A Time for Reflection
A New Season
Fall has always been my favorite season. It’s a time to think about the passing year and enjoy the changing seasons; from leaves changing colors to wearing comfy sweaters for cooler weather. For me, it’s a chance to consider how I’ve spent the last nine months of the year.
This year is no different. Today is my one year wedding anniversary. As I celebrate my new marriage, I am filled with same happiness I felt on my wedding day. Two months ago, I was crowned USA Ambassador Ms. 2021. To achieve a childhood dream is such a joyous feeling and major accomplishment. Winning this title has invigorated me to promote my platform ‘A Chance to Succeed: Empowering Youth in Foster Care.’ I believe if you want to empower young people who’ve experienced foster care, you also have to empower their families. I look forward to sharing my message for change as I travel across the nation.
I’m also reminded of the fact we’ve been living during a pandemic for two years. I never thought I would experience something like this during my lifetime. As a child, I read about the bubonic plague. Naively, I thought things like that only happened long ago. To witness something like this has been humbling. It’s made me realize that I can’t take anything for granted: my health, employment and even my life. Because of the pandemic, I have chosen to live life more intentionally and with gratitude. And pursue dreams that have been nestled in my heart.
One of those life dreams was to become an actress and model. After winning my title, I was connected with a talent agent. If all goes well, I will be starring in a few commercials and maybe even a show! Even though this year has been unpredictable, I’m always looking for ways to be still. To really take in the goodness in life, even when it doesn’t seem that way. By taking time to reflect, we realize that what we have is truly enough.
From left to right: With my sister Queens at Enjoy Ya Selfie in Tampa Bay, FL, working as a Brand Ambassador at a Seattle convention, handing out brochures as USA Ambassador Ms. 2021 at the Washington State Fair.
