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.