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Ashley S.
Undergraduate
"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?"
Imagine beautiful sunny skies and gliding in the air parasailing, while sea turtles swim in the ocean below. Sitting on a huge rock watching the sunset over the Grand Canyon, after a fun day hiking. Biting into a cow eyeball taco on a missions trip in Mexico City just to see how it tastes and to say I did it! These are a few of the many adventurous things I have experienced over the last few years. I thrive by going out of my comfort zone, challenging, and testing myself with new experiences and opportunities to make me a better person. I would love to be an example, role model, or inspiration for individuals living with Cystic Fibrosis. In my story, I'm proof that if you work hard, never give up, and have dedication, you're capable of dreaming big, setting large goals, and living life to the fullest. When I was a day old, I was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis. Throughout my life, I have been tested with many different trials. I've been hospitalized once due to my CF. I fell off my dirtbike when I was nine, resulting in two knee surgeries, a year of physical therapy, and a little over two years to recover. Later, I was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis arthritis. Then I began having allergic reactions due to different foods. In April 2016, I started doing daily injections due to having growth hormone deficiency, which led to me doing roughly 1,900 shots. On top of all these trials, I was having to take my daily medicine, go to many doctor appointments, go to school, church, sports events, and do my breathing treatments, which lasted an hour each day. These trials shaped me to be the positive person I am today. I have learned to be thankful for what I have, don't take anything for granted, be a hard worker, never give up, see the good in different circumstances, and always trust in the Lord. My journey with CF has never been easy, but it has made me a stronger person and reminds me constantly to live life to the fullest. Through my story, I aspire to show others living with terminal illnesses that their diagnosis shouldn't hold them back, but if they work hard, they can pursue and achieve their goals. I aim to inspire by example by pursuing an education, being active, involved, and working hard to obtain my goals while managing my health. I shared my trials to show that they are part of the journey, and it's possible to find positive outcomes in each trial. Ultimately, I want others living with chronic conditions to be reminded to never give up, set high goals, and know that their story can be encouraging to someone else.
Ashley S.'s Artwork
Ashley S.'s Achievements
- Deans List at Taylor University (2023-2025)
- Basketball and Football Cheerleader (2021-2023)
- First Year Experience Precept Leader and Taylor University (2024)
- Uncle Bob's Homemade Ice Cream Employee (2021-2025) and Manager (2022-2023)
- Huddle Leader for FCA Leadership Camp and Fall Retreat (2024)
- National Honor Society (2022-2023)
- Taylor University Freshman Community Plunge Volunteer Day (2023)
- Family and Consumer Science Departmental Student of the Year Award (2023)
- Washington Leadership Community Service (2021-2023)
- Sunday School Leader (2021-2024)