William Wall: My name’s William Wall. My friends call me Billy. I’m studying Mechanical Engineering and I’ll be graduating this May. When I was diagnosed with CF, I was only about two months old. Most people believe it’s just a respiratory disease, but it affects so much more. It was something that would never get in my way of doing what I love.

Serena Tramm: Billy is kind of an amazing person. (Laughs) He’s unlike anyone I’ve ever met. He’s so involved in everything.

Ali Lamson: Not only that, but he is just, he’s such a wonderful friend.

Professor Keith Buffinton: Billy is one of those students who just steps up. I think he wants to get the most out of life.

William Wall: I think I’ve really grown to be more comfortable talking about me having cystic fibrosis.

Ali Lamson: He told me, umm Sophomore year. He has a really great, positive outlook on it.

Professor Keith Buffinton: He really thinks of it as not something to slow him down, but something to inspire him to do more.

William Wall: When I was waiting to hear back from the AbbVie CF Scholarship, I was kind of anxious. It makes you talk about your disease, talk about how it’s affected you. What has been the hardships and the silver linings? All that really came to life through my application. When I found out I won it, it was such a big shock for me. My mom and I were both through the roof about it. It allowed me to focus on just my academics and my passions.

Professor Keith Buffinton: I think Billy was awarded the AbbVie CF Scholarship, because he just comes across as such an enthusiastic, energetic, determined individual.

Serena Tramm: He gets awards and accolades all the time.

Ali Lamson: All the time.

Serena Tramm: All the time.

Ali Lamson: All the time. He’s such a hard worker. He makes me want to work harder and be a better person, be a better friend.

William Wall: I think if someone’s on the fence of applying for the AbbVie CF Scholarship, I’d tell them just go for it. While it’s a unique disease everyone has unique experiences within it and they should be heard. I really hope that what I say today can help them achieve more and be all they can be.