Growing up, I was a victim of child abuse and neglect from my parents. I spent time in the foster care system, as well as homelessness. I knew my education would give me the opportunity to make a difference in my life as well as the opportunity to show others who come from broken homes and traumatic upbringings that it is possible to not fall victim to your past and be successful in your future. I truly want to tell my story and let others know that you can make your dreams a reality. I have been featured on podcasts discussing my experience as a single mom in graduate school as well as trying to build my own social media following to truly show others it can be done. I joined the United States army at the age of 18 where I was privileged enough to serve overseas as a combat medic in Germany. Unfortunately, I became a single mom at the age of 21. I received an associate degree in nursing at the age of 23, and a bachelor's degree in nursing at the age of 29, all while being a single mother. I am still an entirely single mother now in graduate school pursuing my dream of becoming a doctor of nurse anesthesia, otherwise known as a CRNA. I must take out the maximum amount of student loans as I am unable to work while in graduate school and am hoping to inspire others with my story enough to qualify for scholarships. My dream is to be able to take care of others during their most vulnerable time in their lives while being able to financially support my daughter independent of another parent. I have always had a passion for the medical field and caring for others. My years spent as a combat medic, an ICU nurse, and now an anesthesia provider have shaped me into the person I am today. I strive to be a compassionate, caring, and kind provider that patients remember postoperatively as someone who made a positive impact in their care. This has not been an easy journey; however, it has been worth it. I often reflect back on my "why" which happens to be written on my desk at home. My "why" to keep going every day is my daughter. I am so proud to be able to show her you can be successful despite your past or the fact that I am a single mother. I can be a good mom and a good anesthesia provider rather than picking between the two. I aspire to be the best mom and anesthesia provider that I can be despite the hardships I have been faced to endure.