“A crisis highlights all of our fault lines. We can pretend that we have nothing to learn, or we can take this opportunity to own the truth and make a better future for ourselves and others.” - Brené BrownAs the Covid-19 pandemic commenced, like most people, I felt vulnerable and dismayed. Up until the shutdown, I worked three jobs (and over 80 hours a week) to pay my bills, and even then, could barely make ends meet. My brain and body were constantly on the go and the word ‘self-care’ did not exist within my vernacular. Although unsettling, quarantine also granted me an opportunity to slow down and ‘smell the roses,’ so to speak. Quite literally, my roommate and I walked around our neighborhood for exercise and often stopped to gaze at freshly planted flowers. On those walks, as well as my countless hours of free time, I possessed moments for introspection and deep thought about my goals and aspirations. I “owned my truth” and acknowledged that I did not enjoy my current roles and wanted better for myself - both in my professional and personal lives. I served 500+ volunteer hours through AmeriCorps and that experience led to my position as a case manager at a local non-profit. That job has since then led to my current role at MORPC. I wake up each day grateful for a job that challenges me, aids in developing new skills, and positively impacts my community members. I’ve earned a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Political Science, with an emphasis in Inequality and Justice themed courses, and a minor in Sociology from The Ohio State University. During undergrad, I worked as a Qualitative Research Assistant in the Sociology Department and within Ohio State Athletics - including the OSU football team. I was actively involved in three student organizations, as well. During my time at Ohio University, I attained an Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree in the Social Sciences, all while playing on the softball team, being active in two student organizations, working for Chillicothe Paints Baseball, and interning for (and later being employed by) a political campaign.