"Everything I’ve worked toward so far comes down to a simple purpose: leading with empathy and being a real voice for the next generation. Whether it was commanding parade squads or navigating an international exchange trip, my journey has been about stepping out of my comfort zone to build the confidence and mindset needed to make a difference. As I dive into early childhood education, I don't just look at my past achievements as medals on a shelf, I see them as the stepping stones for where I want to go next in child advocacy, education, and shaping policies that actually protect children."