I was born to two very-hard working parents and have been instilled with the idea that working hard and being successful is important.  My father is a "stay-at-home" dad who sells hardwood flooring and my mother is a Special Agent for Homeland Security.  Since I can remember, my parents told me tales of their job experiences throughout high school and college (I have even been to the station where my dad pumped gas for four years in College Park, Maryland).   As a result, I began to work at a very early age. I started babysitting at age 12 and in 9th grade I began working at a trendy boutique called "Manning's" in my hometown.  I worked at Manning's for all four years of high school and worked hours a week.  I was able to balance sports, Manning's, school work, SAT work, friends, etc. with ease.  I was tireless and even managed to get accepted early decision to my dream school (GWU). 

Upon my arrival to GWU in 2005, I immediately decided that I had to find a part-time job.  I worked at a yoga studio and a clothing store (Urban Outfitters) for two years.  I also babysat on the side.  As a result, my grades suffered and I rarely had time for my friends.  Working felt almost like an addiction.  I dreaded working at Urban Outfitters and sometimes worked until 2:00 a.m. on Sunday mornings.  However, I could not bring myself to quit. 

At the end of my sophomore year, I applied to a study abroad program in Australia and was rejected for my lack of a 3.0 (or higher) GPA.  I finally realized that I could not keep working the hours I was. I talked it over with my parents, who agreed to raise my monthly allowance so that I could cut back working long hours, improve my grades, and spend time with my friends.

I returned to GWU for my junior year and for the first time in many years, I did not have a job.  I had a sufficient allowance and did not need more money.  By October, I was thrilled with my grades and my social/personal life but there was one problem.  I was bored.  I had no classes on Fridays or Wednesdays and I got sick of lying around with my friends doing nothing on the weekend days.  I remembered visiting a cute, trendy clothing store in Arlington (only 3 metro stops from Foggy Bottom) one day during my sophomore year.  I went to this store (called South Moon Under) and applied for a part-time job.  I told myself that I would work only the hours I wanted at a desirable rate.  The store manager agreed to schedule me for 8-15 hours a week (as opposed to the 20-25 hours per week at Urban Outfitters) for a good rate on the days/hours that I chose.  I was finally able to have a well-rounded, balanced life. I raised my GPA significantly; I never missed a party, and maintained a part-time job.  I even applied to a competitive study abroad program in Rome for the spring 2008 semester and was accepted.  

Even though I would have loved to study abroad in Australia, the program rejection was my wake-up call.  I am so grateful that they did not accept my application because as a result, I was able to prioritize and truly enjoy my college experience.