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?"

During my junior year of high school, a global pandemic changed my life. I was no stranger to missing school, being hospitalized over 15 times familiarized me with that; but this time it was different. I was not stuck at home because I was sick; I was actually the healthiest I had been in years. It is rather odd seeing everyone around you social distancing and wearing masks when you have done it your whole life. Looking back on it, there are a lot of things that I would change. Sadly, I cannot time travel, but perhaps I can share my wisdom with others faced with a similar situation. Friendship is a word that now means more to me than I ever thought it would. Hold your friends close because eventually, people grow up and move on. Send that random text message, call that person from class, and always remember that you have people cheering you on. Surrounding yourself with people that support you is a key thing to get through the loneliness that comes with isolation and remember that you are not alone. Hold onto your dreams, no matter how big or small they may seem. You are capable of more than you can imagine and your self-worth should never be questioned. CF can feel defeating and endless, but it does not have to be the definition of who you are. Keep your head held high, no matter what life throws at you.