I am extremely blessed to be where I am today; the relationships I’ve created and maintained, the opportunities that have been presented to me, and the support I’ve gotten throughout the years in all of my endeavors. However, my past experiences have, without a doubt, molded me into the person I am today.

In November 2004, my father, who was a lawyer at the time, was winning in a court case, and the opposing lawyer knew this. With a jealous mind, the opposing lawyer decided to show up to my father’s office and shoot at him three times with a silenced pistol. One bullet struck my father in the head, leaving him bed-ridden in a coma (news article link here). As I visited him in the hospital at nine years old, I could not talk to him. He could not move, and the first time he opened his eyes was when he heard my brother and I’s voices. It was the toughest part of my life to see him in this state, especially at such a young age. He fought to survive for 15 hard months until his death in February 2006. It was greatly saddening, but I knew that he was free of pain and in a better place. Through the tragic events and days following, it was the incredibly strong bond within my family that kept me going each and every day. My mother was, and still is, the strongest person I know. Because of her, my older brother and I never gave up. She constantly found ways to keep our heads up and provide for us. She kept pushing us each and every day, making sure we stayed on the right paths, never veering off. Together, as a family, we were able to overcome every obstacle and get to where we are today.

With everything that has happened in my life, I’ve come to learn that every second and every moment cannot, and should not, be taken for granted. Anything can happen in a split second and life can instantly change course forever. I make an effort to not just go through, but conquer each and every day. I always do my best to help people around me that are emotional struggling because I have had my own personal struggles. Through my experiences, I want to share my learnings and optimism with as many strangers and peers as I can.

Coordinated by Eluna and the Safe Crossings Foundation, I volunteered at my first Camp Erin in 2019, and my life was changed. It was such a profound experience to see and help the kids grieve in a safe, friendly environment. It was incredibly special to show them, through words and actions, that there is always light at the end of the tunnel. Ever since, I have been wanting to find more opportunities to work with children who have undergone similar circumstances as myself.

During the camp, to have the honor of being the pianist during the Ritual events was something I will never forget. Emotions relating to grief can be difficult to express in any circumstance, but especially at a young age. Being able to see the kids have their own experiences and release any pent-up emotions was something so powerful to watch, and I knew they were leaving the camp with a sense of relief and hopefulness for their lives ahead.

Losing my father just before my 11th birthday was incredibly difficult as he was such an incredible role model and father. I remember November 3, 2004 so vividly, even though it was close to 17 years ago. Because of everything that has happened, I was blessed with the ability to mature very quickly for my age. Early on, I was able to appreciate life and its meaning, my purpose, and what I needed to do to make my family proud. Today, each and every day, I strive to live the best life I can for my family, peers, and myself.

Quite simply, life is tough. However, the ups and downs are what help us grow as individuals, through our own unique experiences. I have something called the “Three F’s” that I live by: Faith, Family, and Friends. With these three foundations, I have a sense of purpose and appreciation for every breath I take in this world.