I could tell you the captivating story of how I survived a brain tumor at age of 42, made a miraculous recovery, and reevaluated my life during the process. But, what my recovery proved to me was my strength, resilience, and calling to lead by example. If there was one word that people would use to describe me throughout my life, it would be leader.As an athlete growing up and the firstborn in my family, I learned from a young age what it meant to shoulder responsibility and rise to the occasion. In addition to my family life, sports had a profound impact on my decisions in life, including my choice of career. As a 6’1” senior in high school, I was an imposing figure on the football field and a force to be reckoned with on the track. My family, coaches, and teachers served an important role in my development and were part of what seemed to be steering me toward education.When I earned my Master’s degree in Education I was told I was a natural because I loved public speaking and had a real presence. I was told I could make an impact on the lives of young people because I was easy to talk to and was a good listener. I found I loved being in front of the class as much as I appreciated listening to students and helping them work through the challenges they faced both in and out of the classroom. After 14 years in the classroom and coaching on the football field, the word ‘leader’ kept reverberating in my mind. I took the next step in my career, earned my Certificate in Administration, and secured a position as a high school Assistant Principal. Not only did I want to lead students, but fellow educators as well. My experiences as a teacher and a principal have reinforced how seriously I take being a positive role model. I speak at conferences and at professional developments about the importance of being a mentor and an advocate for all students. Whether I was a classroom teacher, Dean of Students, or now Assistant Principal I have interacted with students and families to make real change. I’m a person who needs to take action, not just talking about change and working around red tape, but doing. I do my best every day to do right by the students. I’m not perfect, and a brain tumor has humbled me beyond words, but I have persevered, leading students and teachers one day at a time.