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?"

My advice to a fellow CF student facing any difficult situation would be two-fold. First and foremost, make sure that you are doing some form of exercise that you enjoy every day. I’m a runner, so making time to run each day had obvious physical benefits for me, namely keeping my lung function strong and helping my immune system to withstand whatever came my way. The pandemic also gave me the gift of time to clear the dust off of the weights in my garage and begin to incorporate a strength training routine into my day. Beyond the physical benefits of regular cardio and strength training, I cannot speak more highly of the emotional advantages, especially during this year of constant uncertainty and social isolation. Secondly, I would advise anyone to find a passion and make time for it everyday. I’m a musician, so I would be lost if I couldn’t play music everyday. If you have something that brings you that kind of joy each day, fabulous! Do that thing daily because it will give you joy and purpose and that joy and purpose will see you through many a difficult moment. If you aren’t sure about what brings you true joy, seize the day and find it. Whatever it is will certainly bring you strength in times of trouble.