My high school school counselor, Robert Syzmaszek, recommended me for a high school student advancement summer program at Connecticut College in New London for students of color. That summer had an influential impact on my decision to apply for college. He believed and encouraged me to be the best version of myself. As a result, I graduated from SCSU and later came back to Meriden as a second grade teacher at Nathan Hale School and a Spanish teacher at my alma matar, Maloney High School. Most recently, I published a children’s book written in both English and Spanish. Thank you, Meriden Public Schools and Mr. Syzmaszek (RIP), for your role in my journey!