UNRELENTING: Shane Randall
"Every day is a new day. Go after it."
Shane Randall, ’25, gained this attitude early in his life.
Growing up in Fairview, Okla., Randall’s life changed at the age of 12. His health declined with severe loss of energy, keeping him home-bound and home schooled. After a year of seeing doctors who could not diagnose his condition, a specialist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., quickly identified the illness.
Postural tachycardia syndrome – or POTS – affects the autonomic nervous system which controls the involuntary body functions such as heart rate and blood pressure. This explained why Randall would feel faint when he rose to a standing position, and why he was battling chronic fatigue and intermittent high heart rate.
“While it has been a constant in my life, I could not let my brain become POTS,” Randall said. “I had to be positive, look to my future and believe this would not be my life forever. I held on to the hope that the next day would be better.”
Randall walked across the stage in 2019 to receive his high school diploma. He has continued to gain energy and the ability to focus on his future. Medical research shows when POTS patients turn 25, their nervous systems are often “ready to find consistency.”
POTS does not define Randall, as others describe him as one with perseverance, strength of character, courage, focus and hope.
Rachael Hopkins, campus coordinator, Woodward Campus, has known Randall since childhood.
“Shane anticipates needs and steps in to make sure everything is ready,” Hopkins said. “He is a leader with a calming presence, and one who always gets it done.”
Randall continues toward his computer science degree with a cybersecurity certificate. He also serves as a student assistant on the Woodward Campus, overseeing proctors, managing campus events and offering IT support.
This fourth-generation Ranger appreciates the personal instruction and the opportunity to have valuable conversations with faculty at Northwestern.
“Cybersecurity offers a puzzle of unknowns, much like my medical history. That is exciting to me.”