I always knew I wanted to help people growing up. My role model has always been my mom, who was an English teacher early in her career. She did so much for her community, and for her family. Unfortunately, my mom passed away when I was 15 years old in 2002 from ovarian cancer, which really turned my world upside down. I lost track of myself for a few years and what I wanted to do but, luckily I have a great support system of family and friends that helped get me back on my feet. Since she was so big on education, I knew I had to go back to school and get my degree, I just didn’t know that I would find myself and exactly what I was looking for in doing so.
Before starting at San Diego State I never really thought of myself as much of a leader, more of a follower that just goes with the flow. That was before I found the hospitality program, and found what I really wanted to do. I’m 29 years old so being able to say that, feels REALLY good. I’ve become more confident in myself and have really been able to grow my leadership style and values. I truly believe that if you have passion and enthusiasm, courage and humility, and are open and honest, you will become a great leader and people will want to follow you and be around you.
“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”