My Philosophy For a Happy Life

Hello to all! I'm Sam, recently celebrating my 17th birthday. A few years ago, just prior to entering high school, my dream was to become a snare drum player in the Foxboro High School Marching Band. However, this dream faced a significant challenge as each snare drum and harness weighed around 40 pounds, and I, being affected by Progeria, weighed only about 50 pounds. Logistically, carrying a regular-sized snare drum became nearly impossible, leading the band director to assign me to the pit percussion section for the halftime show. While pit percussion brought enjoyment with its array of instruments, such as bongos, timpani, timbales, and cowbell, it lacked the marching component that I had envisioned.

Undeterred by these circumstances, my family and I collaborated with an engineer to design a lighter snare drum harness. After continuous efforts, we successfully created a snare drum apparatus weighing only about 6 pounds, a significant achievement deserving applause. Progeria, a rare condition affecting roughly 350 children worldwide, manifests in symptoms such as tight skin, lack of weight gain, stunted growth, and heart disease. My mother's team's publication of a successful Progeria Treatment Study led to interviews, including one on NPR, where I emphasized the happiness in my life despite these challenges.

Despite the numerous challenges posed by Progeria, my goal is not to seek pity. Instead, I focus on what I can do, aligning with a three-part philosophy for a happy life. Firstly, I accept what I cannot do and channel my focus towards my passions, such as scouting, music, comic books, and supporting my favorite Boston sports teams. Making necessary adjustments, as exemplified by the custom snare drum harness, places challenges in the "can do" category.

The second aspect of my philosophy revolves around surrounding myself with quality individuals, appreciating the support of my family and a close-knit group of friends. Shared experiences, especially within the band, transcend the limitations of Progeria, fostering genuine connections. Family, friends, mentors, and community play a pivotal role, providing significant positive impacts.

Lastly, I adhere to Walt Disney's idea of "Keep moving forward." Anticipating future events, whether minor or significant, sustains a forward-thinking mindset. I acknowledge negative feelings without dwelling on them, ensuring a constant focus on positivity. Although my initial aspirations leaned towards engineering, my current ambitions lean towards contributing to fields like cell biology, genetics, or biochemistry, believing that any choice can bring about positive change in the world.

While a documentary, "Life According to Sam," captured my journey four years ago, my philosophy endures. A clip from the film highlights my evolved perspective on Progeria, emphasizing its genetic nature. The application of this philosophy faced a significant test last January during an illness, reinforcing the importance of bravery in moving forward.

In conclusion, my philosophy involves not wasting energy on self-pity, surrounding myself with positive influences, and continuously moving forward. I share this outlook, hoping that, regardless of obstacles, everyone can lead a profoundly happy life. Oh, and a final piece of advice: Never miss a party if you can help it. My school's homecoming dance is tomorrow night, and I'll be there. Thank you very much for your attention and support.