Get there early! No matter how bad you think the parking situation is going to be, I promise, it is going to be worse than you had expected. It is definitely worth getting up an extra hour or two early and finding a parking spot, having time to grab a cup of coffee and find your class without the stress of being late. In my experience, the stress of traffic and parking is never worth it, and I always make an effort to be an hour or two early for the first could weeks of class. It will make everything so much smoother! @misskierabrady

Anxiety, depression, trauma, poor time and emotional management, these are just a few of the symptoms of my mental health that have effected my career, both in regards to my education and my professional trajectory. Several experiences throughout my life have lead to my current position, a first-generation college student struggling with mental illness in a variety of forms, attempting to finish a college degree while also working two jobs and grasping at a social life. I know that I am not alone in this experience, there are a million other students like myself struggling to overcome their own personal battles and circumstances. My mental health has often made it more difficult for me as a student and as a working professional, however, my mental health has also helped to prepare for my career as a student and also as an administrator in my current job. The constant voice in my head that tells me that I am not good enough, can sometimes be the extra push that I need to put more effort in on a project, just to prove myself wrong. My mental health has brought me to believe that I can do hard things, no matter how hard they seem or how hard things get. I have managed to work though some of m y issues and I am continuing to learn and grow with my mental health, attempting to view it not as something that is wrong with me, but as a strong piece of who I am and how I can face the world. We cannot always choose the cards that we are dealt, however, we can do what we can to make the most of the circumstances and try our very best.

Maintaining a balance between work, school, and my personal life is very difficult to put it lightly. I am grateful that I have always been an extremely driven student and professional employee, however, maintaining that balance can be a definite struggle. I have had to find tips and tricks in order to keep myself sane while attending school full time, while also working more than one job full time, and also attempting to have a social life. I am extremely grateful that I have an extraordinary support system of friends, family, and loved ones who have been incredibly understanding and patient with me while I have been finishing my degree. Additionally, I am lucky enough to work for small, family owned companies that have ben extremely flexible and understanding of my school schedule. Both of my employers recognize the importance of higher education and have regularly been willing to accommodate my ever changing schedule each semester. Without the grace and support from my employers, I would not have had the flexibility in my schedule to work and pay for my tuition and other expenses while also attending classes, completing assignments, and attending study sessions. My friends and family have been majorly accommodating as I have been attending school, often understanding that my classes would revolve around a hectic commute and schedule. Delaying plans and activities, rescheduling, or completing homework while spending time with loved ones became part of my normal routine. I have a deep love for vintage cars and motorcycles, live music, and collecting vintage clothing. I also work as a freelance artist painting classic cars, motorcycles, and racecars. These activities are some of my favorite things to do, both on my own and with my friends and family. These activities have become a much needed way to distract myself from the stress of work and school, or the overwhelming stress of finals and studying. Spending time at car shows, drag races, swap meets, and estate sales have become favorite ways to relieve stress and get away from the computer screens that I spend all day in front of for both work and school. Additionally, I have found that sometimes, it is impossible for me to do everything. While I am extremely lucky and grateful to have built an infrastructure for myself of supportive friends and family and enjoyable hobbies, sometimes it is all too much. I have embraced the value of resting and talking to someone when I am stressed. Sometimes that rest is as simple as taking a walk or taking a nap, sometimes it is as necessary as seeking the help of a therapist to help prioritize my stressors and balance out those issues. I have found that the most important thing is the willingness to step back and relax when I need to.

Maintaining a balance between work, school, and my personal life is very difficult to put it lightly. I am grateful that I have always been an extremely driven student and professional employee, however, maintaining that balance can be a definite struggle. I have had to find tips and tricks in order to keep myself sane while attending school full time, while also working more than one job full time, and also attempting to have a social life. I am extremely grateful that I have an extraordinary support system of friends, family, and loved ones who have been incredibly understanding and patient with me while I have been finishing my degree. Additionally, I am lucky enough to work for small, family owned companies that have ben extremely flexible and understanding of my school schedule. Both of my employers recognize the importance of higher education and have regularly been willing to accommodate my ever changing schedule each semester. Without the grace and support from my employers, I would not have had the flexibility in my schedule to work and pay for my tuition and other expenses while also attending classes, completing assignments, and attending study sessions. My friends and family have been majorly accommodating as I have been attending school, often understanding that my classes would revolve around a hectic commute and schedule. Delaying plans and activities, rescheduling, or completing homework while spending time with loved ones became part of my normal routine. I have a deep love for vintage cars and motorcycles, live music, and collecting vintage clothing. I also work as a freelance artist painting classic cars, motorcycles, and racecars. These activities are some of my favorite things to do, both on my own and with my friends and family. These activities have become a much needed way to distract myself from the stress of work and school, or the overwhelming stress of finals and studying. Spending time at car shows, drag races, swap meets, and estate sales have become favorite ways to relieve stress and get away from the computer screens that I spend all day in front of for both work and school. Additionally, I have found that sometimes, it is impossible for me to do everything. While I am extremely lucky and grateful to have built an infrastructure for myself of supportive friends and family and enjoyable hobbies, sometimes it is all too much. I have embraced the value of resting and talking to someone when I am stressed. Sometimes that rest is as simple as taking a walk or taking a nap, sometimes it is as necessary as seeking the help of a therapist to help prioritize my stressors and balance out those issues. I have found that the most important thing is the willingness to step back and relax when I need to.

I have worked as a pinstriper and signwriter for the last fifteen years or so. Pinstriping is normally the art of applying fine lines to classic cars, vintage motorcycles, race cars and other vehicles. I have done signwriting for race cars, business logos and much more. Pinstriping and signwriting are both somewhat of a dying art, as technology has taken the place of both hand painted art forms. Additionally, the fields of both pinstriping and signwriting tend to be dominated by older men. I have worked for years perfecting my craft and have been lucky enough to have been featured in several magazines and special events. Throughout my career, I am extremely grateful to have also met a community of other young, female artists. For the last several years, the other female artists and myself have gotten together to produce art and auction it off for charities that support the needs of women and their families. Each year, a group of fifteen to twenty artists from all over the country would collaborate on a piece, with one of us starting it and then shipping it to the next artist who would add to it and then ship it off to the next artist. Each of us has our own special signature styles and we would impart those styles to the piece, adding signature flare, special mixed colours, gold leafing, and more. At the last artist, the piece would be brought to a car show and auctioned off. Each year, we choose a new charity to contribute towards, from breast cancer research to a women's shelter. We have raised thousands of dollars, doing what we love, for an excellent cause. I am extremely proud to work with this talented group of artists to produce funds for charities that we feel strongly about. On many occasions, we have been able to raise several thousands of dollars and it is a truly gratifying experience to be able to provide for research or other charitable endeavors by producing artwork together. In addition to raising money together, we are able to change the stereotypical image of what a pinstriper or a sign writer looks like, by placing ourselves at the forefront and showing other young women that this art form and artistic community has a place for them, despite the reputation of it being a generally older, male dominated industry. I am proud to report that I have helped to show many other young women that this is an artform that they can also explore themselves. I believe that by making our world a better and more beautiful place by lifting each other p, I can make a small difference one small step at a time. I am extremely grateful for the opportunities that art and the art community have given to me and I believe that by giving back to my community, it is a small way for me to contribute towards making my community and the world a better place overall. I look forward to seeing how more funds can be raised for new charities, new people can be introduced to art, and I can continue pursuing my passions.

