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?"

I was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis when I was just two weeks old, so I never remember a time when CF wasn't an integral part of my life. Between doctor's visits, medications and therapies, and having to be extra cautious when others are sick, CF has always been a normal part of my routine. Because I never knew otherwise, I didn't think going away to college would interrupt my regimen very much. However, as I reflect on the past two years as a college student at the University of New Hampshire, I can honestly say that adjusting to life with CF in college was the hardest thing I have ever done! Juggling a course load of STEM classes while working part-time, volunteering, and learning to live independently is a daunting task for most college freshmen. However, adding the responsibilities that come with having a chronic illness makes this adjustment even more difficult. During my freshman year, I unfortunately got sick several times. Between contracting Covid, the flu, a lung infection, and mono, the first several months of college were quite the shock to my immune system and a true test of my ability to manage CF as an independent adult. Instead of my Mom reminding me what I should be doing, I was now responsible for my own health. After much trial and error, I learned that purposefully setting apart time each day to stay healthy is vital. This means getting up earlier than my friends to eat a good breakfast and take my medications, coming home to do my chest PT and nebulizer, and staying home when I am not feeling well. I learned that surrounding myself with supportive friends who understand my unique needs and exercising each day helps me to stay both physically and mentally healthy. Finally, I've come to realize the importance of utilizing my school's Student Accommodation Services in order to help me simultaneously prioritize my health and education. Although the original adjustment was rough, I am proud to share that I made the Dean's Highest Honors list this past semester, and I have been able to stay much healthier than freshman year. I now find it easier to implement the healthy habits I learned last year in order to excel. Although I may be the only one of my friends who uses a vest before bed, or who stresses about whether or not she's eating enough fat-containing foods, I have come to appreciate the stability and routine that accompanies having an illness like CF. I actually believe that having CF, along with the hardships that come with it, has helped me to more easily manage my time and responsibilities as a college student, as well as adapt to challenges better than my peers. I have learned to appreciate the beauty of each day and am able to face obstacles head-on with a positive attitude. I truly believe that CF has helped shape me into the confident, optimistic, and perseverant person that I am today.