Friedman & Simon, L.L.P., is proud to announce the latest winner of its annual academic scholarship: Joshua Cottle, currently a student at the University of Florida. He plans to use the $1,500 scholarship to fund his pre-med education and, ultimately, become a pediatric oncologist so he can work with young cancer patients.
Becoming a Beacon of Hope for Others
Cottle’s life journey has not been an easy one. As a freshman in high school, in 2020, he was stunned to discover that his recurring bouts of illness were anaplastic large cell lymphoma, which the Cleveland Clinic describes as a “rare” and “serious” form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Although the news was devastating, “[m]y mother and I later that night agreed that those words were strangely relieving, as the issue was finally known,” Cottle explains in his award-winning essay.
Over the following year, Cottle underwent debilitating chemotherapy treatments that left him feeling sick and depressed. He came to accept that he might not survive his cancer battle. Even then, Cottle refused to give up entirely.
“After some contemplation, I made it my resolution to be a beacon of positivity and hope to others experiencing cancer and to showcase the experience to the world,” he says.
Cottle started a YouTube channel, where he described his experiences with cancer. The many positive comments he received on the channel inspired him to keep fighting. Now that he is in remission, he is ready to give back in an even bigger way: by becoming a doctor and treating young patients who face the same struggles he once did.
“I hope to have a special connection with my future patients because of our shared experience,” he explains in his scholarship winner questionnaire.
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Finding Inspiration and Hope From Family
In addition to his own experiences, Joshua Cottle draws strength and important life lessons from the story of his grandfather, who started with nothing but managed to work his way through medical school and become a doctor—just like Cottle is doing now.
“I want to carry on those values of fortitude and perseverance in my actions and accomplishments,” he says.
Cottle also has the support of his parents, although they do not have the means to “fully cover” his education. After everything he has been through, however, such a challenge seems minor.
“I take it as motivation,” Cottle explains at the end of his essay.
Friedman & Simon, L.L.P., Is Proud to Help Students Like Joshua Cottle
Winning the 2024 Friedman & Simon, L.L.P., Academic Scholarship is one way that Cottle seeks to overcome all obstacles and complete his schooling. “This will help offset costs associated with my academics and living expenses in a college town,” he explains. “That will be extremely helpful for me to focus on my academics.”
On behalf of everyone at Friedman & Simon, L.L.P., we congratulate Joshua Cottle on his success and are sure that he will continue to bring compassion and courage to all aspects of his life and career.
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