Passion is a strong liking or desire for something. It took me stepping away from what I loved to do, to find out that it was my passion. I have been working in the childcare field for 20-plus years. I have always loved working with children! I grew up around a house full of educators and knew that I would work with children one day. I begin my early childhood education journey in 2001 when I applied for a teaching position at a childcare center. After two years, I was promoted to Team Lead which is a management position. After 3 years in that position, I was promoted to Assistant Director. I worked hard to be promoted and I loved what I was doing! In 2015 I lost my father, and shortly after that, I lost my mother. I was overwhelmed with grief and wasn't able to be my best self. The childcare center that I was working at had a District Manager that was difficult along with everything else that I was going through. I thought it was best if I begin looking for another job. After 18 years of working at the childcare center, I left to go and work for the Department of Social Services. I was working in a cubicle and answering the phone. This job was so different from what I was used to. I didn't get to see smiling faces or hear children calling my name, and most of all I didn't enjoy waking up every day and going to my job. I was depressed and begin to lose weight. I worked there for a year and a half! After a year and a half, my previous boss reached out to me to see how I was doing. I explained to her how miserable I had been and how I missed working in childcare. She let me know that some of my old parents had been asking about me. Not only did my parents miss me, but the kids! She also let me know that my old District Manager had been let go. I felt like this was a sign! A week after my previous boss reached out to me, she let me know that an Assistant Director position would be opening up in three weeks! I knew what I had to do, I had to apply for the position as soon as possible! I applied for the position and I got the job! I was so happy to be back where I belonged! I knew my parents were smiling down on me! Not only did I get the job, but after a year I was promoted to Center Director! That is my current position and I love it! Due to my promotion, I have to obtain my Bachelor's Degree to be the best me, but it is also a goal of mine. This scholarship would help me continue to do what I love and what I have a passion for!