My Values - and How I Got Here.

Community development speaks to me at my core. I feel like I was put on this earth to create a sense of belonging for all. No matter where I am in the world, it brings me immense joy to bring people together and provide opportunities for new relationships to form. I honestly believe that we are stronger together. When opportunities to gain experience from others are present, we grow stronger as a whole. Inclusionary practices are how those opportunities arise. Clearly, this day in age, this is not a given. Those opportunities need to be created to be had. I want to create and support these opportunities.

I am lucky enough to work for a nonprofit organization that does just that. While much of our work is not direct service, we hold a unique position in the community—connecting nonprofit, government, and business agencies to build awareness and create meaningful relationships that lead to long-lasting, positive change. I am not sure I want to be anywhere except in the nonprofit world, especially in health and human services. My passion for community, connection, and social impact is what drives my deep interest in community development.

I can see myself staying in the nonprofit sector—though it is undoubtedly challenging, especially with the rising cost of living. Still, it aligns with my values and my commitment to making the world a better place through my career. My goal is to continue learning about the intricacies of communities, trying innovative approaches, and becoming a leader in my own community.

The VIA Character Strengths assessment results I received align with how I see myself—and how I believe the world may see me. Humor ranked as my number one strength, which is not surprising. Humor has been an invaluable tool in forging friendships, easing tensions, and creating spaces where people feel comfortable. My second strength was curiosity, which I believe goes hand in hand with lifelong learning, something I deeply value.

The more I experience life, the more I appreciate how much we are shaped by our circumstances. I am grateful for the opportunities and support I have had along the way. I am thankful for loving, caring, and stable parents who provided me with a sense of security. I also recognize that, as a white person, I have had certain privileges that others may not have.

I have always had an intrinsic drive to help others, it is simply a part of my nature. I think having nurturing parents reinforced that. Even as an elementary student, I remember receiving multiple “caught being good” slips in my cubby. When the school needed volunteers to help in the garden on weekends, I was there. When my grandma broke her leg and was in a cast for two months over the summer, I was there. When I was old enough to volunteer with people with disabilities, I was there. When there was a river clean-up, I was there.

These life experiences have embedded in me a deep desire to simply be the good. Because I like knowing that I can — and am — making a positive impact on the world.