I had the honor of speaking on a panel at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, DC for a youth mentorship event with PrEP. PrEP is a youth program within HIV Prevention and Treatment Services at Children’s National Hospital that focuses on educating DC youth about sexual health and HIV prevention.

It was incredibly impactful to share my journey with college students — especially reflecting on how taking non-traditional paths shaped my growth and ultimately led to my success. I was honest about the pivots, the uncertainties, and the moments that didn’t look “linear” on paper but were essential in building resilience and clarity.

Speaking to students who are still navigating their own decisions reminded me that representation and transparency matter. Many of them are figuring out their next steps, questioning whether their path has to look a certain way. Being able to affirm that success doesn’t always follow a straight line — and that purpose can evolve — felt powerful.

It was a full-circle moment: pouring back into young people in a space dedicated to education, prevention, and empowerment, and reinforcing that unconventional journeys can still lead to meaningful impact.