As a kid, I was never good at painting my own nails. My sister and mother however, were fantastic at it. I just always assumed that I was the daughter who missed that gene. I found different ways to express my artistic side; crafts. I am a crafter, straight down to the core. Anything that can be DIY'ed I've tried or am planning on trying it. I've had a few ideas here and there to open up shop and sell some of my creations, but I get too interested in my newest projects to ever continue doing what the first one was. I guess it's not all bad. I end up having supplies to do whatever I want, when I want. I've made candles, homemade dog treats, pet first aid kits, and I've sewn a couple of things here and there. At one point I had a 3D printer. I currently have a Cricut, which I use to decorate water bottles. My next adventure includes a laser engraver, but that one's going to have to wait a minute. Crafting is a nice outlet for me. It passes the time, it produces something tangible, and best of all, I can listen to music and not say a single word. In my line of work, I constantly have to be 'on' and talking to clients or students. Sometimes it's nice to just enjoy my own silence and listen to something else for a change.

1. I deserve this scholarship because I'm a secret agent working for the FBI as an undercover undergraduate student. I can't tell you my mission, because then I'd have to kill you. But I need the money, so give it up. 2. Career? I'm already set with a career in the FBI. I don't need another stinkin' career. Maybe a cake decorator, I like frosting. 3. I was doing a zombie 5k once. It had this huge wall I had to climb over. Biggest obstacle of my life. Jokes on them, when no one was looking I walked around it. Mission accomplished.

No one cares about you. You are the only one who cares about you. Sounds crass, but it is an unfortunate life lesson that I had to learn the hard way. I have always considered myself a hard worker. Which often times leads me to spread myself too thin. In terms of job duties, I am never one to shy away from saying 'yes', which often times leaves me running on fumes more often than not. Just recently I have learned that I need to advocate for myself, and take better care of me. Though I may have coworkers who are my friends, they still only see a portion of who I am day in and day out. I cannot expect them to make sure I am okay, that is my job. I am learning how to say 'no' in a healthy way. Making sure that I take adequate time for my own tasks and well being before taking on the tasks of others. Learning this the hard way was very emotional at best, but it has taught me to be resilient and strengthen the weak areas within myself. I am much more focused, confident, and my work is much more valuable when I can give 100% effort. It is something I hope to pass on to my children; something that I wish to more of in them.