When Samantha Poche, a senior at Ole Miss, lost a friend to mental health issues, it pushed her to confront her own fears about living with cystic fibrosis.

This life-changing moment helped her understand her inner strength and resilience, and it fueled her drive to continue her education.

Now, Poche is being recognized with a $25,000 scholarship from the AbbVie CF Scholarship program for the 2025-2026 school year. She was named the 2024 Thriving Undergraduate Student, impressing judges and the public with her academic success, community involvement, and a compelling essay and video presentation.

Poche is studying criminal justice and psychology at Ole Miss and dreams of a career where she can be a voice for those who feel unheard.

“The love and support from my family and friends made all the difference, and through their help, I began to improve both mentally and physically. I discovered how strong I truly am,” Poche said.

“I realized that succeeding with CF meant leaning into my inner strength and asking for help when I needed it. Overcoming the anxiety caused by my diagnosis taught me that I’m meant for more than just my illness.”

Some of Poche’s accomplishments:

• Volunteer at Oxford Animal Shelter (2022-2023)
• Sleigh Cystic Fibrosis Fundraiser Committee (2022-2024)
• Chi Omega Sorority (2021-2024)
• Seal of Biliteracy (2021)
• National Honor Society (2021)
• AP Scholar Award (2021)
• BETA Club (2021)
• Dean’s Honor Roll (2021-2022)
• Chancellor’s Honor Roll (2022-2024)
• Honors Graduate (2021)
• The Maples Change Agent (Summer 2023)
• Provost Scholar (2021-2024)
• Student Ambassador (2021)
• Office Assistant for Renee Wilkinson McCarthy LCSW (Summer 2023)

Since 1993, the AbbVie CF Scholarship program has awarded over $3.4 million to students who are thriving despite living with cystic fibrosis.