I was born and raised on a small farm in Pennsylvania. My grandparents lived next door, so I had the privilege of being raised by both my parents and grandparents. My grandparents deeply valued education despite not having high school diplomas themselves. They celebrated every academic achievement - proudly hanging my report card on the refrigerator and loudly cheering my name at my high school graduation. Through their support, I came to understand that education is a gift, one that opens doors they never had the opportunity to walk through. In high school, my grandfather was diagnosed with dementia and I began caring for him daily. This experience eventually led me to Pennsylvania State University where I received my Bachelor's degree in Human Development and Family Studies with minors in Psychology and Gerontology. After graduation, I moved to Tampa, FL to begin my PhD in Aging Studies at the University of South Florida where I study modifiable risk factors related to Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. My education journey is for three and I carry my grandparent's memory with me every step of the way. Rest in peace.Â