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 did not fully embrace the idea of having cystic fibrosis until the fifth grade, when I had begun to learn more about its severe effects, and the immense gravity of the situation was starting to sink in. It was then that I had the choice to languish in fear and drown in despondency, or to pull myself together. While learning about Abraham Lincoln’s heroics in my English class, I was told that he had uttered these words: “In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years”. It instantly struck me, and was exactly what I needed to hear. This saying motivated me to value quality over quantity. It’s unknown just how long I have left, yet I am striving to make the most of it. I daily surround myself with a solid, supportive friend group and loved ones, and constantly stay active with sports and exercise. I have excelled in my education, and I am striving for a reliable career path in civil engineering. Once I get a job, I do not plan on living for the career. Instead, I will have a job to help with getting the most out of life. Even though I may not be constantly thinking of these words I heard over a decade ago, it instilled a passion in me. A passion to treat every moment as precious and to take advantage of it. A passion which is still burning strong and bright.