Learning about a new culture and making new friends, without the comfort of the people you have at home, has to be one of the most challenging things. And I did just that, at only 17 years old. Studying in the United States has been the most prominent move I have made. Of course, I faced great discomfort on my journey in America, oftentimes also fear and disappointment. However, this was a preeminent learning process and made me realize how much the world actually has to offer. I now can truly embrace the opportunities, adventure, and joy that come my way. As a first-generation student with no parental support, I am very eager to learn, optimistic, and highly self-motivated. Besides being a fulltime student with an overload in credits, I work two jobs to support myself. I am also the first female international student in my university's William O'Douglas Honors College and one of my biggest passions is aiding others in their successes. My life goal is to become one of the few female CEOs in America or my home country, the Netherlands. I want to help balance out the gender disparity at this level within companies and inspire the women around me to do the same.