My key value: authenticity. I strive to stay on a path in life that allows me to feel my most authentic. This has been a process that I believe is never ending but has led me to the discovery of a passion in marketing. My first year in college I played field hockey at Ohio University. Although this sport meant the world to me for most of my life, I began to experience a serious burnout. I defined myself through the sport and was starting to question who I was or would be without it. I had to decide if I wanted to continue down a path that no longer left me with a sense of passion and drive or take a leap of faith and start over. I decided to trust in the unknown and myself. The process of starting over allowed for enormous growth. I learned that taking the path that seems expected of you might not be the path that’s meant for you. I learned how to advocate for my needs. I learned how to have difficult conversations that might make people uncomfortable. Most importantly, I learned about myself and the activities that bring me fulfilment. I have since been able to discover the things that light a fire in me. High on the list is marketing. While currently working as the Director of Social Media and Marketing for Girl Gains at ASU, my creative side has exploded, and I wake up excited to contribute. This opportunity has allowed me a greater glimpse into the type of jobs that interest me. Being a marketing student through W. P. Carey has also allowed lots of opportunities for growth. My education so far has allowed me to learn new ways of thought, and I am excited for all that is to come as I finish my education. I am excited to be moving down my current path. I hope to find a job in the marketing world that allows me to grow and express myself. I think that my past has set me up for how I am living my present life, and I will only continue to grow individually and in the work setting.