At the NCCS, a cancer survivor is defined as someone who carries that experience for the rest of their life. For me, that has never felt like a label of survival alone, but more of a calling. I do not just see myself as a survivor, I see myself as a warrior. My experience with childhood cancer is not something I look back on with only hardship, but as something that shaped my perspective in a way that continues to guide every part of my life.
As more time has passed, my understanding of that experience has evolved. I no longer see my journey as something I “went through,” but as something that became a part of me. I would not take any of it back. It taught me how to see life differently, to value each moment, to find good even in difficult situations, and to carry a perspective that most people my age have not yet developed. I have learned that perspective can change everything. The way you choose to see your life can determine how you live it.
Over the past year, that perspective has grown in new ways. I have learned the importance of confidence and boldness, of stepping into opportunities without fear and believing that I deserve to be there. Attending the University of Southern California has reinforced that mindset. Being surrounded by talented and driven individuals could have been intimidating, but instead, it has shown me that I have earned my place. My journey has prepared me to stand confidently among high achievers and continue pushing myself forward.
There have also been moments this past year that reminded me why I am here. Through charity events and opportunities to share my story, I have seen how something so difficult in my life can be used to bring hope to others. Those moments feel like confirmation that my life has purpose beyond myself. They remind me that there is meaning behind everything I have gone through, and that I am here for a reason.
My perspective has also been shaped by continued challenges. Watching my family navigate serious health struggles has required me to step up in ways I did not expect at a young age. There were times when I had to take on more responsibility than most people my age, balancing school, family, and uncertainty. While difficult, those experiences strengthened me. They taught me resilience, independence, and the importance of being present for the people you love. At the same time, they have deepened my appreciation for my family and the time I have with them.
One of the most meaningful ways my cancer experience has shaped my life is through music. What began as a source of comfort has now become central to who I am. Over the past year, my relationship with music has grown significantly. I am constantly creating, writing songs, developing my sound, and performing when I have the opportunity. One of the most impactful moments for me was writing and performing a song about my transplant experience. Being able to share that with others, especially in spaces connected to the cancer community, showed me how powerful music can be. It is not just something I enjoy, it is something I am called to pursue.
Because of my experiences, my future goals are rooted in both ambition and purpose. I plan to build a career as an artist, songwriter, and producer, while also working on innovative technologies that can improve both the music industry and the hospital experience for patients and families. I want to create environments where people feel seen, heard, and supported, whether that is through music, technology, or philanthropy. I also plan to continue my work with nonprofit organizations and eventually start one of my own, focused on supporting children and families facing serious illness.
My goal is not just to succeed, but to make a meaningful impact. I want to show others, especially those who have faced health challenges or adversity, that their circumstances do not limit their future. If anything, those experiences can become the very thing that drives them forward.
Being a cancer survivor has given me more than a story. It has given me perspective, purpose, and direction. It has taught me that even in the hardest moments, there is something to be gained if you are willing to look for it. That mindset continues to shape how I live my life today and how I will approach my future. I am not defined by what I went through, but I am deeply shaped by it, and that is something I carry with pride.