mom from class one day because of a severe headache, Alecia took her to the doctor. Tests quickly revealed something serious.

“They checked everything—my urine, my blood—and found out I had diabetes,” A’teriyah said.

She was immediately taken to Atrium Health Navicent Children’s Hospital in Macon, where further testing confirmed she had Type 1 diabetes.

From that moment, everything changed.

She had to quickly adjust her lifestyle, from what she ate to how she managed her health daily.

“It was scary to think about what could happen if I don’t take my insulin correctly,” she said.

Learning to live with the diagnosis hasn’t been easy.

“I struggle a lot of the time,” she said. “But I strive to do better.”

Through it all, A’teriyah has found strength in her support system.

Her friends have remained encouraging, and she spends much of her time with family, attending church and growing in her relationship with God.

Looking back, she knows what she would tell her younger self.

“Keep going,” she said. “Even when stuff feels tough. Stay focused and don’t let one little battle stop you. God is always by my side.”

That journey has also shaped her future goals.

A’teriyah hopes to become a diabetes educator—someone who can walk alongside others facing the same diagnosis.

“I want to help people through it,” she said. “Not just physically, but mentally and emotionally, too.”

As graduation approaches, A’teriyah is carrying more than just a diploma—she’s carrying a story of resilience, faith and a desire to help others.