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"What does pursuing further education mean to you?"

Being able to pursue a college education means that I am surviving cystic fibrosis (CF), not just living with it.

I was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at three years old. The doctors told my parents there was only a 50 percent chance that I would see my eighth birthday. My parents didn't tell me what the doctors had said.  Instead, they encouraged me to dream.

One of my dreams has always been to attend Oklahoma State University. Receiving my acceptance letter to OSU was one of the best days of my life. This is my opportunity to live more independently and to lift some weight from my parents' shoulders.

Acquiring a college degree is a milestone for anyone. Reaching that milestone, despite the unique challenges I face, will make it even more incredible. I would hope that my achievement will inspire other youths living with CF. I hope that my diligence will be an inspiration to anyone facing adversity.

Education is the key to success. Having CF doesn't make me any different than my peers in the need to support myself and the desire to enjoy life. Educational success will mean I can take care of myself, instead of being taken care of by others. Having a career I love will be one more way I can defy my disease. Educational success can rewrite the statistics for all of us surviving CF.