Even as a young child, I have always been driven by an insatiable ambition to persevere amongst all presented challenges, a motive I desire to carry into the next chapter of my life. While cultivating my desires, I quickly realized that desires are pointless, mere words without executing a plan of unwavering commitment. While orchestrating my plans and objectives to further my education, build on my already diverse foundation, and be transformed into a prominent member of society, I was convinced that The Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University was the most suited vehicle to guide me along this pathway. FAMU aligns with my yearning to be a part of something bigger than myself by allowing me to serve my country with the added benefit of pursuing kinesiology, a sector of rehabilitative medicine. However, most importantly, it allows me to be submerged into a diverse community of like-minded African American leaders of tomorrow. Through my commitment to the university, I knew I would be able to grow comfortably by being surrounded by MY culture, along with learning to balance school, military obligations, and life. I’d heard the success stories of numerous Rattlers, and now I was ready to narrate my own. Living internationally in Dubai afforded me a pivotal life experience. Life in a foreign nation uncovered a talent that I had not yet acknowledged in myself: the ability to assimilate myself in an unfamiliar environment and transform it and its people into familiarity. International exploration is my particular interest. In high school, I hosted an Italian exchange student and was charged with planning memorable experiences for the Italian exchange group. In 2020, my peers and I embarked on a 2-week trip with Education Tours, where we toured London, Spain, and Paris. As a multicultural individual, I think beyond regular constraints when allowed to execute a plan. I am creative in various arts, such as writing, graphic design, and oratorical material. My communication skills will enable me to flourish in public relations settings. I am a well-rounded student who brings soul and creativity to the table. Even though my passion resides primarily in communication, I’ve recently acquired a niche for content creation, graphics, and just exploring the realm of creative directing. As an out-of-state student, I made it my mission to assimilate fully into the embracing culture at Florida A&M University. I serve as a bravo team leader in the Army ROTC rattler battalion. I am a member of the Texas Club, an organization geared to unite students from Texas. I am the Events & Entertainment chair for the Campus Activities Board, where I spearhead events while enhancing the cultural fabric of the campus. I’m involved in the Student National Alumni Association, working to bridge the gap between current rattlers and those making their mark in society. I am the President of FAMU’s Spectrum LGBTQ + Pride Union, working to eradicate prejudice and foster inclusivity. I served as a 2022 Orientation Leader; however, I am now employed under the Residence Hall Association (RHA) as the director of public relations, collecting content and constructing graphics for RHA’s events. Coming from a predominantly white high school and living overseas in Dubai, I’ve primarily been submerged in diverse environments. It wasn’t until attending a Historically Black College/institution(HBCU) that I found the importance of heritage and authenticity. These topics are pertinent to the retention of first-year college students, ensuring they assimilate comfortably and fully. Uprooting and moving from home, even staying within your state, can always be challenging. I firmly believe in holistic wellness, taking care of yourself before trying to aid others, family, or friends. Attending an HBCU taught me the value of networking and genuinely connecting with individuals beyond resume building or putting yourself in the right place. Building meaningful relationships with individuals in the spaces you yearn to see yourself in is essential in venturing out. As a broke college student, attending college made me financially sound. Financial literacy is critical to us as a people. As a maturing young woman, I’ve encountered situations that have made me adjust my lifestyle according to a collegiate student with campus employment and bills. In venturing out to construct this new version of yourself, I highly recommend tailoring your academic and personal schedule to your needs as a student and young adult. In trying new things, interests, organizations, and even passions, many individuals get lost in the sauce and forget we came to school to get a degree and graduate. Don’t lose yourself chasing someone else’s dream or lose yourself trying to prove yourself! Mental health alone deserves more recognition than it receives because even in trying new, you must first live through the old. Have a solid foundation before you come to school and venture out so you can handle adversity comfortably and know how to love yourself.