I was born and raised in Ireland, where the home was the heart of everything—filled with cousins, grandparents, and laughter. That sense of connection has always stuck with me.

I moved to Houston, Texas in middle school, expecting cowboy hats and musical numbers (thanks to Dallas and Grease). Instead, I found an amazing neighborhood, great friends, and a childhood I’ll always treasure. That experience taught me how much the right home and communi...