A lot of my inspiration comes from the things and people who shape how I move through the world. Taylor Swift has always reminded me to be confident in myself: to embrace the parts that feel “cringe,” shake things off, and stay grounded even when the world projects negativity onto women who take up space. Chappell Roan inspires me in a different way: her unapologetic activism, especially around trans rights, shows how art can be a vehicle for courage and community. She reminds me that authenticity is its own form of power. Politics and D.C. are another huge influence, shaped by people like Seth Moulton, Kamala Harris, and Pete Buttigieg, leaders whose work reflects the kind of public service and communication I hope to be part of.

Georgetown has also become one of my biggest inspirations; the academic rigor, the conversations that push me, and the professors who expect depth and nuance have shaped how I think about justice, identity, and responsibility. Squam Lake is my reset button; I’ve gone there with my family every summer, and my happiest memories live between the trees and the water. It’s the place where I feel calmest and most myself. And then there are movies: something my mom and I bond over constantly. She’s usually right when she insists I’ll love a film, even if I’m stubborn about watching it at first. Some of my favorite stories, characters, and moments come from the movies we’ve watched together, and they’ve shaped how I see people, emotion, and connection.

The people who inspire me most are my parents, whose kindness, compassion, empathy, and patience have shaped me into who I am today. My dad, a lawyer who finds joy in the outdoors with my brother, our dogs, and me, has taught me balance, presence, and the importance of making space for family. My mom, who began in political campaigns before following her passion to become an interior architect and open her own design studio, has shown me the power of creativity, courage, and perseverance. I truly couldn’t be who I am without their constant support, love, and belief in me.