GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Around this time last year, teenager Jeremiah Robinson was spending hours undergoing chemotherapy while he battled B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. 

He missed out on quintessential high school milestones, like going to the homecoming football game and missing out on baseball season. Now, he is an 18-year-old college freshman at Grand Valley State University — marking a seismic turnaround in a calendar year. 

“I’m feeling pretty good,” he said. “I’m excited with everything that’s been going on on campus. It’s college life.” 

Robinson, of southeastern Michigan, is one of thousands of students across the state adjusting to a new life on campus.

“It’s been an exciting, new part of my life,” he said. “Gaining a sense of independence. Being from under my parents again to getting a sense of independence.” 

Robinson’s doctor, Dr. Beth Kurt, is the chief of pediatric hematology-oncology at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital. She said that he is still undergoing treatment, but that the most challenging parts are behind him. 

“Jeremiah is now at a point in his therapy where appointments are a little bit less frequent, which is great as he is starting his college career,” she said. “So he still needs to come for monthly checkups and monthly treatments and he still takes medication every single day, but I’m so glad to report that the harshest part of his treatment is behind him.” 

Now, Robinson is worried about exams and finding his way around campus. Kurt said that his focus is now pointed toward the things he should be worried about at his age. 

“This is really just a highlight to see that Jeremiah is no longer focused on fighting for his life,” she said. “He is thinking more about his classes and his next exam and what he’ll do as a career and that is an absolute joy because that’s what he should be doing.” 

Despite his challenges, Robinson said he is focused on everything he can do, rather what limits him. He hopes others will do the same.

“Don’t let anything limit yourself,” he said. “Don’t let something else limit what you do.”