I had never played basketball before my freshman year of high school. Coming in with no experience, I started on the Frosh team, determined to improve. Through discipline, extra practice and a willingness to learn, I showed significant growth throughout the season. By my sophomore year, my improvement earned me a spot on the JV team - and eventually, the responsibility of becoming team caption. Stepping into leadership so quickly taught me confidence, accountability and resilience. I served as a liaison between players and coaches, motivated my teammates during challenging moments and helped foster a positive and disciplined team culture on and off the court. What began as a stepping outside my comfort zone became one of the most transformative leadership experiences of my high school career.

The summer going into my junior year, I tore my ACL; an injury that forced me to step away from the sport I had worked so hard to grow in, After earning my place on the team and building meaningful friendships, quitting would have been the easier path. Instead, I chose to remain committed. I stepped into the role of Team Manager, determined to contribute in a different way. I organized equipment, coordinated practice logistics, tracked attendance, supported coaches during games and helped ensure daily operations ran smoothly. Although I was no longer playing on the court, I remained fully invested in the team's success. This experience strengthened my resilience, adaptability and leadership beyond performance. It taught me that true commitment is not defined by position; it is defined by showing up, supporting others and staying dedicated even when circumstances change.

I began working at Spa Pura in September of 2025 as a front desk receptionist, where I was responsible for client check-ins, appointment scheduling, payment processing, spa up-keeping and maintaining a welcoming and professional environment. From the start, I approached the role with initiative, reliability and a strong attention to detail. Through consistent performance and a willingness to take on additional responsibilities, I worked my way up to Assistant Manager within my first year. In this role, I help oversee daily front desk operations, support a team of seven receptionists, assist with scheduling and conflict resolution and ensure a seamless client experience. As the youngest member of the front desk team, stepping into a leadership position required maturity, confidence and strong communication skills. Earning the trust of both management and peers strengthened my professionalism and reinforced my ability to lead with accountability and composure.