I have worked as a pinstriper and signwriter for the last fifteen years or so. Pinstriping is normally the art of applying fine lines to classic cars, vintage motorcycles, race cars and other vehicles. I have done signwriting for race cars, business logos and much more. Pinstriping and signwriting are both somewhat of a dying art, as technology has taken the place of both hand painted art forms. Additionally, the fields of both pinstriping and signwriting tend to be dominated by older men. I have worked for years perfecting my craft and have been lucky enough to have been featured in several magazines and special events. Throughout my career, I am extremely grateful to have also met a community of other young, female artists. For the last several years, the other female artists and myself have gotten together to produce art and auction it off for charities that support the needs of women and their families. Each year, a group of fifteen to twenty artists from all over the country would collaborate on a piece, with one of us starting it and then shipping it to the next artist who would add to it and then ship it off to the next artist. Each of us has our own special signature styles and we would impart those styles to the piece, adding signature flare, special mixed colours, gold leafing, and more. At the last artist, the piece would be brought to a car show and auctioned off. Each year, we choose a new charity to contribute towards, from breast cancer research to a women's shelter. We have raised thousands of dollars, doing what we love, for an excellent cause. I am extremely proud to work with this talented group of artists to produce funds for charities that we feel strongly about. On many occasions, we have been able to raise several thousands of dollars and it is a truly gratifying experience to be able to provide for research or other charitable endeavors by producing artwork together. In addition to raising money together, we are able to change the stereotypical image of what a pinstriper or a sign writer looks like, by placing ourselves at the forefront and showing other young women that this art form and artistic community has a place for them, despite the reputation of it being a generally older, male dominated industry. I am proud to report that I have helped to show many other young women that this is an artform that they can also explore themselves. I believe that by making our world a better and more beautiful place by lifting each other p, I can make a small difference one small step at a time. I am extremely grateful for the opportunities that art and the art community have given to me and I believe that by giving back to my community, it is a small way for me to contribute towards making my community and the world a better place overall. I look forward to seeing how more funds can be raised for new charities, new people can be introduced to art, and I can continue pursuing my passions.

When I was growing up, my mother used to constantly tell my brother and I, "Responsibility is the willingness to accept that you are the cause of your actions and their consequences." (With emphasis placed on the "you"). My mother told us that when she was growing up, one of her high school teachers had this saying pinned up in his classroom and that it always stuck with her and she drilled it into us and the other kids that she babysat during the day. She taught us to take responsibility for our actions and how the outcomes could play out. She taught us to take responsibility for our words and how they could impact other people, positively or negatively. We were always encouraged to take leadership and stand up for what we believed, but also to admit when we were wrong or if something was our fault. As I have gotten older, obviously this phrase has stuck with me and I have always tried to keep it in my pocket, or in the back of my mind and I have found the concept has served me well a million times over. From the time of grade school and play time to my current position as a student and working professional, I have found that endless benefits of being honest, taking responsibility and possibly taking the blame for actions or events. I have been lucky enough to have had teachers and employers who were generally impressed by my initiative to step up and take ownership of my actions, regardless of the possible outcomes. While I always try to hold my head up high and work in a way that aligns with my ethics and morals, I have found that admitting when I am wrong or when I have made a mistake is a very difficult skill to learn. It is incredibly easy to pass off blame onto someone else or shift focus away from yourself when it comes down to a possible negative situation. Yet, I have been careful to learn the importance of owning and understanding my own actions. This thought process has helped me to be more methodical and thoughtful in my actions. I try to think about how my actions or words might affect those around me, as I know that I would want to take full responsibility and also be proud of any words or actions that had my name attached to them. This lesson has proved to be valuable time and time again, both as a student, and as a working professional. Ultimately in life, I want to be proud of my words and actions and take pride in taking responsibility for them.

I have worked as a pinstriper and signwriter for the last fifteen years or so. Pinstriping is normally the art of applying fine lines to classic cars, vintage motorcycles, race cars and other vehicles. I have done signwriting for race cars, business logos and much more. Pinstriping and signwriting are both somewhat of a dying art, as technology has taken the place of both hand painted art forms. Additionally, the fields of both pinstriping and signwriting tend to be dominated by older men. I have worked for years perfecting my craft and have been lucky enough to have been featured in several magazines and special events. Throughout my career, I am extremely grateful to have also met a community of other young, female artists. For the last several years, the other female artists and myself have gotten together to produce art and auction it off for charities that support the needs of women and their families. Each year, a group of fifteen to twenty artists from all over the country would collaborate on a piece, with one of us starting it and then shipping it to the next artist who would add to it and then ship it off to the next artist. Each of us has our own special signature styles and we would impart those styles to the piece, adding signature flare, special mixed colours, gold leafing, and more. At the last artist, the piece would be brought to a car show and auctioned off. Each year, we choose a new charity to contribute towards, from breast cancer research to a women's shelter. We have raised thousands of dollars, doing what we love, for an excellent cause. I am extremely proud to work with this talented group of artists to produce funds for charities that we feel strongly about. On many occasions, we have been able to raise several thousands of dollars and it is a truly gratifying experience to be able to provide for research or other charitable endeavors by producing artwork together. In addition to raising money together, we are able to change the stereotypical image of what a pinstriper or a sign writer looks like, by placing ourselves at the forefront and showing other young women that this art form and artistic community has a place for them, despite the reputation of it being a generally older, male dominated industry. I am proud to report that I have helped to show many other young women that this is an artform that they can also explore themselves. I believe that by making our world a better and more beautiful place by lifting each other p, I can make a small difference one small step at a time. I am extremely grateful for the opportunities that art and the art community have given to me and I believe that by giving back to my community, it is a small way for me to contribute towards making my community and the world a better place overall. I look forward to seeing how more funds can be raised for new charities, new people can be introduced to art, and I can continue pursuing my passions.

