Influences

There are many influences in my life that fostered my sense of empathy towards others. First, my parents encouraged me to get involved and volunteer. Volunteering provided me with opportunities to learn and understand what others were going through. From my work with underprivileged youth on the soccer field through ESCO, to walking with Team Gene raising money to unlock ALS, to volunteering with several service clubs, my eyes were opened to the inequality in the world and the importance of service work and bridging the gap to greater acceptance and understanding. Second, being thrust into a community of caregivers when my grandfather was diagnosed with ALS opened my eyes to the patients and their families suffering with a terminal illness. This had never been a club that I wanted to join. Illness does not discriminate. It affects all ethnicities, all races, all social classes, and all ages. Third, my sense of adventure has fostered my sense of understanding towards others. Traveling to other parts of the world has allowed me to embrace new cultures. I enjoyed eating smelts in Greece fresh out of the Aegean Sea and dog sledding on a glacier in Alaska. Last, I carry with me a can-do, positive attitude gained from a family of optimistic entrepreneurs. Their passion and work ethic inspires me to tackle challenges head on.