30 Days of PH: College Life

Written by Jen Cueva |

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Day 24 of 30 Days of PH⁣ Topic: College life ⁣ ⁣ This is Emily’s story.⁣ ⁣ My name is Emily Weiss. I am 19 years old, and I have Pulmonary Hypertension. I am currently attending Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas. When first looking into colleges while I was still in high school I was terrified. High school was pretty rough for me. I went to 3 different schools, I didn’t have very many friends and never fit in. ⁣ ⁣ Going to college in a different state is certainly hard. Being away from my family, doing everything on my own, and keeping myself healthy. I decided to join a sorority to help meet people and it for sure has helped. I’ve always told myself that I would never join one because I didn’t want to buy my friends, I certainly did not. It is an agriculture sorority and I can relate to people that have the same major as me which is Pre-Veterinary medicine. ⁣ ⁣ Having an invisible illness and going to college isn’t as hard as I thought it was going to be. Even though my school is very hilly, I get by just fine. Alongside the PH I have anxiety. Living here on my own, away from my family has made it worse, I got an emotional support dog to help me not feel so alone. He makes me super happy, and for sure helps me stay exercising and always getting out of the house. I am so glad that I decided to get him. ⁣ ⁣ I have family friends close by in case something goes wrong. I am certainly blessed with my health. My pressures are near normal and all my vitals look great. I have been so very lucky over the past few years. I have supportive parents, an amazing best friend, and a wonderfully supportive boyfriend. ⁣ #30daysofPH #collegelife

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Jen Cueva avatar Jen Cueva

About the Author

Jen Cueva lives in sunny San Diego, California, with her husband and daughter. A former nurse, her life took an unexpected turn in 2005 when she was diagnosed with group 1 pulmonary hypertension (PH). That experience reshaped her purpose, transforming her journey into one of advocacy, connection, and hope. As Manager of Partnership Relations on the Bionews Advocacy team, Jen collaborates with rare disease communities to build bridges and strengthen support systems for patients and caregivers. She also serves as a forum moderator for *Pulmonary Hypertension News*, where she writes a biweekly column exploring the emotional landscape of living with PH, from resilience and gratitude to the quiet power of community. Whether she’s sharing stories that uplift or offering words that remind others they’re not alone, Jen finds meaning in helping people feel informed, empowered, and seen. When she’s not writing or advocating, you’ll likely find her at the beach, on a coffee date, or simply enjoying the laid-back San Diego sunshine. Together, we PHight stronger.

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30DaysofPH awareness


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