I firmly believe that how we choose to respond to life’s challenges will continue to shape our lives and who we are as people and as members of our communities. Something along the lines of “what does not kill you, makes you stronger”. However, often times, we do not get to choose the situations that we are placed in, and we have to learn to do our best in those circumstances. The way in which an individual does their best in an unfortunate situation and how they let that situation dictate their behavior can say a lot about their integrity and dedication to their own life and passions. Unfortunately, my father has been a lifelong addict and abuser of alcohol, despite efforts to stop and become sober, addiction has had a hold on him for as long as I can remember and for much of the time before I was born from what I understand. Because of his addiction and the behavior that I was exposed to as a child, I have always been extremely careful to avoid traditionally addicting substances – for instance, only drinking alcohol socially and in moderation and never trying drugs. The addiction of my father helped me to realize the importance of having a good education, a secure job, and the ability to provide for myself and my family. In addition to the insight that his addiction has given me, the perseverance and hard work that my mother put into our lives and our childhoods stands out as a much more important beacon of inspiration for me. My mother worked tirelessly to keep me, and my siblings sheltered from the addiction and subsequent erratic behavior of my father. She instilled in us the importance of a good education and the ability to support myself financially. My mother had to work extra jobs and earn money to support her family basically as a single mother, despite the fact that she had a perfectly able-bodied husband who would not provide. She always made sure that we did not want for anything and never let my father’s addiction affect our lives in any way. Now, as an adult, I can see the trauma that his addiction caused me, my mother, and the rest of our family. While I would not wish this situation on anyone, growing up with a parent who had substance abuse problems was very difficult and disappointing, I do believe that it prepared me for life in some ways. Maybe in some ways, I came out stronger because of it. However, it was difficult, and heartbreaking and I would not ever want to see someone go through it. I believe that my father’s constant choice of his addiction over his family shows that he was not strong enough to be a good husband and father, however my mothers conviction showed me how strong she was in that position as she provided for us. The experience of growing up with a parent struggling with addiction has made me want to live a life that I can be proud of and hold my head high as I navigate.

Anxiety, depression, trauma, poor time and emotional management, these are just a few of the symptoms of my mental health that have effected my career, both in regards to my education and my professional trajectory. Several experiences throughout my life have lead to my current position, a first-generation college student struggling with mental illness in a variety of forms, attempting to finish a college degree while also working two jobs and grasping at a social life. I know that I am not alone in this experience, there are a million other students like myself struggling to overcome their own personal battles and circumstances. My mental health has often made it more difficult for me as a student and as a working professional, however, my mental health has also helped to prepare for my career as a student and also as an administrator in my current job. The constant voice in my head that tells me that I am not good enough, can sometimes be the extra push that I need to put more effort in on a project, just to prove myself wrong. My mental health has brought me to believe that I can do hard things, no matter how hard they seem or how hard things get. I have managed to work though some of m y issues and I am continuing to learn and grow with my mental health, attempting to view it not as something that is wrong with me, but as a strong piece of who I am and how I can face the world. We cannot always choose the cards that we are dealt, however, we can do what we can to make the most of the circumstances and try our very best.

My absolute dream job is to work in museums. I believe that the preservation of history, artifacts, and cultures are all incredibly important aspects of day-to-day life that can have a huge impact in a variety of ways. Working in museums would give me the opportunity to be apart of a team that would be responsible for identifying, preserving, and displaying cultural artifacts so that further generations can learn about them. I firmly believe that the most efficient way to keep a society from repeating history is to learn about history itself. Museums and other galleries give patrons an opportunity to view history in an up close and personal way that cannot be understood through other forms of mediums such as books and film. For some people, seeing an object up close and in person is a way to remind them of an event or period of history that actually happened and why it is important. I know that as a child, I was lucky and grateful enough that my mother took my siblings and I to as many museums, zoos, and galleries as possible when we were young. Everything from small community zoo exhibits, to large natural history museums, specialty art galleries, and unique museums like the Petersen classic car museum. These museum visits had a profound impact on me as a child and throughout my life which, no doubt, sparked my love of history, vintage clothing, classic cars, and all things old and interesting that I could get my hands on. I remember the impact that museums, zoos, live music, and other exhibits had on me fondly. While not every single patron of an exhibit might end up being inspired to devote their life to the preservation of history, I believe that exhibits like the ones that I was exposed to might ignite an interest in a particular industry, hobby, or topic. Interesting and informative history lessons, like the ones displayed in museums, offer the unique opportunity to both inspire those who view them and also offer entertainment to the participants. I firmly believe that museums and other similar exhibits and cultural spaces are an important part of a communities heritage and understanding of their history. I would be honored to be employed in a position that could help to preserve some of the important cultural artifacts and important cultural spaces that so many people hold near and dear to their hearts.

I firmly believe that how we choose to respond to life’s challenges will continue to shape our lives and who we are as people and as members of our communities. Something along the lines of “what does not kill you, makes you stronger”. However, often times, we do not get to choose the situations that we are placed in, and we have to learn to do our best in those circumstances. The way in which an individual does their best in an unfortunate situation and how they let that situation dictate their behavior can say a lot about their integrity and dedication to their own life and passions. Unfortunately, my father has been a lifelong addict and abuser of alcohol, despite efforts to stop and become sober, addiction has had a hold on him for as long as I can remember and for much of the time before I was born from what I understand. Because of his addiction and the behavior that I was exposed to as a child, I have always been extremely careful to avoid traditionally addicting substances – for instance, only drinking alcohol socially and in moderation and never trying drugs. The addiction of my father helped me to realize the importance of having a good education, a secure job, and the ability to provide for myself and my family. In addition to the insight that his addiction has given me, the perseverance and hard work that my mother put into our lives and our childhoods stands out as a much more important beacon of inspiration for me. My mother worked tirelessly to keep me, and my siblings sheltered from the addiction and subsequent erratic behavior of my father. She instilled in us the importance of a good education and the ability to support myself financially. My mother had to work extra jobs and earn money to support her family basically as a single mother, despite the fact that she had a perfectly able-bodied husband who would not provide. She always made sure that we did not want for anything and never let my father’s addiction affect our lives in any way. Now, as an adult, I can see the trauma that his addiction caused me, my mother, and the rest of our family. While I would not wish this situation on anyone, growing up with a parent who had substance abuse problems was very difficult and disappointing, I do believe that it prepared me for life in some ways. Maybe in some ways, I came out stronger because of it. However, it was difficult, and heartbreaking and I would not ever want to see someone go through it. I believe that my father’s constant choice of his addiction over his family shows that he was not strong enough to be a good husband and father, however my mothers conviction showed me how strong she was in that position as she provided for us. The experience of growing up with a parent struggling with addiction has made me want to live a life that I can be proud of and hold my head high as I navigate.

