"I have had the pleasure of working alongside many wonderful people. A few years ago, I worked for Agency ABC, and they had an amazing Office Administrator. She was incredibly organized and had the most positive attitude. She was a humble person, thankful for her life, and very kind. One day we sat and had our break together. She told me that she started at the agency as a client. She had been a runaway teen and had an incredible story of healing and redemption. Her story has always stayed with me because it is a story of hope. Because of stories like hers, I strive for excellence, I believe in people, and I know that there is hope for everyone. This hope is why I am so passionate about helping at-risk youth, and why I continually educate myself to be the best helper possible."

When I was a camp counselor in my summers off from college, I mentored under the organizer of the camp, and I watched them in action. They had this ability to pierce through the armor of every kid in our camp and get them to open up and reach out. This person taught me early on that all one needs to do is look into someone from the very moment you meet them. Look into them, not at them, not through them, and lower your armor and allow them to look into you. Although it's intense, hold that connection, and the longer you hold it, and remain open, they'll know they can trust you and that you are a friend. They said it's like leaving your front door unlocked at night, and that anyone at any time can come into that safe space you've built. This person was magic, and I learned a lot from them, and have always strived to walk in their footsteps.