My Passion
Built by Perseverance: How Martial Arts Shaped My Passion and Character
Taekwondo teaches more than martial arts. I started Taekwondo at just six years old and was focused on one thing: earning the black belt. I didn’t know it then, but that goal would shape the person I am today.
Over the years, martial arts taught me far more than just forms and kicks, it taught me discipline, confidence, patience, and most importantly, respect. My instructor always said the only difference between a white belt and a black belt is perseverance, and that stuck with me. Earning my black belt wasn’t just about the physical achievement, it was about showing up, pushing through challenges, and never giving up, even when it was hard.
What I gained through Taekwondo has influenced every part of my life. I learned how to stay composed under pressure, how to lead with respect, and how to stay committed to long-term goals. These are skills I take with me into the classroom, the workplace, and every new opportunity I take on.
When I look at my black belt now, I see more than just the belt itself I see growth, hard work, and the little girl who started with a dream and refused to quit.
My Motivation
Faith as My Foundation: Growing in Purpose and Perspective
My Bible is what drives my every move, it’s the guide I turn to when making decisions and the foundation I now build my life on. I grew up attending church without fully understanding why, rarely reading the Bible or truly grasping its meaning. It wasn’t until college that I really found Christ, and when I was first introduced to that lifestyle, it honestly took me about a year to fully adjust. But once I started walking with the Lord, everything changed, my perspective, the way I spoke, who I spent my time with, and how I carried myself.
What I didn’t expect was the kind of people God would bring into my life. I found a community that encouraged me, and pushed me to grow in ways I never had before. Before this year, I had never read the Bible, and I definitely didn’t realize how powerful it was. It’s not just words on a page, it is God’s way of staying close to us. He left us this book to connect with Him, and now it’s something I turn to and read daily.
The Bible represents more than just faith for me, it’s a reminder of the kind of person I want to be. Before knowing Jesus, I would stress about every little detail of my future. I always felt like I had to have everything figured out. But now, I’ve learned to slow down, trust God’s plan, and take things one step at a time. That peace has helped me grow into someone who’s more grounded, resilient, and ready to face whatever comes next, with purpose, confidence, and heart.
My Strength
The Power of Connection : A Place to Belong
Social anxiety is afraid of me, or that is what my friends say and honestly, they’re not wrong. If there’s one thing that has always felt natural to me, it’s connecting with people. I’ve always loved striking up conversations, breaking through awkward silences, and building real relationships. From a young age, I was often the person who reached out first, making sure no one felt left out or overlooked.
Over time, I realized that this wasn’t just something I enjoyed it’s one of my greatest strengths. Communication and inclusivity have become a big part of who I am and how I approach every opportunity. Whether it’s welcoming new team members, supporting classmates, or making strangers feel at ease, I take pride in creating spaces where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.
One of my favorite traditions is hosting a weekly dinner where all my friends gather to catch up and share about our weeks. I cook for everyone, giving us all a chance to slow down, reconnect, and hang out. Over time, the dinner table has grown. We’ve begun welcoming freshmen who were adjusting to college life and others who were simply looking for a place to belong. It’s been amazing to watch how one simple dinner has turned into a space where new friendships form and old ones strengthen.
Looking ahead, I know that this ability to connect will be central to my personal and professional goals. I want to continue creating environments where people feel like they belong and where real conversations can happen, collaboration can thrive, and everyone feels empowered to show up as their true selves. In every role I take on, I hope to lead with kindness, authenticity, and a commitment to connection.