“If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans”. Growing up, I’ve heard that saying often, but I feel as if I’ve been living in that reality for the last few years. Entering my last year of middle school, I looked forward to enjoying being an upper classman in the building; preparing for high school academically, my last cheer competitions, our 8th grade trip, and graduation. Then the pandemic hit, and my plans for my final year of middle school went by way of. This was a first of many periods in my life over the last few years that required me to shift and readjust. It was the first of many times that I learned to be resilient. Entering high school, I found my love for track and just couldn’t get enough of the workouts and running. Only God knew that I would need it as a part of my coping mechanisms when I suddenly lost my dad in the summer of 2021. My dreams and plans of having my dad by my side during all of my major life milestones had been snatched away. Here I was again finding myself in a place of learning to be resilient. My faith, family, friendships, and running helped me through my grief. I began running not just for myself, but also in honor of my dad. I’ve learned that grief is a continuous process, with many ups and downs; but I am thankful for more ups than downs. My dad’s sudden passing, and lack of life insurance; however, caused a bit of a hardship. This hasn’t stopped me though. Thankfully, I come from a long line of thrivers and we make it happen! I am now a rising sophomore, who will be attending the illustrious North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University beginning the fall 2025 semester. I am a former Division 1 and collegiate student athlete, and have had the opportunity to run track and field all throughout high school, and in my freshman year at Michigan State University. I've enjoyed my time as a runner, and it's taught me so much about time management, discipline, resiliency, and dedication. The races won and accolades have been wonderful, but I'm even prouder to say that as a student athlete, I've been able to maintain over a 3.0 GPA my entire high school and college career. Being a student athlete has been very fulfilling, but it is now time for me to lay down my spikes and see what else the college experience has to offer. It’s time to get more involved. I've recently had the opportunity to volunteer with several organizations, to include the Michigan State Women's Track and Field team as a Student Hostess for incoming student prospects, and at the Lansing location of the East West University of Michigan Health- Sparrow Hospital and the Sparrow Health Rehabilitation Center with the Pediatric Physical and Occupational Therapy Teams. These volunteer opportunities have allowed me to not only assist patients, families, and medical teams; but they have also solidified my goal in becoming a pediatric occupational therapist. Having suffered several injuries myself over the years, I understand the need for dedicated, compassionate, and capable individuals within the healthcare field. Upon completing my degree, I seek to be someone that encourages others on their rehabilitation journeys. I desire to support parents, as we collaborate in supporting their child's healthcare needs; and serve as an advocate for patients and families who may feel unseen and unheard by others, while in their treatment plans. Rather big or small, my impact will be great.