From an early age, I thought of legacy as something monumental—the kind of achievement that alters the course of history. I imagined legacies like winning a Nobel Prize for discovering insulin or standing at the front of a bus to challenge injustice. But as I grew older, I realized that legacies aren’t always about world-changing moments. They can also be found in the small, everyday actions—being a loving parent, making your best friend smile, or offering a compliment to a stranger. Every choice we make shapes the legacy we leave behind. My journey to understanding legacy began at 10 years old when I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes (T1D). The idea of daily finger pokes and insulin shots as my new normal felt overwhelming. I felt embarrassed, ashamed, and frustrated. For years, I believed that my illness would prevent me from achieving my dreams. But in that frustration, I found a spark—a determination to learn more about my disease and pursue better treatments. This drive led me to a career in science, with the goal of advancing T1D research and working toward a cure. At first, I aimed to become an endocrinologist to help others with T1D feel less alone. However, during my undergraduate years, I became involved in biomedical research on genetic variations and their impact on disease. This research led to two published papers, a competitive fellowship, and the Mayo Clinic Research Award. Through these experiences, I realized my true calling: biomedical research. I now understand that part of my legacy will be contributing to the search for a cure for T1D. Today, as a second-year student in a Cellular and Molecular Biology PhD program, my work focuses on creating new treatments for T1D using stem cell technology. I’m researching ways to differentiate stem cells into pancreatic islet cells that can evade immune system recognition, which is crucial for their survival and function after transplant. This innovative therapy is a vital step toward developing a functional cure for T1D. In recent years, I’ve become more open about my journey with diabetes. I wanted people to see that diabetes wouldn’t stop me from achieving my goals—and it shouldn’t stop them, either. I began creating educational content about T1D on social media, and, to my surprise, built a community of others who shared similar experiences—other T1D warriors and scientists. For the first time, I didn’t feel isolated or ashamed. Instead, I felt inspired. My efforts were recognized when I was awarded the SkinGrip Diabetes Scholarship and became a content creator for DiabetesLink, expanding my reach. I also serve as an intern for the(sugar)science, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing T1D research and fostering global collaboration among scientists. Looking ahead, I dream of a future where children look at insulin pumps and other T1D devices in museums, astonished that they were once necessary. Whether I contribute directly to a cure or inspire others to take the lead, my diagnosis at 10 years old will have played a crucial role in shaping my legacy. But beyond this larger goal, I also hope to be remembered as a good friend, daughter, classmate, and one day, perhaps, a mother. These roles, too, contribute to the legacy I am building. Ultimately, I’ve come to understand that a meaningful legacy isn’t defined by one singular achievement. It’s shaped by the choices we make and the way we treat others. Whether through scientific discoveries or simple acts of kindness, each moment contributes to the story we leave behind. In the end, it’s the combination of big aspirations and small, everyday actions that defines our true legacy.

When I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) at 10, it was difficult to accept that finger pokes and insulin shots would be my new normal. I felt embarrassed and frustrated, and growing up in a small town with no one to relate to, I felt utterly alone. Initially, I aimed to become an endocrinologist to help others with T1D. However, during my undergraduate years, I conducted biomedical research on genetic variations and their impact on disease. This research led to two published peer-reviewed papers, a competitive research fellowship, and the Mayo Clinic Research Award. Ultimately, I shifted my career trajectory from clinical work to biomedical research. Currently, in my second year of the Cellular and Molecular Biology PhD program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, I focus on developing potential cures for T1D. My research involves transforming pluripotent stem cells into pancreatic islet cells and genetically modifying them to avoid immune rejection, a key challenge for cell-based therapies. Additionally, I am working on creating pancreatic organoids to enhance the survival and function of these cells after transplantation into patients. In addition to my PhD research, I share educational videos on social media and was awarded the Skin Grip Diabetes Scholarship for my efforts. I also secured an internship with the non-profit the(sugar)science, which brings scientists together to advance T1D research toward a cure. I dream that one day, children will walk through museums with blood glucose meters and insulin pumps on display, astonished that they were ever needed.

The world around me blurred as I lay in a hospital bed, surrounded by beeping monitors and IV fluids entering my arm. I had visited my doctor with flu-like symptoms, but I never expected to be hospitalized for nine days with a life-changing diagnosis: Type 1 diabetes (T1D). At the age of ten, accepting T1D was difficult. It was hard to process and accept that, from that point on, finger pokes and insulin shots would be a regular part of my routine. I was filled with embarrassment, shame, and confusion following my diagnosis. Why did my own body destroy the cells in my pancreas that were so vital to my survival? This anger sparked a determination to learn more about my disease and seek better treatments. This drive inspired me to pursue a career in science, aiming to advance T1D research and work toward a cure. My goal is to become a leader within the T1D community while building a career in scientific research. However, this wasn’t initially the path I thought I would take. At first, I focused on clinical experiences, hoping to attend medical school to become an endocrinologist and work with T1D patients. However, during my first year of college, a research project with the Mayo Clinic shifted my perspective. I realized the potential impact of scientific research and decided to delve deeper into the biological sciences. This led to an independent research project on DNA mutations affecting gene splicing in disease. My findings from this research contributed to improved diagnoses and treatments, earning me the Mayo Clinic Research Award and an invitation to present at the Mayo Clinic Health System Academic Grand Rounds. After graduating summa cum laude with a degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, I transitioned into regenerative stem cell research. I became determined to focus on developing curative therapies for T1D. I am now pursuing my PhD in Cellular and Molecular Biology at UW-Madison, working in Dr. Jon Odorico’s lab to convert stem cells into insulin-producing pancreatic islet cells. A major challenge of successfully transplanting these stem cell islets is immune system rejection. My PhD thesis involves using gene editing techniques to help these cells avoid immune destruction after transplantation, which is essential for the development of a functional cure for T1D. Living with T1D has also motivated me to challenge the stigma surrounding chronic illnesses. Growing up in a rural community, I felt isolated and ashamed, but over time, I embraced my diagnosis. Sharing my journey on social media connected me with others, and this online community became a source of support. Empowered, I began creating educational videos to simplify complex scientific concepts for a wider audience. My efforts earned me the 2024 SkinGrip Diabetes Scholarship. To further my impact, I applied for the NextGen Fellowship with the Diabetes Link, where I connected with peers and professionals in the diabetes sector and helped curate educational content on diabetes research for a wider audience. One of the professional connections I made through this fellowship was with the organization the(sugar)science, which promotes collaboration among scientists to accelerate diabetes research. I now intern with them to foster discussions and advance the diabetes research field. I am deeply committed to helping people with T1D feel supported and informed. My ultimate goal is to contribute to finding a cure for the disease. I have a dream that, one day, future generations will walk through science museums and marvel at the insulin pumps on display, astonished at the idea that such devices were ever needed.