As a single 29-year-old student, dog mom, union organizer, and only child and grandchild, my experience as a caregiver extends into most facets of my life and can be overwhelming at times. However, these experiences have shaped my personal goals, journey, and identity in several ways that I am proud to share. I am the sole caretaker of my hound dog Sully, who was diagnosed with cancer at four years old. Watching my loyal companion of many years suffer from cancer has been heart-wrenching and extremely difficult. Because he doesn’t understand what is going on or what his care needs are, this falls exclusively onto me. This requires dedication, determination and a lot of patience and understanding during vet appointments, administering medicine and limiting activity. As an only child and grandchild, I also assist my family with their health and personal needs. For example, when my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer, I attended to her during and after surgeries and radiation. In addition, since my grandfather died, I have helped my grandmother with paperwork, doctor appointments and chores around home. Having these responsibilities can be challenging, but it has also allowed me to develop a stronger sense of compassion and deeper relationships with each family member. I’ve learned to put myself in others’ shoes and to understand their struggles and challenges. If my husband died, or if I was dealing with breast cancer, I cannot imagine how scary this would be. Having their daughter or granddaughter by their side means they aren’t facing it alone. This experience has helped me become a more empathetic and caring person, which has been valuable in all areas of my life. Lastly, for me, caregiving extends beyond family and pets and includes caring for one’s community. As a union organizer, I care for my fellow union members on and off the job. During the COVID-19 pandemic, myself and other union staff organized a mutual aid network to provide support for members and their families who were struggling with job loss, illness, or other challenges. Additionally, we’ve organized community events like food drives that have allowed us to connect with our fellow members and show our support for the larger community. Due to these experiences, I’ve also been able to reflect to see that a huge part of caregiving is also caring for yourself. So often as caregivers, we work ourselves until we have nothing left to give. Part of showing myself care and love is investing in myself and my education by pursuing my Master’s in Science degree in Labor Studies. Through this opportunity, I look forward to expanding my knowledge in employment law, economics, public policy, and labor history, which will make me a stronger, more effective union organizer. In conclusion, caregiving can be a challenging experience, but it can also help you grow and develop as a person. By taking this time in my life to give back to myself, I will be able to give back to others in return far more than I could have without such an opportunity. Through these experiences, I have learned about the importance of patience, perseverance, and dedication, as well as empathy and compassion. Ultimately, my caregiving experience has helped me develop a stronger sense of self, which I believe will be valuable in all areas of my life. By putting myself in others' shoes, I have been able to learn from not only my experiences as a caregiver but from the experiences of those who I have cared for.

As a college student at UMass Amherst, I strongly believe that it's essential to maintain healthy eating habits. Healthy eating helps me stay focused, alert, and energized, which I need in order to do well in class! As much as I might love a greasy meal from time to time, consuming unhealthy, processed foods ends up making me feel sluggish and tired, which is not ideal when I have classes, work and my dog Sully to take care of. When I prioritize healthy eating habits, I'm able to balance it all no matter how full my calendar might be. In addition to helping me as a student, healthy eating habits have a huge impact on my mental health. When I prioritize what I'm putting into my body, I feel better about myself, my day and my overall mood. It's not just me - countless studies show a diet high in processed and other unhealthy foods increases the risk of depression and anxiety, while healthy diets do the opposite. I can personally say that as someone who has dealt with seasonal depression - ensuring that I am eating lots of fruits, veggies and whole grains is a major part of maintaining my mental health during the winter months. Some may think it is hard to practice healthy eating habits as a student, but at UMass Amherst I'm fortunate to have access to the #1 Dining Hall in the country, which offers a variety of healthy meal options. For breakfast, I might start my day with a bowl of oatmeal topped with fresh fruit and a drizzle of local maple syrup. Or, I might opt for the omelet bar and have it made with fresh spinach, peppers, and onions. For lunch, I might grab a salad from one of the many salad bars on campus, filled with a variety of colorful veggies. I'd probably top it off with some salmon, chicken or hard boiled eggs for protein. Alternatively, I could grab a veggie wrap made with a whole-grain wrap that would be super yummy. For dinner, my go-to would probably be the stir-fry station for a bowl with veggies, tofu, and brown rice. Of course, I can't forget the sushi station that has veggie rolls, California rolls and lots of other amazing, fresh options. In addition to the healthy meal options offered on campus, UMass Dining is really great about offering nutrition education programs, cooking classes, and workshops that help students like me make good healthy choices. I follow UMass Dining on Instagram and they are always sharing tips and healthy food options which have been helpful to me on more than one occasion. In conclusion, I believe that healthy eating habits are crucial to me being a good student. Making healthy food choices helps me both in and outside of class, and UMass Dining makes it a little easier to do so!

If I could have everyone in the world read just one book, it would be "The Andy Cohen Diaries: A Deep Look at a Shallow Year." Andy's book provides a unique and entertaining insight into the life of one of the most successful television producers and hosts in recent years who happens to be gay, Jewish and a single father. In addition, the book is funny, light-hearted and has encouraged me to embrace my own quirks and passions. As a college student, it is one of my favorite non-academic reads I've had and I think others would enjoy it too. As a memoir written in diary form, the book takes you through a year in the life of Andy, as he balances his personal and professional life. He is known for his work on Bravo's "Watch What Happens Live" and as an executive producer for numerous reality television shows, and his book provides a candid look at the highs and lows of his glamorous but often hectic life. Some of my favorite stories he tells include Mariah Carey, Lady Gaga and Anderson Cooper to name a few! What makes this book so special is that it is relatable on many levels. Even if you are not a fan of reality television, there is something in Cohen's story that will resonate with readers. He is honest about his struggles with anxiety and self-doubt, and his journey towards self-acceptance and confidence is inspiring. Furthermore, this book makes reading fun, which is so important. I think so many people, whether they be college students or those working 40+ hours a week, think of reading as a task. Andy's book will remind readers of all ages and backgrounds that reading can be just as fun, relaxing and enjoyable as sitting down to watch your favorite reality show. Cohen's witty writing style and humorous anecdotes make for an entertaining read, while his insights into the entertainment industry and pop culture provide a valuable perspective that those both young and old can enjoy. Overall, "The Andy Cohen Diaries: A Deep Look at a Shallow Year" is a book that everyone should read. It is a testament to the power of perseverance, self-acceptance, and finding joy in the things that make us unique. So whether you are a reality television junkie or just looking for a light and entertaining read, it is sure to captivate and inspire.