Meet the 2019 Scholars

"Choose one inspirational quote or motto that has helped you throughout your journey with cystic fibrosis. How do you live by your quote or motto and how has it motivated you to accomplish your goals?"

My parents always told me, “You have a lot on your plate and a lot working against you. It may excuse some things, but it not an excuse to give anything less than your best effort. Rub some dirt on it and keep moving.” It sounds harsh, but I loved it. Achievement wasn’t the goal; the goal was to never give up. Jackie Robinson once said, “Don’t be called out on strikes; go down swinging.” This summed up what my parents wanted for my life. They wanted me to live the fullest life possible - no matter how many times I struck out. I struggled with what it meant to live with CF. I tried for a long time to be “normal”. Then I realized I needed to redefine normal. I started doing things my way, pushing myself and living out my dreams. Even though, this was not how individuals with Cystic Fibrosis were expected to live 25 years ago. Throughout my life, getting a “hit” hasn't always been easy. I learned to deal with the curve balls and through some difficult life lessons, I learned how to swing. I start law school in August at the second ranked law school for health law in the U.S. I will use my education to be an advocate, removing obstacles so everyone can come to bat. I don’t know how my life will turnout, but I know I will not go down on a strike. I WILL go down swinging.