 My stepdad encouraged me to join the military. I didn't want to do it until my uncle told me that he didn't think I could pass basic. Those who know me know I'm the most stubborn person, so when you tell me I can't do something, I will set out to prove you wrong. You don't have to compare yourself to what other people are doing. Figure out what you want to do, not what everybody else wants you to do. At boot camp, I met someone just as stubborn as me, arguing with one another, and one of the first classes I attended, a nerdy, supportive, and stubborn individual, he will later become my husband. Shortly after moving to Wisconsin in 2021, I enrolled in the digital marketing program. That first semester, I was nervous. I had not been to school for a while. After the first few days, the continuous support and open communication from the instructors helped me relax and enjoy my courses, and I felt a sense of belonging. Then I seen a couple of people and they're like, hi, Kierri, and I'm like, oh, like you actually know who I am, and it just made me happy. I would like to run a company. Like, I want to run like YouTube, Google, like I want to run a big company and just show people like you don't have to be those stereotypes, especially me being a female of color. I just want to show everyone that I'm strong. Thank you, Jay, for believing in me and the potential that I have. I didn't know how much you would change my life when we first met, but your belief in me has helped me take on new goals that are changing our lives together for the better. You are the reason I am standing here today. I am excited to see just how far I can go. 18-year-old Kierri will be so proud of the person she is today. Thank you.