Megan S.'s Essay

While in legal terms I am a disabled American, my activism in politics, curiosity in school, and triple pirouettes in ballet make me feel anything but handicapped. As a CF patient, I’ve honed my research skills by comparing the pros and cons of inhaled steroids and bronchodilators, and oral versus intravenous antibiotics; I learned statistics by scrutinizing charts that tracked the effect of Pulmozyme on FEV1. My experiences have taught me the value of adjusting to unforeseen challenges; a life of unusual predicaments and triumphs has instilled in me a sense of urgency, fearlessness and a hunger to tackle the most demanding problems head-on.

As a person with a genetic, chronic disease, my life-long cognizance that living a full life is complicated by bureaucracy and politics pushes me toward public service, bringing a voice to those whose circumstances necessitate, but may discourage, speaking up. Having graduated from Stanford University with a BA in American Studies and a master’s degree in sociology, I will attend Duke University's Sanford Institute for Public Policy in the fall. As an advocate with a disability, I bring a unique outlook to policymaking and the potential to inspire others to be their own advocates and to fight for what they need to live the most able lives they can. As a child, my doctors were my heroes; as an adult, I understand that public service is an avenue toward systemic solutions.