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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?"

Cystic Fibrosis and Its Effects on My Life Harrison B. Cystic Fibrosis has shaped every chapter of my life since the day I was born. Growing up, my family struggled financially, and my father being out of work made affording medication especially difficult. My condition made participating in youth sports nearly impossible — I would constantly run out of breath, which took a real social toll on me. Rather than letting that define me, I adapted. I focused on academics, completing homework during breathing treatments, and building friendships around the activities I could enjoy. At eight years old, watching someone with CF compete athletically on television lit a fire in me. From that moment, I decided my condition would not limit what I could achieve. In fifth grade, I discovered a love for public speaking and performing. That passion carried me into middle school, where I joined my school's band. Because of my lungs, I gravitated toward percussion, and I quickly excelled. By eighth grade, I had been promoted to drum captain — a milestone that proved to me that CF did not define who I was. High school opened even more creative doors. I joined a cover band called "Always Thursday," where I played the drum set and performed at local venues like restaurants, turning my passion into real-world experience. At the same time, I began exploring solo music production, learning to craft rap beats inspired by artists like Mos Def and Earl Sweatshirt. My musical identity was taking shape, and my father gave me the name "Slimm Pickins" in a Culver's drive-through — a name that stuck and became my artistic brand. A personal turning point came with the passing of my grandmother, which reminded me that life is temporary and must be lived with purpose. Around the same time, the medication for my CF became available, shifting my outlook dramatically — my lifespan was no longer dictated by a Machine but by a daily pill. Energized by that change, I stepped down as drum captain to focus fully on my personal creative vision. In tenth grade, after the cover band dissolved, I channeled my energy into filmmaking. I spent two intense weeks producing a mockumentary comedy about my school's esports team for a science fair — and won second place. That experience taught me that passion and creativity can carry you further than any obstacle in your path. By senior year, I had built a music campaign throughout my school, stepping fully out of the shell my condition had once kept me in. Looking ahead, I plan to study communications in college. I want to use my voice and story to raise awareness about CF, support artists living with the disease, and advocate for affordable medication. Cystic Fibrosis gave me pain — but it also gave me purpose.