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 greatest piece of advice I have ever received came to me in a book. The book title and summary have long since left my memory, but the advice remains engrained- it is not fair to be upset with someone for responding to a situation differently than you would yourself. How important that message is for not just living with an illness, but also just existing in this world. How can I, as a human being, be upset and irrational that someone responds to their disease differently than I do? This quote motivates me, in my current field of athletic training, to open my eyes to how others feel towards injuries, rehabilitation, or having to sit out of practice and games. How can I be the best clinician and professional if I am frustrated that someone feels and reacts to things differently than I might? In this profession, pain is subjective. Mentality is across an infinite spectrum. Being able to realize differences in personalities and being able to react to those differences, I believe, are keys to fully succeeding in this field.