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?"

“I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.” - William Ernest Henley Every person with CF can understand that the journey in battling this disease is never static. We can feel invincible when we reach moments like earning a college degree, performing a private piano recital, or even acing a PFT test during a CF appointment. Yet, we can also feel useless when our lungs can take the breath of life away from us. These days can have a significant effect on our mental health. We cannot be “masters” of what lies ahead in our lives unless we can take care of our mental health. Bringing equal attention to our mental health is vital as we take care of our physical health. If we cannot find this balance, we can begin to lose grasp of who we are, which can affect many dimension of our lives. I believe I live by Henley’s remark by finding the things that bring me happiness such as dancing, playing dodge ball, running, playing the piano, or surrounding myself with people who care for me. As I build ways to find my happiness, it motivates me to enact on: what can I do now to be the “captain” of a fulfilling fate? Our destinies are never determined by pure luck. There are shaped by how we channel our feelings, thoughts, or instincts when we “master” the vibrant soul of Cystic Fibrosis.