I believe that the characteristic in myself that is the most valuable and the most important is my never-ending belief in kindness. I believe so strongly that being kind to the people around you is never, ever a negative thing and should always be celebrated. Being kind is the easiest thing in the world and it can go a long way to brighten someone else’s day. Please do not think that I am naïve. I am fully aware that sometimes, people are just having a bad day, or grieving, or are consumed with thoughts of something else – but those people are still deserving of kindness and compassion, just as everyone else is. I am not a perpetual optimist; I do not believe that the world is all sunshine and daisies. But I believe that I am a realist and realistically, the only thing that most people need is for the people around them to pay attention to them, to listen to them, and to be kind and empathetic towards them. I have worked a variety of jobs in my life so far, from retail to executive assistant positions. No matter how bad a day I was having, or how upset I was, I always tried my very best to be kind and compassionate to my clients, customers, vendors, supervisors, and coworkers. At every single position that I have ever held, that kindness has paid off, as customers often wanted to speak to my manager to complement my service and attitude. Many times, I was also offered promotions or other advancement, because my superiors knew that I would interact with the public in a polite and kind manner. This is not to say that I am advocating for anyone to be a push over, but simply to extend kindness whenever it is possible. As someone who has personally suffered from poor self-esteem and debilitating anxiety, sometimes the kindness of a stranger or a classmate can be what turns your day around. I try my very best to offer kindness to those around me whenever I can, for the main reason that you never know what someone else is going through or what they might be struggling with. Sometimes, kindness can be what keeps someone from harming themselves or feeling badly about themselves. Sometimes, a complement or a smile can be what inspires a young child to keep wearing what makes them feel confident. I firmly believe that being kind and compassionate to the people in your life – even if they are strangers – can make a huge difference in everyone’s life. It feels nice to be nice. I am grateful that people have been kind to me throughout my life, and I intend to pay that forward as much as I can. At the end of the day, being kind is easy and it doesn’t cost a thing.

I try my very best to live bravely and boldly every single day in my life. Life is entirely too short to not do the things that I love and for a long time, I believe that fear was the only thing holding me back from doing those things. A negative self-body image, a controlling partner, and terrible self esteem always held me back from doing the things that I wanted. I had a closet full of bright coloured vintage dresses and accessories that I was always too afraid and self-conscious to wear, for fear of judgement. Finally, I hit a wall and realized that I was truly miserable and needed to do something about it. I left the abusive partner and worked hard to tell myself that I was deserving of all the things that I wanted and needed. Slowly, that confidence started to build and now I unashamedly wear whatever I want and do whatever I want. Life is too short to deprive yourself of joy. Buy the shoes, take the trip, make the new friends. I now consciously try to complement people whenever I can. Being kind and standing up to cruelty is the easiest thing in the world and it goes a very long way to brighten someone else’s day. If my complement to someone can make them feel a little more confident to dress the way that they want, I wish everyone would take the extra time out of their day to be more kind to strangers.

As a young millennial, I have seen quite a lot of technology change very quickly during my lifetime. When I was a child, every household hand a landline, almost nobody had a cell phone or a home computer, and mobile technology was bulky and barely available. While the generations before me, those of my parents and grandparents, have struggled with the ever increasing speed of changing progress with technology, I have been lucky enough to stay ahead of the learning curve. I believe that the one item of technology that inspires me in how technological progress can change the world is the advancements in mobile and cell phone technology. In my childhood, a cell phone often meant a large bulky phone with limited service, maybe installed in a car or in a briefcase. If you were lucky, you might have a Nokia phone, one of those indestructible phones that did not do much more than make calls or operate the "snake" game. In a strange twist of fate, now making phone calls is one of the least exciting and least used functions o our modern smart phones. Our phones today are capable of so much more than even a few years prior. Now, our smart phones will give us directions, save dates, play music and movies, pay bills, connect through apps, play games, hail rides, track our movement, and so much more. Our phones offer ways to keep in touch with loved ones, ways to unwind at the end of the day, ways to discover new places and things, and tons of other features. I look forward to seeing how the advancement of technology in cell phones continues to change in the coming years. With all the features and services that our phones now offer, I am excited to see how phones might contribute to further advancing society through new technological progress. Additional features like administering medical advice, translation services, and more could be catalysts for change in the world around us.

I have worked as a pinstriper and signwriter for the last fifteen years or so. Pinstriping is normally the art of applying fine lines to classic cars, vintage motorcycles, race cars and other vehicles. I have done signwriting for race cars, business logos and much more. Pinstriping and signwriting are both somewhat of a dying art, as technology has taken the place of both hand painted art forms. Additionally, the fields of both pinstriping and signwriting tend to be dominated by older men. I have worked for years perfecting my craft and have been lucky enough to have been featured in several magazines and special events. Throughout my career, I am extremely grateful to have also met a community of other young, female artists. For the last several years, the other female artists and myself have gotten together to produce art and auction it off for charities that support the needs of women and their families. Each year, a group of fifteen to twenty artists from all over the country would collaborate on a piece, with one of us starting it and then shipping it to the next artist who would add to it and then ship it off to the next artist. Each of us has our own special signature styles and we would impart those styles to the piece, adding signature flare, special mixed colours, gold leafing, and more. At the last artist, the piece would be brought to a car show and auctioned off. Each year, we choose a new charity to contribute towards, from breast cancer research to a women's shelter. We have raised thousands of dollars, doing what we love, for an excellent cause. I am extremely proud to work with this talented group of artists to produce funds for charities that we feel strongly about. On many occasions, we have been able to raise several thousands of dollars and it is a truly gratifying experience to be able to provide for research or other charitable endeavors by producing artwork together. In addition to raising money together, we are able to change the stereotypical image of what a pinstriper or a sign writer looks like, by placing ourselves at the forefront and showing other young women that this art form and artistic community has a place for them, despite the reputation of it being a generally older, male dominated industry. I am proud to report that I have helped to show many other young women that this is an artform that they can also explore themselves.

nxiety, depression, trauma, poor time and emotional management, these are just a few of the symptoms of my mental health that have effected my career, both in regards to my education and my professional trajectory. Several experiences throughout my life have lead to my current position, a first-generation college student struggling with mental illness in a variety of forms, attempting to finish a college degree while also working two jobs and grasping at a social life. I know that I am not alone in this experience, there are a million other students like myself struggling to overcome their own personal battles and circumstances. My mental health has often made it more difficult for me as a student and as a working professional, however, my mental health has also helped to prepare for my career as a student and also as an administrator in my current job. The constant voice in my head that tells me that I am not good enough, can sometimes be the extra push that I need to put more effort in on a project, just to prove myself wrong. My mental health has brought me to believe that I can do hard things, no matter how hard they seem or how hard things get. I have managed to work though some of m y issues and I am continuing to learn and grow with my mental health, attempting to view it not as something that is wrong with me, but as a strong piece of who I am and how I can face the world. We cannot always choose the cards that we are dealt, however, we can do what we can to make the most of the circumstances and try our very best.

I have worked as a pinstriper and signwriter for the last fifteen years or so. Pinstriping is normally the art of applying fine lines to classic cars, vintage motorcycles, race cars and other vehicles. I have done signwriting for race cars, business logos and much more. Pinstriping and signwriting are both somewhat of a dying art, as technology has taken the place of both hand painted art forms. Additionally, the fields of both pinstriping and signwriting tend to be dominated by older men. I have worked for years perfecting my craft and have been lucky enough to have been featured in several magazines and special events. Throughout my career, I am extremely grateful to have also met a community of other young, female artists. For the last several years, the other female artists and myself have gotten together to produce art and auction it off for charities that support the needs of women and their families. Each year, a group of fifteen to twenty artists from all over the country would collaborate on a piece, with one of us starting it and then shipping it to the next artist who would add to it and then ship it off to the next artist. Each of us has our own special signature styles and we would impart those styles to the piece, adding signature flare, special mixed colours, gold leafing, and more. At the last artist, the piece would be brought to a car show and auctioned off. Each year, we choose a new charity to contribute towards, from breast cancer research to a women's shelter. We have raised thousands of dollars, doing what we love, for an excellent cause. I am extremely proud to work with this talented group of artists to produce funds for charities that we feel strongly about. On many occasions, we have been able to raise several thousands of dollars and it is a truly gratifying experience to be able to provide for research or other charitable endeavors by producing artwork together. In addition to raising money together, we are able to change the stereotypical image of what a pinstriper or a sign writer looks like, by placing ourselves at the forefront and showing other young women that this art form and artistic community has a place for them, despite the reputation of it being a generally older, male dominated industry. I am proud to report that I have helped to show many other young women that this is an artform that they can also explore themselves.

