It’s Important Not to let your situation decide your destination. My name is Cameron Earnest and I am a Non - Hodgkin’s lymphoma survivor. Most people see this disease as serious and life altering. Something that brings fear and uncertainty. I was no different at first, but all challenges in life start off this way. It’s how we face them that truly matters. I was diagnosed when I was 8 years old and because of it I missed many days of school. Falling behind on my schoolwork was a constant worry of mine. Being so young at the time, I struggled to fully comprehend the lasting impact this disease would have on my life. Instead of Letting it bring me down, I embraced this battle as an opportunity for something greater. Resilience, the ability to adapt and thrive in the face of controversy. I refused to let this adversity dictate who I was. Despite missing many days of school, I was able to stay on the honor roll. My teachers and family were proud of me. At school I was given a special perseverance award, but I didn’t do it for them. I felt as though I had a duty to myself to uphold everything I worked for ....before being diagnosed. Even though many things were changing around me, I was still the same person that I always was. Surviving cancer shaped me into the person I am today and while I am cured from this deadly disease, I still possess the same mindset that allowed me to conquer it. My journey with lymphoma gives me confidence to face any challenge no matter how tall, because I know that I can overcome it. I don’t see this scholarship as just financial help but as a symbol that represents my hard work. Not only that but it serves as motivation to continue to hold myself to a higher standard. Surviving cancer has shaped who I am, but it does not define me. I choose to focus on the lessons it has taught me. Resilience and self-determination. These values guide me as I chase after my dreams and make a positive impact in the world. The same way I didn’t let Cancer define me, is the same way I won't let challenges stop me from achieving my future goals. Life’s challenges will continue to come, but I am confident that I can face them with strength and purpose. At the end of the day, It’s not our situations that determine where we go, but how we rise above them.