Getting to Know the Girl

Where there is no struggle, there is no strength. Not only is this a quote I traditionally aspired to lead my life by, rather, one that best depicts the person I for much of my life had to be. That is, until I realized, I don't. You know, some days it is hard to believe I'm nearly 30 years old, while other days I cannot help but feel myself rushing ahead of life - passing it by. Yes, passing 'it' by.

Originally from Harrisburg, PA, I currently work and reside in Chicago, IL. I relocated to Chicago twice. Once in 2020 for a post graduate internship just a couple months leading to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Needless to say... things didn't quite go as planned. Fast forward to 2022, I relocated to Chicago - again. But for good this time (I'd like to think anyways). I have since earned my keep working for a number of leading agencies in the area. Earning my B.S. in Speech Communication, Public Relations, I most recently received my Masters in Management, Leadership in 2024. With experience ranging in, account management, traditional public relations, media relations, event planning, social media management, project management DEI strategy and internal communications, I currently work for an advertising agency. 

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Aside from the work, I truly believe in finding the balance to make the most of life and every moment or opportunity presented to you. That said, my mental health, self care and overall wellbeing are extremely important. In my spare time I enjoy writing, singing, exercising - that one's a bit newer, reading, painting... candle shopping. The list goes on. From scouting out and attending local events - particularly in the music scene, i.e., concerts or festivals, to going to the movies, local coffee shops, record stores... I'm convinced there's a ton to explore. And most of it is from the inside out. These just happen to be the avenues with which I've discovered more and more tidbits into myself, my interests, and dislikes to better inform how I pour back into myself. 

Those who 'know' me understand it comes as no secret that my faith is foundational for me. As a Christian, I enjoy spending a great deal of my time at church and community based events. It's been in the toughest times I've managed to cling to this sense of belief and found a sense of self - remembering I had something... someone, who makes it all worth the while even when I don't understand where to put the missing puzzle pieces. From moments like singing as apart of the Maverick City Music Gospel Choir - an opportunity that allowed me to tour cross-country singing with some of gospel's greats, to moments like right now, simply sitting at my nook in my home postured in a place... of peace realizing that even in the low moments, there were days I prayed to be here. God honors. Now more than ever I am learning the art in unlearning and the importance of balance. Not just in the things you do, rather in your view. This requires give and take. This requires discipline. Above all else, this requires the flexibility and adaptability to take what life hands you, all while finding ways to make the most of things, and yet in the same breath, knowing you still have the power to change your reality. It is the realization of this inner power that in fact empowers me to do and go after all that I've aspired - and then some. 

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