While I am not a single mother, I am the direct product of one of the most hard working single mothers that I have ever met. Every single mother that I know has sacrificed countless luxuries and comforts in an effort to raise their children and my own mother is no exception. My mother has worked tirelessly throughout her entire life to provide for my siblings and myself and I am eternally grateful for the choices and sacrifices that she made for us. After leaving a husband and father of her children who was emotionally, physically, financially, and otherwise abusive towards her, my mother found adequate, and most importantly safe, housing for herself and my siblings - effectively removing us from a situation that could have become dangerous. I know that the act of leaving her partner was a difficult decision to make which took a great deal of courage on her part, courage which has inspired me in my life to put myself and my own needs first. Her courage inspired me to prioritize my own safety and well-being, whether that be physical, mental, emotional, or otherwise. This effort to prioritize my own well being and happiness has led me to follow my dreams and constantly seek new opportunities for myself. Affording housing and supporting her family on her own was no easy task, and I have very defined memories of my mother working several jobs in order to keep a roof over our head and keep the bills paid. She worked early mornings, long hours, difficult commutes, and I know that she did not spend nearly as much time with her family or as much time doing the things that she loved in order to provide for us. I remember that my family struggled throughout much of my childhood, and we were never able to afford extra luxuries or expensive goods. However, my mother made sure that my siblings and I never went without anything and we never wanted for any necessities. She always made sure that we were well cared for and well provided for, even if that meant she went without. Her sacrifices have inspired me further to carefully consider what is really important in life and what is really worth prioritizing and spending money on. She did her very best to ensure that we went to the best local schools possible, and instilled in us that a good education was a great way to get a good job and provide for ourselves. My mother always encouraged my siblings and I to pursue whatever made us happy, from musical instruments to baseball or karate. She also did her best to expose us to as much of the world as she could from a young age, giving me a broad perspective on the world around me. My mother struggled as a single mother and made difficult choices and sacrifices to provide the best possible life for my siblings and I. I am forever grateful for her and the choices that she made that allowed me to become who I am today and achieve the things that I have achieved.

My absolute dream job is to work in museums. I believe that the preservation of history, artifacts, and cultures are all incredibly important aspects of day-to-day life that can have a huge impact in a variety of ways. Working in museums would give me the opportunity to be apart of a team that would be responsible for identifying, preserving, and displaying cultural artifacts so that further generations can learn about them. I firmly believe that the most efficient way to keep a society from repeating history is to learn about history itself. Museums and other galleries give patrons an opportunity to view history in an up close and personal way that cannot be understood through other forms of mediums such as books and film. For some people, seeing an object up close and in person is a way to remind them of an event or period of history that actually happened and why it is important. I know that as a child, I was lucky and grateful enough that my mother took my siblings and I to as many museums, zoos, and galleries as possible when we were young. Everything from small community zoo exhibits, to large natural history museums, specialty art galleries, and unique museums like the Petersen classic car museum. These museum visits had a profound impact on me as a child and throughout my life which, no doubt, sparked my love of history, vintage clothing, classic cars, and all things old and interesting that I could get my hands on. I remember the impact that museums, zoos, live music, and other exhibits had on me fondly. While not every single patron of an exhibit might end up being inspired to devote their life to the preservation of history, I believe that exhibits like the ones that I was exposed to might ignite an interest in a particular industry, hobby, or topic. Interesting and informative history lessons, like the ones displayed in museums, offer the unique opportunity to both inspire those who view them and also offer entertainment to the participants. I firmly believe that museums and other similar exhibits and cultural spaces are an important part of a communities heritage and understanding of their history. I would be honored to be employed in a position that could help to preserve some of the important cultural artifacts and important cultural spaces that so many people hold near and dear to their hearts.

I have worked as a pinstriper and signwriter for the last fifteen years or so. Pinstriping is normally the art of applying fine lines to classic cars, vintage motorcycles, race cars and other vehicles. I have done signwriting for race cars, business logos and much more. Pinstriping and signwriting are both somewhat of a dying art, as technology has taken the place of both hand painted art forms. Additionally, the fields of both pinstriping and signwriting tend to be dominated by older men. I have worked for years perfecting my craft and have been lucky enough to have been featured in several magazines and special events. Throughout my career, I am extremely grateful to have also met a community of other young, female artists. For the last several years, the other female artists and myself have gotten together to produce art and auction it off for charities that support the needs of women and their families. Each year, a group of fifteen to twenty artists from all over the country would collaborate on a piece, with one of us starting it and then shipping it to the next artist who would add to it and then ship it off to the next artist. Each of us has our own special signature styles and we would impart those styles to the piece, adding signature flare, special mixed colours, gold leafing, and more. At the last artist, the piece would be brought to a car show and auctioned off. Each year, we choose a new charity to contribute towards, from breast cancer research to a women's shelter. We have raised thousands of dollars, doing what we love, for an excellent cause.

I have worked as a pinstriper and signwriter for the last fifteen years or so. Pinstriping is normally the art of applying fine lines to classic cars, vintage motorcycles, race cars and other vehicles. I have done signwriting for race cars, business logos and much more. Pinstriping and signwriting are both somewhat of a dying art, as technology has taken the place of both hand painted art forms. Additionally, the fields of both pinstriping and signwriting tend to be dominated by older men. I have worked for years perfecting my craft and have been lucky enough to have been featured in several magazines and special events. Throughout my career, I am extremely grateful to have also met a community of other young, female artists. For the last several years, the other female artists and myself have gotten together to produce art and auction it off for charities that support the needs of women and their families. Each year, a group of fifteen to twenty artists from all over the country would collaborate on a piece, with one of us starting it and then shipping it to the next artist who would add to it and then ship it off to the next artist. Each of us has our own special signature styles and we would impart those styles to the piece, adding signature flare, special mixed colours, gold leafing, and more. At the last artist, the piece would be brought to a car show and auctioned off. Each year, we choose a new charity to contribute towards, from breast cancer research to a women's shelter. We have raised thousands of dollars, doing what we love, for an excellent cause.

