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."

Dear younger self, Enjoy the moment. Take a deep breath and appreciate the people around you. You've just pitched your team to victory in the Softball State Championship. Your Senior year has just closed out by winning the last game. Look around and embrace the smiles from teammates as they rush towards you and soak in the happy tears they cry when they hug you. Remember that this is an opportunity many people like you don't get to achieve. The endless amounts of treatments, pills, and sweaty workouts have put you where you are right now. Be grateful that you've been able to take a deep breath before every pitch. Be thankful that you have the energy to keep fighting to prove that you are more than what your Cystic Fibrosis implies. Now as this chapter closes, another one begins. In the next few months, new challenges will arise. You will be the first D1 softball player with Cystic Fibrosis. Challenges such as workouts at 6 am, four hour practices, and many hours of study hall will be a grind. However, you're better off because living with CF has taught you many lessons. Some are time management and self-care. Others include how to be courageous and strong. So, open this new chapter without fear and walk with a fight. You'll be alright. Love you always, Your Future Self