A positive mindset has been one of the most powerful tools in shaping who I am, academically, athletically, and professionally. At one of the most difficult and uncertain times in my life, my mother shared a fact with me that completely transformed my way of thinking: “It is physiologically impossible for your brain to process both fear and gratitude at the same time.” That message stayed with me. In moments of fear, doubt, or stress, I began actively choosing gratitude… That simple mindset shift has carried me through high school, college, and into my career goals.

In high school, I juggled varsity tennis, swim, and cross country while balancing a heavy academic workload on top of two jobs and an internship. There were times when the pressure felt unbearable, but I returned to my mother’s words. Instead of focusing on the fear of failure or the unknown, I chose to be thankful—thankful for the opportunity to compete, to grow, and to push my limits. That mindset allowed me to stay calm and focused, often surprising myself with what I could accomplish when I wasn’t driven by fear.
As a senior at the University of Georgia, majoring in Political Science and Sociology, that same mindset has fueled my academic and professional ambitions. I recently completed a highly selective internship at the Georgia State Capitol, working under the senator representing my hometown district. This opportunity was both challenging and eye-opening, and I can say with confidence that it would not have been possible without a resilient, positive outlook. The policy world is fast-paced and high-pressure, but by focusing on what I can control and being grateful for each opportunity, I’ve been able to grow and contribute meaningfully.

My goal is to become a lobbyist, a career that will require not only knowledge and passion but also poise under pressure and the ability to build trust and consensus. Thanks to my mother’s advice and my faith, I’ve learned how to reframe anxiety into appreciation and pressure into purpose. I now see every challenge not as a threat, but as a chance to rise. This shift in mindset, rooted in both science and faith, has become the foundation of how I approach every trial.A positive mindset has been one of the most powerful tools in shaping who I am, academically, athletically, and professionally. At one of the most difficult and uncertain times in my life, my mother shared a fact with me that completely transformed my way of thinking: “It is physiologically impossible for your brain to process both fear and gratitude at the same time.” That message stayed with me. In moments of fear, doubt, or stress, I began actively choosing gratitude… That simple mindset shift has carried me through high school, college, and into my career goals.

In high school, I juggled varsity tennis, swim, and cross country while balancing a heavy academic workload on top of two jobs and an internship. There were times when the pressure felt unbearable, but I returned to my mother’s words. Instead of focusing on the fear of failure or the unknown, I chose to be thankful—thankful for the opportunity to compete, to grow, and to push my limits. That mindset allowed me to stay calm and focused, often surprising myself with what I could accomplish when I wasn’t driven by fear.

As a senior at the University of Georgia, majoring in Political Science and Sociology, that same mindset has fueled my academic and professional ambitions. I recently completed a highly selective internship at the Georgia State Capitol, working under the senator representing my hometown district. This opportunity was both challenging and eye-opening, and I can say with confidence that it would not have been possible without a resilient, positive outlook. The policy world is fast-paced and high-pressure, but by focusing on what I can control and being grateful for each opportunity, I’ve been able to grow and contribute meaningfully.

My goal is to become a lobbyist, a career that will require not only knowledge and passion but also poise under pressure and the ability to build trust and consensus. Thanks to my mother’s advice and my faith, I’ve learned how to reframe anxiety into appreciation and pressure into purpose. I now see every challenge not as a threat, but as a chance to rise. This shift in mindset, rooted in both science and faith, has become the foundation of how I approach every trial.