Growing up in Los Altos, California, I never imagined that my college journey would take me quite so far from home. Choosing a school on the opposite coast felt huge on its own, but enrolling in a first-year study-abroad program made it even bigger. I knew before I ever set foot on Northeastern's campus that my freshman year would begin not in Boston, but in London—an opportunity that felt both surreal and incredibly exciting.
Moving across the world at eighteen was thrilling and a little overwhelming, but in the best way. London became my campus, and I found myself learning how to balance academics with making friends, exploring new neighborhoods, and soaking in every experience I could. I arrived as someone who struggled with social anxiety and typically leaned on the people around me, but suddenly I was building a community completely on my own. Every time I pushed myself to initiate a conversation, join a new group, or try something unfamiliar, I felt myself growing.
That year stretched me in ways I didn't anticipate. Stepping outside my comfort zone helped me discover a confidence I didn't know I had. I developed a deeper gratitude for home and the people who shaped me, but I also realized something equally important—that I could create a sense of home anywhere. I learned that I'm capable of forming connections, finding routines, and creating outlets that ground me, no matter where I am in the world.
When I finally moved to Boston for my second year, I felt an unexpected itch to return to dance and performing—two things I hadn't realized I missed so deeply while abroad. Never did I imagine I'd become a professional dancer while still in school, but if London taught me anything, it was that I can step outside my comfort zone and navigate any path I'm determined to walk. That mindset is ultimately what pushed me to audition for the Patriots Cheerleaders.
Today, when I represent the Patriots, I bring not only my love for dance and teamwork, but also the growth, courage, and independence I found during that transformative year in London. It's a reminder that every experience—especially the ones outside your comfort zone—becomes part of your story. And I'm grateful that my story led me here.
