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?"

“A ship is safe in harbor, but that’s not what ships are for.” This quote has been at the center of my journey since my freshman year in college when I first happened upon it. What draws me to this quote is my inherent need to feel as though I am keeping myself safe from the dangers of the world since my own body is already enough of a danger; however, like the quote says, that is not what life is for. It took me years to understand that this box of trepidation might keep me safe, but that I would never truly live if I continued on this path. What is the point of taking the medication and fighting to live, if you never actually “leave the harbor”? I decided that life was worth living; that fear is also exhilaration; and that life, by nature, is unstable. Even though I was scared of taking on my Master’s degree and pushing myself when I knew I was getting sicker, it was worth it. Even though I knew that traveling to foreign countries would be difficult and risky, I did it. Even though marrying someone who will have to be witness to all of the small infinities opened up by my disease felt selfish, even though starting a family feels terrifying, I’m doing it. I suppose that is all life with Cystic Fibrosis is, the courage to understand that the danger is real, but so are the rewards.