Becoming an educator remains one of the easiest choices I have ever made. Learning, teaching, and public service have been my passions for as long as I can remember. My parents, teachers, and mentors nurtured these gifts throughout my childhood, making pursuing a degree in education a natural path. Many factors have contributed to my decision to remain in this field. These include (but are not limited to) paying homage to my education, the possibilities available for renewal and growth, helping our youngest citizens prepare for their futures, and advocating for public schools in North Carolina.