Christine P.'s Essay

Cystic Fibrosis, although it has hindered me at times, has also brought out qualities that other teens may not yet possess. I have learned many lessons from this ever-persistent disease, and one of the most important is to take nothing for granted. Enjoy everything you can (i.e. clubs, sports, music). I have discovered that each obstacle that I overcome, teaches me something about myself I might have never known. Living with CF has taught me to be more compassionate toward others with disabilities. I just started working at a handicap preschool and I am able to sympathize with the parents of the students. Many of these children are facing shortened lives, but I believe that I can teach them how to make the most out of what they have. This disease has also taught me to be patient. There is a lot of waiting, whether it be for test results, for treatments, and just knowing that having a chronic disease, cannot be rushed, and that it is a day by day process. I have also learned that having CF means that the focus is always on you and your health so you can get the most out of life. However, I find that to get the most out of life you cannot just focus on yourself all the time; you have to be able to give. Volunteering, for me, is how I give and make my life meaningful.