From the moment I was born, my heart didn’t function as it should. Diagnosed with several congenital heart defects, including Interrupted Aortic Arch, Ventricular Septal Defect, and Aortic Stenosis, I faced many uncertainties about my future. My early childhood was marked by multiple open-heart surgeries, countless tests, and frequent hospital visits. But as I grew older, I came to realize something important: I could either let my condition define me, or I could choose to define myself by how I responded to it. I chose the latter. The surgeries, medical treatments, and regular check-ups became part of my routine, but they also became lessons in perseverance. I learned to embrace the support of my family and friends, who stood by me through it all. They became my anchors, reminding me that hope exists even in the toughest of times. Knowing I wasn’t alone on this journey gave me strength. Living with a CHD often means being at constant risk of complications. I have had difficulty engaging in physical activity, as exertion put undue stress on my heart, leading to fatigue. Even something as simple as climbing a flight of stairs or walking for extended periods can leave me feeling winded or dizzy. For someone in this situation, daily life can seem like a constant balancing act between what they want to do and what their body will allow them to do. While living with a congenital heart defect created many obstacles, it is also a source of immense personal strength and inspiration for me. The experiences navigating these challenges have served as a motivation to pursue my passion in a way that is uniquely fulfilling. While my condition required many adjustments, it also opened my eyes to a broader perspective on life. I’ve always had a passion for sports, but due to blood thinners, an artificial valve, a pacemaker, and leg surgery, I had to find other ways to stay connected to sports. From an early age, I followed sports closely, tracking stats and scores for teams and players. In middle school and high school, I had the opportunity to work as a school broadcaster. As a senior this year, I was invited by the local commentator to keep stats for our high school team and help with live broadcasts. By pursuing a dual major in Public Relations and Journalism with a Sports Media Certification at Texas Tech University, I aim to further my passion and ultimately build a career as a sports analyst. These moments have taught me not to take anything for granted and to celebrate every victory, no matter how small. Every day that I feel healthy and strong is a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit.