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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?"

Living with CF has shaped who I am and the kind of difference I want to make in the world. Dealing with daily treatments, doctor visits, and health challenges has taught me how to be strong, patient, and responsible. It hasn't always been easy, but it has helped me grow and see life in a different way. One of the biggest problems I want to help solve is the lack of understanding about chronic illnesses, especially ones people can't always see. Many people with CF may look healthy on the outside, but they are dealing with a lot behind the scenes. I want to help others better understand this so people feel supported and not judged. This is especially important to me as a future teacher. I want to create a classroom where every student feels safe, understood, and cared for, not just academically, but emotionally and physically too. CF has also made me more aware that not everyone has the same access to healthcare or support. Some people struggle to get the treatments they need because of cost or where they live. This has inspired me to care more about fairness and to support efforts that help make healthcare more available to everyone. I want to be someone who speaks up for others and helps bring attention to these issues. Another important lesson CF has taught me is how valuable support systems are. My family, friends, and teachers have made a huge difference in helping me through challenges. Because of this, I want to be that kind of support for others. In my future classroom, I hope to build a strong, caring community where students feel comfortable being themselves and know they are not alone. Overall, my journey with CF has given me a strong sense of purpose. It has helped me realize that I want to make a positive impact by helping others feel seen, supported, and valued. CF has not held me back, it has helped guide me toward becoming a more understanding, compassionate, and driven person.