Biography

“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi

I was relatively young when I first heard this quote. I was naïve, and didn’t grasp its meaning. How is someone supposed to be the change? Now that I’m 23, I try to implement this concept in my life every single day.

I am a senior at the University of South Florida where I will receive my bachelor’s degree in mass communications, concentrating on public relations, with a minor in political science. I chose this course of study because it will provide me with the greatest opportunity to be the change. Public relations is teaching me how to communicate effectively and political science is teaching me the foundations of democracy. Both of which are integral to creating change.

During high school, I was a member of student government. I had the opportunity to assist with the development of several charity events hosted at the school. We hosted a fund raiser for breast cancer awareness, donating to Susan G. Komen for the cure. We held a carnival where admission was paid with canned goods, benefiting Metropolitan Ministries. We lead a Relay for Life event benefiting the American Cancer Society. And we sponsored an Angel Tree through the Salvation Army, providing Christmas gifts for local underprivileged families.

Then, in college, I started writing for Hillsborough Community College’s student paper, The Hawkeye, where I had several feature stories. My favorite article was about HCC changing its smoking-policy and how the student body reacted to that change. I was a member of the spirit club at the University of South Florida, the Beef Studs, where I was able to participate in an epic charity event called Dance Marathon, benefiting the Children’s Miracle Network. Dancing for 17 hours straight, I was crowned “Miss Dance Marathon,” and my team won the trophy for most spirit. I was one of four lucky people who got to present the check of money raised, totaling more than $30,000, to All Children’s Hospital.

Through Grace Family Church, where I’ve taught in the children’s ministry for almost 2 years, I was able to go on a mission trip. My team and I went to Tizimin, Mexico. We were only there for 8 days, but we accomplished a lot. The biggest service we did for the city was construct a community bathroom for a poor section of the city that didn’t have any bathrooms. We also founded an organization called 50 Fuertes. It benefits local youth who want to be involved with the church and want to conduct their own charity work.

I want nothing more than to be involved in an organization that strives to make other people happy. My ideal career field will involve the entertainment industry. I love every aspect of it. Entertainment makes people happy. Happy people want to make other people happy. It’s the most glorious version of the circle of life. The entertainment industry has the platform to make a difference, and I want to be a part of it.

I am idealistic. I am nice. I am loving. I am compassionate. I am fun. I am hard-working. I am motivated. I am opportunistic. I am strong. I am enthusiastic. I am resilient. I am determined. I am honest. I am patient. I am sincere. I am generous. I am respectful. I am happy.

I am me.