A few chapters of my story

What do the words "only human" mean to you?

To me “only human” means exactly that. We are all only human doing the best we can with what life throws at us. We can’t be so hard on ourselves during our journey for we are simply only human. I try to remember those words when I’m spreading kindness to others but I also try to remember that when I need to give kindness and leniency to myself as well.

What are you passionate about?

Working with youth with disabilities in therapeutic foster care, I am extremely passionate about legislation for them and helping them along their journey, not with equality, but equity in this world. In addition to that I’m extremely passionate about helping LBGTQIA+ youth and helping to end victimization for them.

In addition to both of those things, I’m passionate about humanity and helping to improve it- a little kindness goes a long way.

What makes you the happiest?

I’m happiest when the sun is shining, it’s warm outside and my pup is by my side. I’m happiest when my family is near me and I get to enjoy time with them. I’m also happiest on adventures and seeing new places and things. Lastly, I’m happiest when big wins happen for good people.

In the last five years, what new belief, behavior, or habit has most improved your life?

I think the thing that’s improved my life the most is learning to not take things personally or at least attempting not to take them personally. It’s a work in progress to remember that most things that other people do have zero to do with me personally.

How do you keep yourself positively inspired during overwhelming times?

I attempt to keep myself positive by encircling myself with good hearted positive people. People who help me see the good in things even when it seems really tough.

If you could spend a day in someone else’s shoes, whose would they be? Why?

I think if I could I would spend the day in the shoes of one of my foster youth so I can truly understand what they go through on a daily basis and allow me to see how I can help them better.

What book (or books) have greatly influenced your life?

The four agreements was sent to me by an ex girlfriend a year or so after we broke up. She had read it and it helped her and she thought it could help me too. I ended up not only reading it but loving it and applied a lot of those principles in my every day life. Sometimes the people that know you best know exactly what you need, even if you don’t.

What’s your favorite quote?

“When you know better, do better.”

What is your most-used emoji?

or – I think most times I am either laughing or winging it.

What would be your advice to a human who just graduated from high school and was about to enter the "real world"?

I would probably tell them not to try to figure it all out immediately. Lean on those that want to help you and take time to figure out what you’re really passionate about and go for that.