My parents divorced when I was eight-years-old, and because finances were difficult, we moved often. Prior to enrolling at HCC, I had attended twelve different schools. Unfortunately, work took priority over education and by the time I was fifteen, I had a full-time job. I dropped out of high school in tenth grade. When I was twenty-years-old, I earn my GED, understanding that a college education would empower me to better my life. I began taking general education classes at HCC in 2007 and graduated from the HCC Vet Tech Program in 2010. One year later, I earned my A.A. in Veterinary Medicine. My professors at HCC, especially Dr. Vincent Centonze and Carrie Jo Anderson, encouraged me to continue my education. I took their advice, and in 2012, graduated Summa Cum Laude with my B.A.S. in Veterinary Technology from St. Petersburg College. I worked for eight years in Emergency Veterinary Medicine, two years in Internal Medicine, and four years in general practice. Today, I’ve come full circle, having accepted a full-time faculty position teaching veterinary medicine at HCC and I couldn’t be happier. It feels like I’ve come back home.