My career unfolded in a rather unorthodox method. I learned to build trusting, cohesive teams before learning to build lesson plans. I learned to guide students to discover and respect their own classrooms instead of instructing them how to act in one. Throughout my studies I was engrossed in acquiring all manner of games and activities that could engage and activate all learners before acquiring grammar rules. Those skills came in their own time, but after graduating I felt that while some had learned how to connect clauses, I had learned how to connect individuals and communities to achieve common goals and understandings.I experienced first-hand the empowering traits that outdoor education embedded with SEL holds. I discovered my own identity in the outdoors, and discovered the desire to help others reach fuller potentials via this approach - just as others had assisted me. Having been awakened in the outdoors, I moved to pursue a career in classroom education, believing there was much to be learned and shared across the two environments. I realized that empathy, teamwork, and perseverance can transcend all walks of life, and be applied to all areas of learning. In my leadership and teaching roles, I've fostered lasting relationships by incorporating these concepts to guide coworkers and students alike to reach their aspirations, be they academic, personal, social, professional, or otherwise.Entering the residential realm allowed me to access a broader spectrum of student developmental and educational approaches. I came to adopt a more balanced methodology to incorporating wellbeing into education, and serving as Director gave me greater insight in how to create and develop programs and environments, build professional teams, and meet students' and teachers' needs alike. My most rewarding memories revolve around creating lasting connections with our students and their families, and their gestures of care towards my family even years after teaching them.Thanks to my family and mentors I learned to heighten my understanding of acceptance, respect, awareness, adaptability, and trust. Whether indoors or outdoors, these traits allow me to draw from surrounding resources, creating supportive, thriving environments that draw out the best in everyone. While developing my residential programs, I discovered how much more I had to learn about my profession, and every day I look forward to continuing this incredible journey. In a leadership position, I hope to positively contribute to people's lives employing all of my skills and abilities.