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"Consider the positive influence you aspire to have as someone living with cystic fibrosis. How do you hope to inspire and empower future generations of young adults with chronic illnesses?"

I aspire to be a positive influence for others living with cystic fibrosis by demonstrating that, while CF is a chronic illness requiring daily treatment and lifelong management, it does not have to limit one's aspirations. My journey with CF has shaped who I am, but it does not define me. It is one chapter of my story, not the whole book.

As a child growing up with cystic fibrosis, I remember attending CF walks and fundraisers, listening to stories from other patients and families. Many of the narratives shared were somber: accounts of lives disrupted by illness, of young people who were unable to pursue college or careers due to the limitations imposed by CF. At that time, it felt as though this diagnosis would always overshadow any other accomplishment in my life. It felt all-consuming, like a label that would follow me forever.

Over time, my perspective shifted. Advances in treatment and the development of innovative medications have expanded the horizon for people with CF. We now have the opportunity to look further into the future and to redefine it for ourselves. I've come to understand that I am not defined by my diagnosis and that no one with CF is limited to that identity alone. "CF patient" is one of many titles I hold, but so are "future pharmacist," "MBA candidate," "researcher," and "advocate."

Graduate school has been a testament to this evolution. Pursuing my Doctor of Pharmacy and Master of Business Administration degrees has not only been a career decision, it has been a declaration that I am here to serve, to lead, and to thrive. My experience as a patient has fueled my passion for healthcare and strengthened my resolve to contribute meaningfully to the profession. I want to help patients the same way CF healthcare professionals have helped me: with compassion, understanding, and the belief that health challenges do not disqualify someone from living a full, impactful life.

Additionally, I recognize that living with cystic fibrosis adds a unique lens through which I view the world. The early mornings of respiratory therapy, the hospital tune-ups, and the countless hours managing treatments have built a level of discipline, resilience, and time management that few others my age have developed. While I may not enjoy organizing a weekly pillbox or studying through fatigue, I understand these are investments in my future and are necessary steps to ensure I can keep doing what I love.

More than anything, I want others with CF, especially young people, to see that success is not out of reach. We are not limited by the expectations others have for us, or even the limits we once imagined for ourselves. Our stories are still being written, and we have the right to author them on our own terms. CF may be part of my journey, but it is not my whole identity. And I am determined to live and lead beyond it.