Meet the 2019 Scholars

"Choose one inspirational quote or motto that has helped you throughout your journey with cystic fibrosis. How do you live by your quote or motto and how has it motivated you to accomplish your goals?"

The motto I live by as a young person battling cystic fibrosis is: “Don’t downgrade your dream just to fit your reality. Upgrade your conviction to match your destiny.” My journey with CF has been littered with obstacles and challenges that have shaped me into the man I am today. All my life, my dad has preached to me that if I put the work in, I can be whatever I want to be. However, I realized at a young age that the “work” I had to put in to achieve my dreams was not going to be equivalent to my peers’ efforts; I have to condition more to keep up with the rest of my soccer team and stay up later studying for that big test to make time for my respiratory treatments. Although CF has not made my life easier in any sense, it is responsible for teaching me the value of persistence which has allowed me to become the best version of myself and chase my dreams no matter how big they are. This quote perfectly expresses my attitude that I have not and will not let any “disadvantage” associated with cystic fibrosis stop me from accomplishing my goals and reaching for the stars.