“How am I just discovering this??”That was the thought running through my mind when I first logged into Trailhead by Salesforce. I could feel the rusty portions of my brain firing on all cylinders as I dove into module after module. After Day 1, I knew I was hooked.That was June of 2023.How did I get here?I grew up in Round Rock, TX later studying Communications at the greatest school of all time (Hook 'Em): The University of Texas. I immersed myself in campus life and leaned into my studies. But, Hollywood came calling! Sort of. I got cast as a Featured Cheerleader on the hit tv show Friday Night Lights. After wrap, I graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor’s degree. Within a week, I was recruited by a casting director to work on her team. What a blast that was! Cue “Hey now, you’re an all-star” song.Then, I met “the” boy. Which took me to Lufkin, TX where I landed a job as the Marketing Manager for the Chamber of Commerce. There I grew my professional skillset working with the sales department to increase membership, planning & executing large-scale networking events, and managing a team of 30+ volunteers. Boy then became fiancé, and we moved back to Austin to start a life together where I worked as an office manager in the Texas House of Representatives during the 83rd legislative session. I built on my casting and marketing skillset by learning about our political system, utilizing soft skills to connect with people, and the important work our governmental leaders take on to fight for a better Texas. After session ended, I tied the knot, and set out on a whole new path.From 2013 to 2020, I worked as a Realtor growing my client base from 0 to 30+ closings per year as the Buyer Agent Partner for a boutique firm in Austin. Two of those years were spent traveling the US in my 144 sq. ft. camper!In May of 2020 I gave birth to my first kiddo and chose to stay home with her (hello, pandemic). After 3 years of rewarding and hard work, I logged into Facebook to search for a group of forward-thinking, financially intelligent women to learn about new career opportunities.There I read the post: “If you’re looking to get back into the workforce, consider heading over to Trailhead and learning the Salesforce tool.” 3 months later and I’m a Ranger Rank Certified Salesforce Administrator. What a ride! I’m energized by the endless amount of tools the platform has to offer.It's been a beautiful, side-winding, challenging journey to this place and I’m thrilled to soon meet my new work home within the ecosystem. Cheers!