Michelle Obama once said, “Your success will be determined by your own confidence and fortitude.” This quote has resonated with me as I reflect on how golf has had a lasting impact on my life. Throughout my life, I have lived in several different countries and cities including Trinidad and Tobago, Puerto Rico, The Bahamas and most recently in Arlington and Sterling, Virginia. The reason for our constant moving is for the fact that my mother is employed within the federal government. With each relocation I have been afforded the opportunity to experience different cultures, languages, and religions. However, one of the factors that made each move easier for me to endure was the fact that I was able to play golf every place that we lived. Being able to participate in golf has taught me how to be determined, focused, patient, and resilient. The greatest aspect of my life has been the fact that when I play golf, I am able to constantly learn something new about myself every time I play. Golf has taught me many life lessons including how to be confident in myself which is something I struggled with when I was younger. Quite often during junior golf tournaments I have been the only African American in the field. The ability to interact with other players from different backgrounds while feeling true to myself and my own abilities has not also been easy. Nevertheless, I have been able to learn how to overcome these uncomfortable situations which has ultimately made me a stronger golfer and young woman. Through my involvement with golf, I have been able to thrive in unexpected situations. For instance, in September 2021, I was selected by The First Tee organization to play in The Pure Insurance Championship held at Pebble Beach golf course in California. I personally do not believe that if I hadn’t been such a self-assured person, I wouldn’t have been able to execute and perform under the pressures of this nationally televised event. On the 18th hole at Pebble Beach, I was interviewed by a Golf Channel commentator while still playing. During the interview, I had the opportunity to speak about my personal experiences playing golf while living abroad. Despite being slightly nervous, I was able to articulate myself during the live televised broadcast. Golf has helped me develop confidence in my abilities on and off the course. Not only has golf allowed me to develop personally, but it has also opened up doors to help continue my post secondary education. As a young junior golfer, I would watch the NCAA Women’s Championships on television with the hopes of one day being able to play collegiate golf like my role model Mariah Stackhouse. This fall I will continue my golf journey by playing Division 1 golf at Towson University which is a dream come true for me. At Towson, I will major in international studies with the hopes of working as a U.S Diplomat upon graduation in 2026. There is not one aspect of my life that has not been positively affected as a result of my involvement in golf, and for that I am truly grateful.