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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?"

As someone navigating life with cystic fibrosis, I aspire to use my experiences to empower the next generation of young adults living with chronic illnesses. My goal is not to minimize their challenges but to show that resilience, self-advocacy, and self-empowerment can coexist. I hope that sharing my story might help others feel capable and inspired to pursue their ambitions despite the challenges CF brings. While CF presents daily obstacles, I have learned to see it as more than a limitation, but more as a part of me that shows both my strength and empathy for others facing chronic illness. By embracing the realities of CF while pursuing my academic, personal, and professional goals, I hope to model self-realization and empower others to do the same. One of the most important lessons CF has taught me is the importance of redefining success in my own terms. I used to question whether CF would prevent me from achieving my goals, like pursuing a nursing career or participating in sports. However, I eventually realized that the path forward is to focus my time and energy on what matters most. It's about learning to integrate disease management into your lifestyle positively, such as exercising to enhance not only lung function but also overall health, or improving mental health by acknowledging the impact of chronic illness. Sharing this mindset with others and encouraging them to recognize the strengths and difficult lessons their experiences with CF have instilled in them is what is most important to me. In my nursing career, I aspire to support patients and families with chronic illnesses through education, advocacy, and compassionate care. I want to show young adults that they can play an active role in their care by becoming informed about research, advocating for themselves, and taking ownership of their health. I aim to work in pediatrics and neonatology, where I can support young patients and their families in striving for the best possible health, growth, and well-being. Sharing my story through the CF community and my work as a nurse will show others that resilience and self-compassion are important parts of living with a chronic illness. I will inspire young adults to engage with their care, pursue their passions, and find a balance in life that promotes their overall health. I want to help others recognize that CF does not define their future but is rather a part of their story. A story that presents unique challenges and one that deserves to be celebrated.