Graduate Completes Master’s Despite Chronic Illness

Caitlin Mannis is among the graduates at Queen’s University this week. She earned her Master’s degree in global security and borders while managing a severe chronic illness.

Mannis, from Ballygowan, lives with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). This genetic condition weakens connective tissue,impacting skin,joints,and blood vessels. She navigated her studies despite these challenges.

She notes that her condition isn’t readily apparent.”No one else sees the joint instability, the pain, or the unpredictability unless I bring it up, and that invisibility creates its own challenges,” Mannis said.

My condition does not define the limits of my ambition or my work

Mannis also lives with ADHD and chronic migraines. Despite these hurdles, she graduated at the top of her class. She received support to adapt her study methods.

These adaptations included working from bed with a rolling desk and using voice recordings when typing proved too tough. “I adapted my study routines by being honest about what my body could manage and adjusting the workload accordingly,” she explained. She believes open communication was key to her success.