For almost three years in middle school, my world revolved around a back brace. Because of scoliosis and spondylolisthesis, I was required to wear it daily for twenty hours a day, and it quickly became part of my identity during a time when I was still figuring out who I was. I learned to dress around it, choosing clothes not because they were "cool", but because they hid the plastic shell tightly wrapped around my torso. It left me with a lot of doubt about my abilities and fitting in at an age when we are most vulnerable.

The four hours I had out of the brace each day became my window of freedom, and I filled almost every minute of it with dance. Walking into the studio, stretching without restriction, and moving however I wanted felt so empowering. Dance became more than a fun extracurricular activity… it became my emotional outlet, my expression, and my escape.

When I finally stopped growing and no longer needed my back brace, I carried something with me that I didn't have before: an appreciation for my own resilience. I realized how powerful it is to keep showing up, even when circumstances are tough or uncomfortable. This mindset shaped the way I approached everything in my life going forward, from my schoolwork and dance training to my long-term goals, including becoming a professional dancer.

Fast forward to today, in my third season in the NFL as a Patriots Cheerleader, I often think about that middle school version of myself who went through those physical and mental obstacles from my back brace and I smile with gratitude. I've learned that with determination, passion, and hard work, I am able to accomplish anything I set my mind to. Limitations don't have to stop you, in fact, they can be the very thing that shapes you with the capacity to reach your dreams.