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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?"

Growing up, I had to learn to be both a patient and a provider at a young age. My parents immigrated from Mexico in search of a better life, unaware of the medical barriers they would face in the United States. At just five months old, I was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, an incurable disease that required me to take multiple medications and navigate complex medical care from early childhood. Because my parents spoke limited English, I often served as their interpreter during appointments, helping ease some of the burden that came with my care. These experiences sparked my passion for healthcare, as I found purpose in providing relief, not only for my family but also for the medical teams who cared for me. I grew up in a medically underserved rural town in Georgia, surrounded by agricultural workers, many of whom are Spanish speakers, who often avoid medical care due to fear and systemic barriers. This reality further deepened my commitment to serving communities in need. Currently, I volunteer as a medical interpreter and medical assistant at Mercy Health, a nonprofit in Athens, Georgia. In this role, I assist patients in understanding their treatments/visit, and obtain vital information for the provider to ensure a smooth flow in their visit. Often patients say, "muchas gracias por tu ayuda, tenía tanto miedo que no entendiera," which translates to, "thank you so much for your help; I was so afraid I wouldn't understand." Their gratitude reminds me of my purpose and motivates me to keep pushing forward in my journey, even when the road becomes challenging. I am deeply honored to serve patients at the University Cancer and Blood Center. Having experienced life as a patient and observed providers who lead with compassion, I understand how crucial it is to be cared for by people who see patients as individuals, not burdens. My volunteer experiences have shown me that every patient encounter is a chance to learn, grow, and build the skills needed to become the empathetic healthcare provider I aspire to be. Through these experiences, I am often tying them to my journey with cystic fibrosis. I know how important it is to have a provider that genuinely understands and cares for you. As a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant with cystic fibrosis, I will not only create a larger representation for people with conditions, but I will also prove how important it is to understand the role of both positions (the patient and provider). I will use my position to continue fostering for a community that is not afraid to attend their doctor's visit due to a mediator in the language barrier, and I will serve as a mentor to help patients grasp a better understanding in the confusing healthcare field. Lastly, I will serve as a representative for the cystic fibrosis community who advocates for our condition and show that we have the ability to meet and exceed all of our goals, even when we are set back from barriers.