Meet the 2019 Scholars

Get to know the hopes, dreams, and talents of this year's winners.

Elyse D.

Undergraduate Recipient

"Choose one inspirational quote or motto that has helped you throughout your journey with cystic fibrosis. How do you live by your quote or motto and how has it motivated you to accomplish your goals?"

Joshua J. Marine is famous for his quote, “Challenges are what make life interesting and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.” This quote is truly something to live by. It has helped me throughout my journey with Cystic Fibrosis by encouraging me to never give up. I face challenges every day, whether it’s a difficult homework assignment or the challenges that come with having CF. The worst thing to do when faced with a challenge is to give up. There is nothing more defeating than realizing that if you had just persevered a little longer, you could have solved the problem at hand instead of running away from it. While homework assignments can typically be solved quickly, Cystic Fibrosis will be a challenge that I will never be able to get rid of. That isn’t to say that I will never be able to overcome my challenges with CF, but rather, when I do overcome one challenge, another one will likely be waiting around the corner, and I will be ready for it. When faced with a difficult situation and I feel like giving up, I remember this quote to remind myself that in the end, I want to have lived the most meaningful life possible. To do so, I must always persevere and try my best to reach my goals and to live a life I am proud of. I can honestly and confidently say that I am very proud of the life I have lived thus far.

Elyse D.'s Artwork

Elyse D.'s Achievements

  • Great Strides Louisiana Ambassador, 2019
  • American Institute for Architecture Students (AIAS) member, 2019
  • National Society for Leadership and Success (NSLS) inducted member, 2019
  • Ricky Briggs Fighting Spirit Award Recipient, 2018
  • Design Excellence Award (Academic Award), 2018
  • Top Cat Award (Leadership Award) and Chancellor Honors Graduate, 2018
  • Beta Club member, 2015-2018; service project coordinator, 2016-2017; president, 2017-2018
  • Student Council member, 2015-2018; co-chair of decorations committee, 2016-2017; chair of decorations committee, 2017-2018
  • Campus Ministry member, 2015-2018; Light Team member, 2016-2017; Senior Action Leadership Team (SALT) member, 2017-2018
  • National Honor Society member, 2017-2018