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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?"

Ever since I was young, I have always known that I wanted to help others. Growing up with cystic fibrosis, I have experienced firsthand what it is like to overcome physical and emotional challenges. I have also had to adapt to a unique lifestyle of doing daily breathing treatments, managing multiple medications and going to numerous doctor's visits. Thankfully, my CF care team has helped me adjust to the struggles of living with cystic fibrosis by teaching me strategies to maintain my lung and GI function as well as my mental health. They have been imperative to my strong prognosis, and I am so grateful for their support and guidance. Being supported by such a caring team has inspired me, and I want to reflect this ideal of helping others by pursuing a career in occupational therapy. Occupational therapy focuses on helping people with physical or mental challenges in performing everyday tasks to maintain personal independence. I feel a strong sense of empathy for those that need this kind of assistance since I myself sometimes struggle to do the extra work I need to do to stay healthy. I want to help others in the community overcome challenges, just like my CF care team has done for me. I hope to earn my degree and use it to support others in the same way that I have been supported. I have a high level of empathy for others in need because I know what it is like to live under the shadow of an illness. Helping someone develop strategies to manage their condition, regain self confidence, and pursue their life goals would be the ultimate definition of success for me. The clinical experience and critical thinking skills I will obtain while earning my degree will help me provide the tools my patients will need to live as full and independent a life as possible. I hope to make a positive impact by giving back to the community that supported me by ensuring others receive the same compassionate care and support that I was given as a person navigating life with cystic fibrosis.