I stumbled onto the sport of bodybuilding by an unlikely source. However, that exposure sparked my curiosity to research more about the sport of bodybuilding. I found myself becoming intrigued by viewing transformations and seeing how motivating and inspiring the community actually is.

Throughout high school I was a two to three sport athlete. However, during my college years I decided to have the "typical" college experience and gained nearly 30 lbs. At my peak weight, I was 138lbs at 28% body fat. After my body rejected alcohol, I lost some weight and began eating somewhat healthier. I am competitive by nature, but had been mainly sedentary over the past couple of years due to a torn labrum in my right hip along with the lack of motivation and drive to fully commit to a certain lifestyle. I was content being skinny-fat and sometimes became discouraged when I would start working out because of the comments I would receive such as, "You're small and skinny already, why do you need to work out?"

Besides being able to set and obtain goals, I have realized that this sport elicits a great feeling of dignity and accomplishment. Working out helps me control the side effects of suffering from severe anxiety, IBS, and a hormonal imbalance. I have always been interested in health and fitness, but never really took on the full initiative to live a completely healthy lifestyle. The turning point was when I realized I could not even complete one standard pushup, even though I looked somewhat fit and healthy, but moreoreless skinnyfat. In February 2012, I decided it was time to start. After my strength, stamina, complexion, energy level, and attitude all changed in a positive manner, I became dedicated to strive for a healthy and fit lifestyle for the rest of my life.

Living a fit and healthy lifestyle has impacted my life in more ways than I could have ever imagined. Mentally, physically, psychologically, and spiritually I'm a better person because of the choice to change the direction of where my life is now going. Being adopted, I've never had access or the resources to obtain my medical history of my biological parents. Not knowing if I'm at risk for a certain disease or cancer is daunting. Knowing that I'm doing everything in my ability to be the healthiest I can, be puts me more at ease, as I leave the rest up to God. The motivation and inspiration that comes along with this lifestyle has had such a positive impact and I hope to one day pay it forward by inspiring and motivating others.

The possibilities within this industry and way of life are far more than I could have ever imagined. This is surely the beginning of the beginning and I cannot wait to see what the future holds. I hope to one day work at or run my own gym that specifically targets children and teenagers who come from lower socio-economic status' and individuals with disabilities. I'm currently in graduate school to obtain a M.S. in Nutrition and Wellness with an emphasis in Health Education. Concurrently, I am studying for my CSCS certification through NSCA and am an ISSA certified personal trainer working out of Anytime Fitness.