I remember the day I was diagnosed with my own autoimmune disease. Not much was known about how to manage its symptoms and as a kid I wasn’t quite sure what to do. But as I’ve grown older, I’ve taken charge of my health. I’ve researched nutrition both on its own and both as ways to manage symptoms. Exercise too comes hand and hand with manage these types of diseases. I had to quit gymnastics because it was too hard on my joints and while that may be disappointing to some, I will always be grateful for it. Quitting gymnastics showed me just what I had to deal with. I took that experience in hand and decided to grow from it. It brought me closer to both powerlifting and aerial silks where I’ve made some of my best memories. I’ve met countless people and teachers across states. I’ve pushed myself to limits that I never would have thought I had. At times my autoimmune disease was a struggle and brought me close to tears, but I will forever be grateful to have it. It sounds silly to some but the ways in which I have grown will always trump any negativity. With this knowledge in hand, I don’t just want to teach people how to just make it through the day. I want to empower them to do their own research, question what they are told, and find the things they love to do. This can be done in a variety of ways, but it’s true - you are what you eat. For me, I had to cut out gluten in order to improve my symptoms but it also meant I stood out quite often. My physical quality of life was better but what now? I worked to find myself and my people. One of my best friends is gluten free as well - we can share moments that not everyone else understands. I continue to pursue education just as I would want families to do. Knowledge is everything and new findings come out on the daily. I started with simple YouTube videos and have now gone to summer camps dedicated to nutrition. I have also conducted my own AP Research project on social media’s perception of certain nutritional ideas. I want to share what has helped me. I want to guide people to find what works for them - to find the facts. Just as I discovered in my AP Research project and through my own experiences, science is the best place to start. Many fear monger which can make you feel as if nothing will ever get better and your doing it all wrong. That’s simply not true. Just as what works for one won’t work for others. I will bring an individualized approach to each and every family. I will listen to what they have to say, and I will teach them how to be empowered - how to make their disease their friend rather than an enemy.