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"How has your journey with CF shaped the problems you want to solve and the impact you hope to have on others?"

I didn't know that my life would change when I was eleven. I recall when the puzzle pieces began to fall into place, when my self-perception crumbled, and when everything I thought I knew about myself became foggy and gray. This shift began to take place when my family received the news that what we had believed was my asthma for eleven years was actually Cystic Fibrosis. In the blink of an eye, I was given a medical team at my local children's hospital, bloodwork orders, medicines, and treatment machines that I was commanded to use daily for the rest of my life. With my diagnosis came a completely new lifestyle, which included frequent pulmonologist appointments and hospital visits. Through these hospital visits, I have been inspired to solve the problem of hospitals feeling like intimidating places by pursuing a career in interior design. Because I have spent countless hours at my local hospital receiving specialized care for Cystic Fibrosis, my personal interactions with hospital design have allowed me to experience how the feel of a space can affect someone's experience. While visiting the hospital is a regular part of my life, it used to be difficult for me to have a positive attitude on appointment and testing days. This was especially true when I was first diagnosed, because going to the doctor seemed very overwhelming to me. However, I recall being comforted and distracted by various interior design elements within my local children's hospital, which helped lift my spirits and provide me with a positive personal experience. Instead of dreading my visit, I would look forward to exploring the vibrant play area, observing the colorful artwork painted on the walls, and seeing the giant sparkly statues of cows wearing tutus. The positive impact that interior design had on me during this challenging time of my life was meaningful and showed me how creativity can bring comfort to others. While I am grateful to have had this positive experience, I am reminded that not all children who frequently receive medical care can relate. Because of this, I have chosen to pursue a career in interior design with the hope of designing healthcare facilities that feel joyful and uplifting, so that I can positively impact people as I have been impacted. I hope to show children with illnesses that going to the hospital doesn't have to feel depressing, and that creativity is one of the best ways to bring joy to others. I'm thankful that my life changed because of Cystic Fibrosis, because through my diagnosis, I have discovered my dream to pursue a service-minded career in interior design, and have developed a heart to create comforting spaces for people who need them.