Meet the 2021 Scholars

"Living through a global pandemic with a chronic illness, what is one piece of inspirational advice that you would give to other students with CF who are in the same or similar position?"

Like most people living with Cystic Fibrosis, my doctor recommended that I quarantine myself after the outbreak of COVID-19 in March of 2020. Due to the constant threats to our health, people with CF are familiar with being cautious of our surroundings when it comes to avoiding sicknesses and other ailments. However, being separated from our friends and family becomes no easier. Obviously, the health complications associated with COVID-19 can be dangerous to one's physical health but, on top of this, the isolation needed to defend oneself from COVID-19 can be equally as detrimental to a person’s mental health. I experienced something similar when I first started my quarantine last year. I battled anxiety for the first time in my life. The only effective cure to my anxiousness was talking to my friends and extended family every day. Therefore, my piece of advice for other students with CF wading through the tough times we are in is to stay connected with your friends and loved ones. Don't try to take on all of the challenges that COVID-19 brings alone. Lean on your support system and when the time comes that someone else needs support, be there for them!