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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 I look forward with anticipation to the years to come, I am no doubt grateful for the advances in medicine that have been made so that I can have a fulfilling future. It has been affirming to grow up in a time when I have been able to see the advances in medicine. Partly because of this interest I had with my own clinic and appointments, I have had the aspiration for a while to become a veterinarian. Empowered by both the ability to see the impact that holistic medical care has on individuals and the chance to experience how multifaceted medicine can be, I have been inspired to provide that standard of care to my future patients. Living with cystic fibrosis, I have not often felt held back, thanks to my amazing care team. The same is true as I consider the transition I will soon have into graduate school. Not only has living with cystic fibrosis taught me the importance of a care team that is all in for a patient's health and advocacy, but it has also taught me that I have the capacity to make a difference in the lives of those around me. I have found that mentorship has been a fulfilling avenue for me to make a difference in my undergraduate experience. I have loved the growth that the mentee makes, as well as the insight that I, as the mentor, also glean from conversations. Empowering the future generations of those with cystic fibrosis is no different. I fully believe that mentorship relationships are beneficial for both parties, and I want to incorporate that into my story. Leading future generations of both young adults with chronic illnesses and future veterinarians is something I am passionate about, and I not only want to lead them through my example, but I also want to have meaningful conversations and connect with them. I want to show both parties that accomplishing their dreams is possible and all it takes is a little connection here and there and a whole lot of hard work.