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?"

Throughout this pandemic, it has been hard being socially isolated. Although limiting social interaction is certainly the best thing for my physical health during this pandemic, it has been extremely hard on my mental health. As someone with anxiety who uses social interaction to ground themselves, I have faced immense mental health challenges in the duration of this pandemic. One piece of advice I would give to students in a global pandemic with a chronic illness is that prioritizing their health also means prioritizing their mental health. We put so much time into breathing treatments, doctor's appointments, and other things to keep ourselves physically healthy, and we should be putting just as much effort into ensuring that we are mentally healthy as well. Having cystic fibrosis is not an easy feat, physically or mentally. I personally recommend that everyone should try therapy, especially individuals with cystic fibrosis, as our illness takes a large mental toll. Overall, I think the advice of isolating and keeping yourself physically safe is quite obvious, but it's also important to take care of ourselves mentally during this difficult time.