As I step into the 4th and final quarter of 2022, I think of three words that define what this season of my life feels like: discovery, growth, and empowerment. For years I thought I understood the meaning of those words, but it seems like now more than ever I'm building momentum that is propelling me deeper into new, uncharted territory for my life. Usually the saying goes, "new year, new me" unfortunately, as 2022 started I continued to carry a heavy burden. I struggled with this burden ever since graduating with my master's in 2019, and beginning my career as a speech-language pathologist at one of the top children's hospitals in the nation. I thought that my hard work and sacrifices had led me to this opportunity I never had before. I thought I had discovered myself in a world I thought I could build stability through a system that promised the 'American Dream.' Little did I know, that dream was not for me, and I was far from fitting in with that system. After months of having sought out ways to fit in with a company that was labeled as non-profit, I started to understand that, ironically, I was only being measured by the billable hours I clocked. By the end of April I realized that I was at my breaking point, and I thought, "How can I not fit in here?!" I thought I failed. But, I could no longer justify starting and ending my workdays in tears. What I thought was defeat, was actually growth, and I came to terms that the grief I was experiencing wasn't a result of any failure on my part. This grief was do to years of gaslighting and micro-aggressions that I didn't know I needed to let go of. It was time for me to take a step out on faith and know that that company did not make me. I put in my notice, and I now work for a small private practice. This decision was not easy, nor is it necessarily the easiest, but I know it was the right decision. I finally feel empowered that I'm no longer subjected to a business that does not see me as a person. I finally feel free to go against the grain and do what's best for myself, and I'm excited to see what opportunities the next year will bring.