I am a college athlete who loves to bake, play the piano and the flute, and finds joy in ordinary things. I grew up helping raise my 4 siblings and discovered that I love working with kids. As soon as I turned 13, I was babysitting for different families every weekend. My best gifts to families in the community have always been free piano lessons, reading lessons, or just a playdate. I became a hot commodity for moms in the community looking for a night off. These experiences with children have shaped the way I learn and taught me to not take life so seriously. As I moved away from home for the first time, I faced a lot of new challenges, including developing a chronic illness and a chronic brain disorder. I often found it hard to stay motivated in school. The one thing I could always count on grounding me was taking care of children. They reminded me to stop and smell the flowers, chase butterflies, and find joy in everything. I continue to find opportunities to teach and empower kids. I plan to finish my undergraduate degree in psychology, then continue to get a graduate degree in occupational therapy. I will get to help children with disabilities learn how to complete everyday tasks on their own! I hope to make a career out of empowering children. This liberating career can make a difference, and I’m excited to do so—one day at a time.