Growing up on the Navajo reservation in New Mexico, I was deeply influenced by my parents, both educators, and my father, a pastor and chaplain. This nurturing environment taught me integrity, empathy, and community strength. My close bond with my brother, who is wheelchair-bound with muscular dystrophy, instilled in me humility and gratitude and inspired me to appreciate all of life's simple joys.

An essential part of my life is my supportive w...