My absolute dream job is to work in museums. I believe that the preservation of history, artifacts, and cultures are all incredibly important aspects of day-to-day life that can have a huge impact in a variety of ways. Working in museums would give me the opportunity to be apart of a team that would be responsible for identifying, preserving, and displaying cultural artifacts so that further generations can learn about them. I firmly believe that the most efficient way to keep a society from repeating history is to learn about history itself. Museums and other galleries give patrons an opportunity to view history in an up close and personal way that cannot be understood through other forms of mediums such as books and film. For some people, seeing an object up close and in person is a way to remind them of an event or period of history that actually happened and why it is important. I know that as a child, I was lucky and grateful enough that my mother took my siblings and I to as many museums, zoos, and galleries as possible when we were young. Everything from small community zoo exhibits, to large natural history museums, specialty art galleries, and unique museums like the Petersen classic car museum. These museum visits had a profound impact on me as a child and throughout my life which, no doubt, sparked my love of history, vintage clothing, classic cars, and all things old and interesting that I could get my hands on. I remember the impact that museums, zoos, live music, and other exhibits had on me fondly. While not every single patron of an exhibit might end up being inspired to devote their life to the preservation of history, I believe that exhibits like the ones that I was exposed to might ignite an interest in a particular industry, hobby, or topic. Interesting and informative history lessons, like the ones displayed in museums, offer the unique opportunity to both inspire those who view them and also offer entertainment to the participants. I firmly believe that museums and other similar exhibits and cultural spaces are an important part of a communities heritage and understanding of their history. I would be honored to be employed in a position that could help to preserve some of the important cultural artifacts and important cultural spaces that so many people hold near and dear to their hearts.

A tip that was taught to me by a coworker and has saved me many many times is to simply check your accounts every day. Make sure that you are fully aware of what is gong in and out of your accounts every single day. If you have no idea what is going on, you cannot catch any problems or issues. I was taught to check my regular accounts, like checking and savings accounts, every day - just briefly - and make sure nothing looks out of place. Then, I was taught to check more long term accounts, like loans or investments at least every week. On more than one occasion, I have caught fraudulent charges on my account that I would not have otherwise been aware of. I recently had a coworker go to the airport only to find out that his flight had been cancelled months ago; if he had checked his accounts, he would have been aware of the fact that the ticket price had been refunded to his account and that he had no current airline tickets. Checking your accounts regularly is a small, simple thing that can help identify any mistakes in your money handling and give you a more secure understanding of your own personal cash flow.

I have worked as a pinstriper and signwriter for the last fifteen years or so. Pinstriping is normally the art of applying fine lines to classic cars, vintage motorcycles, race cars and other vehicles. I have done signwriting for race cars, business logos and much more. Pinstriping and signwriting are both somewhat of a dying art, as technology has taken the place of both hand painted art forms. Additionally, the fields of both pinstriping and signwriting tend to be dominated by older men. I have worked for years perfecting my craft and have been lucky enough to have been featured in several magazines and special events. Throughout my career, I am extremely grateful to have also met a community of other young, female artists. For the last several years, the other female artists and myself have gotten together to produce art and auction it off for charities that support the needs of women and their families. Each year, a group of fifteen to twenty artists from all over the country would collaborate on a piece, with one of us starting it and then shipping it to the next artist who would add to it and then ship it off to the next artist. Each of us has our own special signature styles and we would impart those styles to the piece, adding signature flare, special mixed colours, gold leafing, and more. At the last artist, the piece would be brought to a car show and auctioned off. Each year, we choose a new charity to contribute towards, from breast cancer research to a women's shelter. We have raised thousands of dollars, doing what we love, for an excellent cause.

While I am not a single mother, I am the direct product of one of the most hard working single mothers that I have ever met. Every single mother that I know has sacrificed countless luxuries and comforts in an effort to raise their children and my own mother is no exception. My mother has worked tirelessly throughout her entire life to provide for my siblings and myself and I am eternally grateful for the choices and sacrifices that she made for us. After leaving a husband and father of her children who was emotionally, physically, financially, and otherwise abusive towards her, my mother found adequate, and most importantly safe, housing for herself and my siblings - effectively removing us from a situation that could have become dangerous. I know that the act of leaving her partner was a difficult decision to make which took a great deal of courage on her part, courage which has inspired me in my life to put myself and my own needs first. Her courage inspired me to prioritize my own safety and well-being, whether that be physical, mental, emotional, or otherwise. This effort to prioritize my own well being and happiness has led me to follow my dreams and constantly seek new opportunities for myself. Affording housing and supporting her family on her own was no easy task, and I have very defined memories of my mother working several jobs in order to keep a roof over our head and keep the bills paid. She worked early mornings, long hours, difficult commutes, and I know that she did not spend nearly as much time with her family or as much time doing the things that she loved in order to provide for us. I remember that my family struggled throughout much of my childhood, and we were never able to afford extra luxuries or expensive goods. However, my mother made sure that my siblings and I never went without anything and we never wanted for any necessities. She always made sure that we were well cared for and well provided for, even if that meant she went without. Her sacrifices have inspired me further to carefully consider what is really important in life and what is really worth prioritizing and spending money on. She did her very best to ensure that we went to the best local schools possible, and instilled in us that a good education was a great way to get a good job and provide for ourselves. My mother always encouraged my siblings and I to pursue whatever made us happy, from musical instruments to baseball or karate. She also did her best to expose us to as much of the world as she could from a young age, giving me a broad perspective on the world around me. My mother struggled as a single mother and made difficult choices and sacrifices to provide the best possible life for my siblings and I. I am forever grateful for her and the choices that she made that allowed me to become who I am today and achieve the things that I have achieved.

My absolute dream job is to work in museums. I believe that the preservation of history, artifacts, and cultures are all incredibly important aspects of day-to-day life that can have a huge impact in a variety of ways. Working in museums would give me the opportunity to be apart of a team that would be responsible for identifying, preserving, and displaying cultural artifacts so that further generations can learn about them. I firmly believe that the most efficient way to keep a society from repeating history is to learn about history itself. Museums and other galleries give patrons an opportunity to view history in an up close and personal way that cannot be understood through other forms of mediums such as books and film. For some people, seeing an object up close and in person is a way to remind them of an event or period of history that actually happened and why it is important. I know that as a child, I was lucky and grateful enough that my mother took my siblings and I to as many museums, zoos, and galleries as possible when we were young. Everything from small community zoo exhibits, to large natural history museums, specialty art galleries, and unique museums like the Petersen classic car museum. These museum visits had a profound impact on me as a child and throughout my life which, no doubt, sparked my love of history, vintage clothing, classic cars, and all things old and interesting that I could get my hands on. I remember the impact that museums, zoos, live music, and other exhibits had on me fondly. While not every single patron of an exhibit might end up being inspired to devote their life to the preservation of history, I believe that exhibits like the ones that I was exposed to might ignite an interest in a particular industry, hobby, or topic. Interesting and informative history lessons, like the ones displayed in museums, offer the unique opportunity to both inspire those who view them and also offer entertainment to the participants. I firmly believe that museums and other similar exhibits and cultural spaces are an important part of a communities heritage and understanding of their history. I would be honored to be employed in a position that could help to preserve some of the important cultural artifacts and important cultural spaces that so many people hold near and dear to their hearts.

