development & work

I have been working since I was 15. Started off as a high school sophomore, clocking into restaurants because I needed my own money for school costs, helping out at home, and just making sure I could handle my own. Even now, with a full-ride scholarship, I still pick up shifts to pay for groceries, gas, and all the everyday stuff that does not magically disappear when you go off to college.

This is just normal life for me. It has never felt like something special or out of the ordinary; it is what a lot of people I grew up around did, too. You work because you have to, because bills do not wait, and there is nobody else to hand it to you. That is also why I see things the way I do. I understand what it means to stretch a paycheck, to juggle work and school, to show up tired but still get it done. 

It has also shaped a lot of how I see things. I know what it means to stand on your feet for hours, to show up tired after a double and still smile at customers, to count tips and plan out what gets paid first. This section is not some list of big fancy titles; it is a record of years spent grinding, figuring things out, and making my own way. I am proud of that. It is a reminder that nothing about my path was handed to me, and I would not want it any other way. 

WORK EXPERIENCE

Server: The Goat Restaurant 

• March 2024- Present

At The Goat, I balance serving guests in a busy, high-energy spot with my full-time studies at Ohio State. I keep things running smoothly on the floor, handle orders and bar service, and aim to make sure everyone leaves feeling taken care of. This has sharpened how I work under pressure, connect with all kinds of people, and pay attention to the details that turn a good experience into a great one.

Freelance: Photographer 

• January 2020- Present

Outside of work and school, I have built up a small photography side hustle, mostly shooting seniors, proms, homecomings, and other school events. This gig started when I was able to rent out equipment from my school. I would rent it out for the weekend and shoot those days. I always knew I loved photography, but I was never able to afford any of the equipment. This gig was a great way for me to hone my skills while being able to help save up for a camera for myself. Now I get to help folks mark big chapters in their lives while running all the behind-the-scenes stuff myself: booking, editing, making sure they walk away with something they’re genuinely excited about.

Server: Friendship Village of Dublin Retirement Home

• January 2023- May 2024

Serving retired folks at Friendship Village was about way more than just meals. I got to know residents who often just wanted someone to sit with them for a minute and talk about life. It reminded me how connection matters just as much as service, and how taking a little extra time can mean the world to someone else.

Cashier & Food Runner: Fukuryu Ramen Restaurant

• July- December 2022

At Furukyu, I kept things moving in a busy ramen shop, taking orders, running food, and helping guests feel looked after. It sharpened how I handle pressure and made sure I never lose sight of the small details that keep people coming back.

Host & Food Runner: Don Tequilla Grill Restaurant

• June 2021- July 2022

I started here at 15, jumping into the service industry as a high school sophomore. From seating guests to clearing tables and running plates, it was my first real taste of hard work. It taught me how to handle myself with customers, stay on my feet, and grind through long shifts, lessons I still pull from everywhere else in my life.

Communications Team: Buckeye Catholic

• February 2025- Present

Being part of Buckeye Catholic keeps me grounded in faith and gives me a way to help reach younger Catholics like myself through spaces we already spend time in. On the communications team, I help run social media and craft messages that feel genuine, so people see something familiar, feel drawn in, and maybe even start thinking about their faith in a new way. It matters to me that we build community in places our generation actually hangs out, and show that church can be as open, welcoming, and real as we are.

certifications

HubSpot Social Media Certification: 

• Completed this while still juggling high school and college courses. This taught me how to run digital campaigns and build an online presence that people actually want to engage with, something I use every day through my nonprofit and creative work. 

First Aid & CPR Certification: 

• I keep this up to date because you never know when someone might need real help, fast. It is important to me to be the person who can step in when it matters. 

REACH Suicide Prevention Certification: 

• This training focused on spotting warning signs and having the right conversations to support people in crisis. It’s a small step, but one that makes a difference when someone feels alone.

Ohio State General Fire Safety for Healthcare Certification: 

• Earned this through the State of Ohio to stay prepared for emergency situations, especially in settings that involve vulnerable people. Safety is everyone’s responsibility, and this is one way I back that up. 

RELIAS Workplace Certifications: 

• Picked these up through different work roles, covering topics like elder care, workplace safety, and compliance. It is just part of making sure I’m always ready and informed on the job.