I've always enjoyed the serenity and isolation of the wilderness and the countryside. It fits me well in a lot of ways. It gives me a place to retreat to when times get tough. It gives me a place to hide from the judging eyes of modern society, and a place to spend hours and days exploring without it getting boring. I'd spend a lot more time out there if I didn't have Cystic Fibrosis, but somehow shared the same personality and views on life without CF as I do now, which to me is questionable. Would I be the same person if I didn't have to suffer nearly as much? No. 

Truth is, I'd probably be just like the modern stereotype of a teenage girl, and I don't like that idea too much, and neither do my parents. I can't see myself wearing makeup, dressing up in as little clothing as possible, or getting myself into typical teenage drama. However, I'm fairly certain I would've done those things if I wasn't challenged the way CF has challenged me. I'm just glad I've learned hard lessons in other ways and turned out the way that I am, and so are my parents. 

While I've dealt with bullies, it wasn't their words that hurt, it was their actions. I'd be shoved against lockers, had doors slammed in my face, be the main target in dodge ball, and completely isolated because the students assumed CF was contagious, and rumor had it anyone who got it would die. I never cared if they called me names for wearing camo hoodies and jeans, or being a hardcore tomboy. In fact, I took pride in being called names such as "Hick", "White trash", and "Redneck". I still feel joy when I'm addressed as "Redneck". I worked hard for that nickname, and I hold that title with pride.