Maintaining a balance between work, school, and my personal life is very difficult to put it lightly. I am grateful that I have always been an extremely driven student and professional employee, however, maintaining that balance can be a definite struggle. I have had to find tips and tricks in order to keep myself sane while attending school full time, while also working more than one job full time, and also attempting to have a social life. I am extremely grateful that I have an extraordinary support system of friends, family, and loved ones who have been incredibly understanding and patient with me while I have been finishing my degree. Additionally, I am lucky enough to work for small, family owned companies that have ben extremely flexible and understanding of my school schedule. Both of my employers recognize the importance of higher education and have regularly been willing to accommodate my ever changing schedule each semester. Without the grace and support from my employers, I would not have had the flexibility in my schedule to work and pay for my tuition and other expenses while also attending classes, completing assignments, and attending study sessions. My friends and family have been majorly accommodating as I have been attending school, often understanding that my classes would revolve around a hectic commute and schedule. Delaying plans and activities, rescheduling, or completing homework while spending time with loved ones became part of my normal routine. I have a deep love for vintage cars and motorcycles, live music, and collecting vintage clothing. I also work as a freelance artist painting classic cars, motorcycles, and racecars. These activities are some of my favorite things to do, both on my own and with my friends and family. These activities have become a much needed way to distract myself from the stress of work and school, or the overwhelming stress of finals and studying. Spending time at car shows, drag races, swap meets, and estate sales have become favorite ways to relieve stress and get away from the computer screens that I spend all day in front of for both work and school. Additionally, I have found that sometimes, it is impossible for me to do everything. While I am extremely lucky and grateful to have built an infrastructure for myself of supportive friends and family and enjoyable hobbies, sometimes it is all too much. I have embraced the value of resting and talking to someone when I am stressed. Sometimes that rest is as simple as taking a walk or taking a nap, sometimes it is as necessary as seeking the help of a therapist to help prioritize my stressors and balance out those issues. I have found that the most important thing is the willingness to step back and relax when I need to.

I have always been a fiercely creative individual. Before I decided to attend business school, I was actually pursuing a degree in fine arts with an emphasis in painting and illustration. I decided that I would rather keep art and hobbies as just that, hobbies, something that I can enjoy in my down time and between myself and my friends and family. However, my passion has always been classic cars and motorcycles. I grew up in a family that was interested in various aspects of the automotive industry, so it was only a matter of time before I took an interest in it myself. I very quickly grew to love all things that go fast and all the things tat go along with them, including the music, architecture, and fashion of bygone eras. Throughout my life, nearly every weekend has been spent with friends and family at car shows, swap meets, drag races, or other related events. I have personally helped my family and friends with several hobby race car and classic car restoration projects. I have developed a passion for pinstriping through my love for vintage cars and motorcycles. Pinstriping is the, almost lost, art of decorating and detailing cars, motorcycles, an other objects with fine lines and details. I also expanded my work into vintage-style sign painting and lettering. I know have a large portfolio of cars, motorcycles, race cars, helmets, refrigerators, and much much more that I have pinstriped or lettered for people. The art of pinstriping and lettering is a nearly lost art, one that is practiced almost entirely by older men, so it has been difficult to break into the industry as a young woman, but I have loved every moment. I have had the honour of painting countless beautiful classic cars and personalizing them to the unique tastes of their owners. Pinstriping and lettering are something that hold near and dear to my heart, as a way to connect to the history and the industry that I am so passionate about.

To be very frank, I floundered for a long time following high school and in Junior College. I had no idea what I wanted to do or where I wanted my life to go. I changed my major several times, hoping to find something that would spark inspiration and passion in me. Eventually, a professor and mentor suggested that I should go into business because it would allow me to work in virtually any field or industry, including one that I was passionate about. I have always had a distinct passion for history and vintage Americana, specifically in the realm of classic cars and motorcycles and the factors of culture that go along with them, such as the architecture, music, and fashion. I have spent my entire life around vintage cars and racing them, and have developed a huge passion for restoring and driving them myself. My friends and family and I have spent nearly every weekend at a car show, a swap meet, a drag race, or some kind of related event. I quickly realized while in the course of my early business classes how much of the hospitality industry was intertwined with the industry that I loved so dearly. Each event takes a management firm, transportation, hotel accommodations, catering, staffing, customer service and so much more. I very quickly came to the realization that I could use my business learning and my passion for the events that I like to attend to forge a career for myself. My ideal career path would be to end up directing a museum. My love of history is so near and dear to my heart, that to work in and amongst the history that I find so important while also utilizing my business savvy would be a dream come true. Working in hospitality and entertainment has always been a dream, as I feel that the formative memories for so many people revolve around those experiences, such as a memorable stay at a hotel or a trip to an amusement park. I have been lucky enough to travel a small amount and see a small fraction of the world and the amazing things in it, natural attractions, beautiful hotels, historic museums, and so much more. These are all important parts of the worlds history, a history that the hospitality and entertainment industry helps to maintain and protect. The hospitality industry makes so many of our cherished memories possible, and I would be proud to help facilitate those experiences for the next generation of travelers and learners.

To be very frank, I floundered for a long time following high school and in Junior College. I had no idea what I wanted to do or where I wanted my life to go. I changed my major several times, hoping to find something that would spark inspiration and passion in me. Eventually, a professor and mentor suggested that I should go into business because it would allow me to work in virtually any field or industry, including one that I was passionate about. I have always had a distinct passion for history and vintage Americana, specifically in the realm of classic cars and motorcycles and the factors of culture that go along with them, such as the architecture, music, and fashion. I have spent my entire life around vintage cars and racing them, and have developed a huge passion for restoring and driving them myself. My friends and family and I have spent nearly every weekend at a car show, a swap meet, a drag race, or some kind of related event. I quickly realized while in the course of my early business classes how much of the hospitality industry was intertwined with the industry that I loved so dearly. Each event takes a management firm, transportation, hotel accommodations, catering, staffing, customer service and so much more. I very quickly came to the realization that I could use my business learning and my passion for the events that I like to attend to forge a career for myself. My ideal career path would be to end up directing a museum. My love of history is so near and dear to my heart, that to work in and amongst the history that I find so important while also utilizing my business savvy would be a dream come true. Working in hospitality and entertainment has always been a dream, as I feel that the formative memories for so many people revolve around those experiences, such as a memorable stay at a hotel or a trip to an amusement park. I have been lucky enough to travel a small amount and see a small fraction of the world and the amazing things in it, natural attractions, beautiful hotels, historic museums, and so much more. These are all important parts of the worlds history, a history that the hospitality and entertainment industry helps to maintain and protect. The hospitality industry makes so many of our cherished memories possible, and I would be proud to help facilitate those experiences for the next generation of travelers and learners.

