Meet the 2024 Scholars

"Describe a defining moment in your journey with CF that sparked personal growth or resilience. How did this experience affect you and what did you learn from this moment?"

As the world grappled with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, my journey took an unexpected turn. Amidst the chaos and uncertainty of this global crisis, I received news that would alter the course of my life forever - a diagnosis of cystic fibrosis, delivered at the most unlikely of times, right in the heart of my college years. The realities of social distancing and remote learning collided with the daunting prospect of managing a chronic illness as I found myself engulfed in a haze of uncertainty. But it was the defining moment of spending two weeks in the hospital for the first time that truly crystallized the magnitude of my struggle. As I lay alone in that sterile hospital room, my senses overwhelmed by the strenuous breathing treatments, my body refusing the massive intake of medication, and my hearing muted by the constant beeping of machines and monitors, I felt a sense of vulnerability unlike any I had ever experienced before. I was ready to throw in the towel, looking to pause my education until I felt "normal again". However, it was a conversation with my Hindi professor that made me realize I could choose to let CF define me or make the most of my new reality. Opening up to him about my struggles with CF and passion for medicine, I found myself embarking on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Together, we brainstormed ideas for a project that would merge my love for medicine and my proficiency in Hindi, ultimately leading to the creation of guides for accessing medical care in Hindi for those who don't speak English. This conversation served as a turning point, motivating me to channel my experiences into a force for positive change. As I emerged from the hospital, I was determined to use CF as a catalyst for personal and professional growth. Armed with my newfound sense of purpose, I embarked on a mission to attain certification as an Advanced EMT, leveraging my passion for personalized care and advocacy to make a difference in the lives of others. My work gained meaning as I received the prestigious Emory Excellence in Language Award for that year, due to my commitment despite the challenges I faced. This experience eventually solidified my motivation to pursue medicine with a focus on individualized medicine, as I aim to attune care to the individual's unique needs. As a future physician, I aim to bridge the accessibility gap for those individuals who may struggle to advocate for themselves due to a multitude of barriers they face in attaining the care they deserve. In the face of adversity, I discovered resilience. In the depths of isolation, I found human connections. And in the shadow of illness, I uncovered a sense of purpose. As I look towards the future, I am filled with a sense of optimism and determination. With each hurdle I overcome, I am reminded of my mission, propelling me forward on a journey of healing, growth, and empowerment.