I started playing golf when I was eight years old at a Callaway driving range in Las Vegas, NV, while visiting family. I was immediately drawn to the focus, patience, and quiet confidence the game demands. After that first day on the range, I begged for my own set of clubs, and sure enough, I left Las Vegas with a brand-new junior set that I proudly carried home with me to Charleston, SC. There is something incredibly powerful about standing over a shot, blocking everything else out, and trusting yourself to make it happen. What started as a simple hobby quickly became a huge part of my life, one that has shaped me both on and off the course. In high school, my school did not have a women’s golf team, so I joined the men’s team. I was often the only girl at practice or on the course, which came with its fair share of challenges. At times, I felt like I had to prove that I deserved to be there, not just because I was young and a woman, but also as one of the few African American players on the course. Wanting the chance to compete against other girls as well, I also joined a women’s team at a nearby high school. Balancing two teams was not easy, but it made me a better athlete and taught me the value of persistence and adaptability. By the end of my senior year, I helped establish a women’s team at my own high school. I served as captain of both the men’s and women’s teams, earned awards like MVP and Most Improved, and gained experience leading by example, whether that meant encouraging new players, advocating for better practice conditions, or speaking up when something needed to change. Golf helped me find my voice, and I used it to advocate for more inclusive spaces within the sport. I went on to play in college in North Carolina and served as a Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) representative, where I worked to support student-athletes and increase community engagement. We planned events, gave feedback to athletics leadership, and worked to promote equity across all sports. Golf has challenged me in ways I never expected, but it has also empowered me. I’ve learned how to lead, how to bounce back from setbacks, and how to stay grounded in who I am. I am proud of the progress I’ve made, and even more excited to continue paving the way for others who might not see themselves represented in the sport yet, but will, if we keep showing up and making space.

Living the life of my dreams means waking up each morning grounded in purpose and surrounded by the people, places, and values that bring me peace. At the center of that dream is a fulfilling career as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), where I am entrusted with patients’ care during some of their most vulnerable moments. I envision working in a hospital or surgical center where safety, equity, and compassion are at the heart of every decision. I hope to contribute to a practice that not only provides excellent clinical care but also advocates for underserved populations and works to reduce disparities in healthcare access. In this dream, I am more than just a provider; I am a mentor, an educator, and a leader. I want to create space for future nurses and CRNAs to feel empowered and supported, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds. I know firsthand how impactful mentorship and encouragement can be. I would love to return to an academic setting one day to teach, precept, or mentor students, helping them grow into confident and capable providers. Beyond my clinical work, the life I imagine includes deep roots and meaningful balance. I envision myself living near the ocean, where nature provides space for restoration and reflection. I share that space with my husband and our dog Kahlua. Travel remains a passion, so I envision exploring new countries and cultures during my time off, continuing to learn, gain perspective, and enjoy the beauty this world has to offer. Additionally, my dream life also includes service. Whether that’s participating in global medical missions, volunteering locally, or offering pro bono anesthesia services in high-need areas, I want to stay grounded in the idea that my career is not just a job, but a calling. I’m inspired by the potential to do good through my work, and that, more than anything, defines success for me. Ultimately, the life of my dreams is about alignment. It’s where my skills, passions, and purpose come together to serve others, take care of myself and those I love, and continue growing into the person I strive to be. I know this dream will take continued hard work, resilience, dedication, and heart, but I’m ready and grateful for every step of the journey, and I welcome the challenges that will shape me along the way. I hope to one day look back and know that I made a difference, not just in clinical outcomes, but in people’s lives, their comfort, and their trust in the care they received.