Growing up, my aunt was a unique figure in our family. As an Air Force lieutenant, she was often stationed abroad, so we rarely saw her. When she did visit, her presence was unforgettable. She carried herself with an unmistakable sense of discipline and authority. Her stern demeanor could be intimidating at times, but it was clear that she lived by a code of integrity and purpose. One of my most vivid memories of her is from Thanksgiving when I was about eight years old. My aunt had just returned from an overseas assignment and joined our family for the holiday. While everyone else lounged around and shared laughs, she sat upright, her posture perfect, quietly observing the room. When she spoke, it was as if time stopped. Her words were deliberate and measured, and everyone paid attention. During dinner, she shared a brief story about a humanitarian mission she had worked on during her deployment. She explained how her team had worked tirelessly to deliver supplies to communities in need. While she didn’t reveal many details—her stories were always concise—what stood out was the pride she took in the teamwork and effort involved. “It’s not about you,” she said. “It’s about the people depending on you.” Even at that young age, I could feel the weight of her words and understood their significance. While her sternness was often front and center, there were moments when her softer side came through. That same Thanksgiving, she noticed me struggling to make a paper airplane. I’ll never forget how she took the time to help me. What began as a fun activity turned into a lesson in precision and patience. She showed me how to carefully fold the paper, explaining that every detail mattered. At the time, I thought she was being overly meticulous, but looking back, I realize it was her way of teaching me the importance of doing things the right way, no matter how small the task. My aunt’s influence has stayed with me throughout my life. She taught me that discipline isn’t just about following rules—it’s about holding yourself to a higher standard and staying committed to your responsibilities. Her dedication to serving something greater than herself continues to inspire me. Whether it’s leading a team, managing my own business, or simply tackling challenges, I approach everything with the values she instilled in me: precision, accountability, resilience, and leadership.

One of the most defining moments in my life came from the mentorship of my baseball coach, Carl Bohannan. As a team captain with seven championships and two MVP awards to my name, I was used to high-pressure situations. But there was one season where everything seemed to go wrong. The stakes were high, and the challenges we faced as a team felt almost insurmountable. That year, injuries, internal conflicts, and the pressure to uphold our winning streak began to weigh heavily on me. As captain, I felt responsible for holding the team together. The stress started affecting not just my performance but my confidence as a leader. One day after practice, Coach Bohannan pulled me aside. He had seen the burden I was carrying and knew I needed guidance. He reminded me that leadership isn’t about taking on everything alone—it’s about trusting the team, staying grounded, and leading by example. “Control what you can,” he said, “and let the rest fall into place.” He taught me the value of preparation and resilience, emphasizing that setbacks are opportunities to grow. Coach Bohannan also shared his own experiences of overcoming adversity, both on and off the field, reminding me that persistence always pays off. With his support, I shifted my focus back to the basics—my effort, attitude, and encouraging my teammates to give their best. Coach Bohannan worked with me after practices, helping me refine not just my skills but my mindset. By the time the championship game arrived, I felt ready to face whatever challenges came our way. We went on to win the title that season, but the true victory was the sense of growth and confidence I gained through his mentorship. Coach Bohannan’s impact extended far beyond baseball. His lessons about discipline, teamwork, and integrity have stayed with me in everything I do. As president of my local FBLA chapter and the owner of a 360 photo booth business, I lead with the same resilience and focus he instilled in me. He showed me that real leadership is about lifting others up and staying grounded in your values, no matter the circumstances. David valued qualities like perseverance, accountability, and service to others. Those are traits Coach Bohannan helped me develop and that I strive to exemplify every day. His belief in me during my most challenging moments shaped not just the player I was, but the person I am today. He taught me that true success isn’t just about winning—it’s about growth, character, and making a positive impact on those around you.