Meet the 2023 Scholars

"Write a letter to your younger self during a key moment in your life addressing one or more of the following: words of encouragement, lessons you have learned and/or challenges you have overcome."

5/23/2022 Dear Hayden, I know that life is really, really hard right now. I know that depression sucks. I know that anxiety sucks. I know that it feels like things are never going to get better. I know that every day feels pointless, and you even have fleeting thoughts that you wish to take your own life. I promise you that things are going to get better. The world that you are currently living in is utter chaos. Living in constant fear of contracting COVID-19 as someone who is living with cystic fibrosis, it is completely valid and understandable as to why you are feeling the way that you do. On top of that, dealing with the stress of maintaining perfect grades and being a teenager is a lot to take on. Don't give up. You have worked so hard throughout your entire life to get to where you were. You have taken all of your medicine on time, never skipped a breathing treatment, and have managed to never have to take a trip to the hospital. Those three things show how special of a kid you are. You have always worked unbelievably hard at everything you do, especially keeping yourself healthy, that is something that truly separates you from the average individual. So many people are rooting for you and want you to succeed, and all of those people will always have your back and be there for you if you ever need anyone to talk to. One thing that I want you to be aware of is that the depression and anxiety are not going to completely disappear. There are going to still be plenty of days where you are going to find yourself overwhelmed. Don't let this discourage you. During these days, try to accept that it is okay to feel the way you do and try not to let the negativity consume you. I promise that things are going to continue to get better. I am so proud of you, and I think that you will be proud of the person that you are becoming. You've got this. Sincerely, Hayden