Anxiety, depression, trauma, poor time and emotional management, these are just a few of the symptoms of my mental health that have effected my career, both in regards to my education and my professional trajectory. Several experiences throughout my life have lead to my current position, a first-generation college student struggling with mental illness in a variety of forms, attempting to finish a college degree while also working two jobs and grasping at a social life. I know that I am not alone in this experience, there are a million other students like myself struggling to overcome their own personal battles and circumstances. My mental health has often made it more difficult for me as a student and as a working professional, however, my mental health has also helped to prepare for my career as a student and also as an administrator in my current job. The constant voice in my head that tells me that I am not good enough, can sometimes be the extra push that I need to put more effort in on a project, just to prove myself wrong. My mental health has brought me to believe that I can do hard things, no matter how hard they seem or how hard things get. I have managed to work though some of m y issues and I am continuing to learn and grow with my mental health, attempting to view it not as something that is wrong with me, but as a strong piece of who I am and how I can face the world. We cannot always choose the cards that we are dealt, however, we can do what we can to make the most of the circumstances and try our very best.

To be very frank, I floundered for a long time following high school and in Junior College. I had no idea what I wanted to do or where I wanted my life to go. I changed my major several times, hoping to find something that would spark inspiration and passion in me. Eventually, a professor and mentor suggested that I should go into business because it would allow me to work in virtually any field or industry, including one that I was passionate about. I have always had a distinct passion for history and vintage Americana, specifically in the realm of classic cars and motorcycles and the factors of culture that go along with them, such as the architecture, music, and fashion. I have spent my entire life around vintage cars and racing them, and have developed a huge passion for restoring and driving them myself. My friends and family and I have spent nearly every weekend at a car show, a swap meet, a drag race, or some kind of related event. I quickly realized while in the course of my early business classes how much of the hospitality industry was intertwined with the industry that I loved so dearly. Each event takes a management firm, transportation, hotel accommodations, catering, staffing, customer service and so much more. I very quickly came to the realization that I could use my business learning and my passion for the events that I like to attend to forge a career for myself. My ideal career path would be to end up directing a museum. My love of history is so near and dear to my heart, that to work in and amongst the history that I find so important while also utilizing my business savvy would be a dream come true. Working in hospitality and entertainment has always been a dream, as I feel that the formative memories for so many people revolve around those experiences, such as a memorable stay at a hotel or a trip to an amusement park. I have been lucky enough to travel a small amount and see a small fraction of the world and the amazing things in it, natural attractions, beautiful hotels, historic museums, and so much more. These are all important parts of the worlds history, a history that the hospitality and entertainment industry helps to maintain and protect. The hospitality industry makes so many of our cherished memories possible, and I would be proud to help facilitate those experiences for the next generation of travelers and learners.

To be very frank, I floundered for a long time following high school and in Junior College. I had no idea what I wanted to do or where I wanted my life to go. I changed my major several times, hoping to find something that would spark inspiration and passion in me. Eventually, a professor and mentor suggested that I should go into business because it would allow me to work in virtually any field or industry, including one that I was passionate about. I have always had a distinct passion for history and vintage Americana, specifically in the realm of classic cars and motorcycles and the factors of culture that go along with them, such as the architecture, music, and fashion. I have spent my entire life around vintage cars and racing them, and have developed a huge passion for restoring and driving them myself. My friends and family and I have spent nearly every weekend at a car show, a swap meet, a drag race, or some kind of related event. I quickly realized while in the course of my early business classes how much of the hospitality industry was intertwined with the industry that I loved so dearly. Each event takes a management firm, transportation, hotel accommodations, catering, staffing, customer service and so much more. I very quickly came to the realization that I could use my business learning and my passion for the events that I like to attend to forge a career for myself. My ideal career path would be to end up directing a museum. My love of history is so near and dear to my heart, that to work in and amongst the history that I find so important while also utilizing my business savvy would be a dream come true. Working in hospitality and entertainment has always been a dream, as I feel that the formative memories for so many people revolve around those experiences, such as a memorable stay at a hotel or a trip to an amusement park. I have been lucky enough to travel a small amount and see a small fraction of the world and the amazing things in it, natural attractions, beautiful hotels, historic museums, and so much more. These are all important parts of the worlds history, a history that the hospitality and entertainment industry helps to maintain and protect. The hospitality industry makes so many of our cherished memories possible, and I would be proud to help facilitate those experiences for the next generation of travelers and learners.

I do not feel that my California K-12 experience adequately prepared me for college, or life, in any way, shape, or form. K-12 School was a wildly frustrating and confusing time for me, as I am sure it was for many other students. Of the various elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, and virtual home schools that I attended, I was taught the very important life skills of line dancing, mitochondria is the power-house of the cell, ad how to play the recorder. However, nobody ever mentioned to me how to do my taxes or write a check. Nobody ever told me how to check my credit score or understand how property values work. I feel as though we were left to our own devices to figure out our mental health and emotional well-being, while administrators were busy measuring the width of our tank top straps. I feel as though by the time I had finished high school and graduated, I was so burnt out and overwhelmed by the pressure to choose a college and choose a career path, that I ended up taking time off before going to college. Taking time off between high school and college made things infinitely more difficult for me as a student, as I now had to figure everything out on my own. Yet, after high school myself and my friends all felt wildly unprepared for life in general, we all floundered for several years before figuring out what we wanted to do and how to do it.

When I was growing up, my mother used to constantly tell my brother and I, "Responsibility is the willingness to accept that you are the cause of your actions and their consequences." (With emphasis placed on the "you"). My mother told us that when she was growing up, one of her high school teachers had this saying pinned up in his classroom and that it always stuck with her and she drilled it into us and the other kids that she babysat during the day. She taught us to take responsibility for our actions and how the outcomes could play out. She taught us to take responsibility for our words and how they could impact other people, positively or negatively. We were always encouraged to take leadership and stand up for what we believed, but also to admit when we were wrong or if something was our fault. As I have gotten older, obviously this phrase has stuck with me and I have always tried to keep it in my pocket, or in the back of my mind and I have found the concept has served me well a million times over. From the time of grade school and play time to my current position as a student and working professional, I have found that endless benefits of being honest, taking responsibility and possibly taking the blame for actions or events. I have been lucky enough to have had teachers and employers who were generally impressed by my initiative to step up and take ownership of my actions, regardless of the possible outcomes. While I always try to hold my head up high and work in a way that aligns with my ethics and morals, I have found that admitting when I am wrong or when I have made a mistake is a very difficult skill to learn. It is incredibly easy to pass off blame onto someone else or shift focus away from yourself when it comes down to a possible negative situation. Yet, I have been careful to learn the importance of owning and understanding my own actions. This thought process has helped me to be more methodical and thoughtful in my actions. I try to think about how my actions or words might affect those around me, as I know that I would want to take full responsibility and also be proud of any words or actions that had my name attached to them. This lesson has proved to be valuable time and time again, both as a student, and as a working professional. Ultimately in life, I want to be proud of my words and actions and take pride in taking responsibility for them.