So I would start with what would you tell your 14 year old self?

I would tell my 14 year old self that life isn't fair and that you'll always come through difficult situations and that you always have a choice to get out of it. That when you have come through a difficult situation, to look at all the blessings that are around you, instead of focusing on the difficult situation, because that's what's going to help you get through the difficulty.

So what were some of your greatest challenges but more importantly how did you overcome them?

One of my biggest challenges has been dealing with my mental health, particularly depression and imposter syndrome resulting from personal trauma. It felt like a constant battle, influencing every aspect of my life, from my goals to my daily decisions. Overcoming this struggle required a lot of effort and resilience.

I found solace in therapy, practicing mindfulness, and having unwavering support from my friends and family. Their encouragement helped me navigate through the darkest moments. Additionally, I realized the importance of speaking openly about mental health challenges. Society often attaches stigma to these issues, but that shouldn't be the case.

I strongly believe that everyone facing similar struggles should feel empowered to seek the help they need without judgment. It was this support and willingness to confront my challenges that ultimately led me to a place of healing and strength.

How would you define success?

I would define success as being healthy. mind and body. Also, taking care of and wanting to be healthy and happy throughout life.

Who inspired you as a little girl?

Growing up there weren't very many women role models so I would have to say that Princess Leia is my role model. When I first watched Star Wars, I was only around four or five years old and I just remember seeing this strong woman who took over a difficult situation and I thought to myself “that's the kind of woman that I want to be one day.”

How do you celebrate yourself? What do you do?

I celebrate myself by just spending time with my friends and my family. I do believe that you know life is short and every moment counts and you want to spend it with the people that you care about the most.

Is there anything else that you want to share about today's experience or pieces of advice for other women?

I want to emphasize that life's journey isn't always fair; we often encounter challenging situations whose meanings elude us in the moment. However, it's crucial to maintain the belief that everything happens for a reason, even if we can't discern that reason immediately. I firmly hold that there's a lesson within every experience, and while we might not grasp it at the time, hindsight often provides clarity.

Looking back, we often realize why certain events unfolded as they did, understanding the wisdom behind them. I firmly believe that every twist and turn in life is destined, shaping our path in ways we might not comprehend initially. This unwavering belief has taught me that, in the end, everything falls into place, underscoring the importance of trust and patience in life's intricate tapestry.