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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 taught me that small problems can become larger, even dangerous, if ignored. That lesson has shaped how I approach my health, happiness, and future teaching goals. Living with CF means paying close attention to both my body and my surroundings. As a result, I've become more aware of the impact that limitations, mental health struggles, and environmental challenges can have on our lives. My best pulmonary function tests started when I was about 12 years old. I had joined the cross-country team and learned that running was also good therapy for my lungs. Running became a safe place for me and saved my life in many ways. It not only cleared my lungs but also helped me clear my mind and make friends. It has become part of my therapy, not only physically but mentally and emotionally. I have begun sharing my CF health story with my teammates, encouraging them to push past limitations and stay positive despite setbacks. CF brings more than just physical illness. This journey has shown me how important it is to recognize that internal struggles are real, especially the mental ones that we often keep hidden. For this reason, I value initiatives at my school like Morgan's Message that raise awareness for athletes' mental health. I have joined these meetings and shared my struggles. I hope that my story helps another athlete realize they are not alone and that it's okay to advocate for their needs without fear. I have always had a good support system for my CF. Being supported has influenced how I lead. As a camp counselor, I share my passion for the outdoors. I guide children through outdoor experiences, like hiking, canoeing, and lake swims. I support them as they navigate new experiences such as our challenge course. I enjoy seeing a child's face light up when we spot a turtle by the lake. Many campers have never seen an animal like this in its natural habitat. It's a great opportunity to build on their curiosity and teach them something. I hope that my campers will remember these moments and that it will impact how they view nature in the future. Because of CF, I also see a connection between caring for my body and caring for the environment. Both require attention before problems grow bigger. This is why I plan to pursue a career in environmental science education. By encouraging young people to learn in nature, I hope to foster their protection of it. If more of us become engaged in protecting our planet, we can work together to reduce the impact of environmental issues before they escalate. I hope to impact how students recognize environmental challenges. I hope to provide guidance that helps them feel confident speaking up about these issues and taking small actions that lead to stronger, healthier lives for all of us and the world we live in. Our planet is like my body; it needs a little help along the way to thrive!