After coming to the realization of my dream of dancing with the Alvin Alley Dance Company would not come true, I then started to pay closer attention to my burning interest. Hitting the dance floor was not the first or the second on my list. I knew I could speak very well and I'm goal oriented. I'm driven about by thrill of meeting quotas, working at a fast pace, and essentially making people happy. So, I then decided to go to cosmetology school. I was a good, friendly, and knowledgeable hair stylist but, I never felt that it was my passion and a career path that I can spend my life doing. I wanted more of a challenge for myself. Jack of many trades some may call it, but I really just like new challenges and an always changing atmosphere. In grammar school, teachers would say exercise self-control. Honestly, I just like communicating with people and getting their ideas and opinions on topics. School wasn't the place I soon learned, but that one incident made me realize communication was a skill and I was good at it. That’s how I fell into client services at Year Up. Being a part of Year Up has helped me develop and perfect skills that were already instilled in me. Being a leader came naturally. As a child I always wanted to be the teacher when my cousins and I would play school. On my dance team in high school I always took the initiative to help and teach others moves or dances that they weren't completely comfortable with. As a family oriented person, my drive comes from my family. They are my biggest critics as well as myself. I'm constantly asking questions, looking for advice and feedback on how I can build better my character. I often find myself saying I'm working on my character because it's true. I'm always trying to find new ways to improve myself and my professional brand. Hence coming to the Year Up program. All in all, if your aren't seeking a dance instructor or hairstylist you can contact me at ksmith@chi.yearup.org.