My story in relation to Medijoy could be entitled “I get it.” While I believe that empathy can be more powerful than sympathy, I get everyone’s experience is different and should be celebrated as such. That said, an empathetic supporter can be priceless, and I not only come to college-aged individuals with an empathetic ear and formative memories of my own experiences from that age, but a great love for where they are developmentally and the opportunities that are right at their doorstep.

I grew up in a very small town in North Carolina and although small and very rural, the environment provided me with a wealth of opportunity. I was involved in all of the things I could be from high school through college. I guess you could say I had a massive case of FOMO, but also a great desire to grow beyond my small town. This continued through college and as much as I loved the involvement, I experienced that intense pressure that comes along. Stomach craps, anxiety, fear of disappointing others, fear of what comes after. All this before social media and all the demands and comparison that live therein. I was lucky enough to have amazing mentors along the way who helped me hold my true dreams close and find my way from college to work for a year in professional children’s theatre. From there, on to graduate school to study acting, and then finally onto New York to fulfill my dreams of being an actor. Through the grueling business that can make you question everything about yourself, I found my way and worked as a professional actor for a decade, forever fascinated by the storytelling, the human condition and the driving force behind what motivates an individual…not to mention the power of a collective come together to participate, as well as witness. This fascination surprisingly led me into the embrace of SoulCycle, where I found the same thrill and connection I did as an actor, with a more direct line to the audience. I was hooked and became an instructor where I spent seven years fascinated by and grateful for the more direct, motivational interaction I had with those who took my class - witnessing them not only succeed for themselves but learn from and work with each other as a pack.  I also became a mentor and development support to fellow instructors, helping them find their true voice and presence as teachers and team members. However, burnout ensued, as I didn’t have the complete toolkit to take care of myself while I was taking care of others. Then came the pandemic and the forced slow down and introspection. What was next and what was necessary for me to cultivate in order help the world move forward? I decided to enter into the world of health and wellness coaching, furthering and deepening that direct motivational contact I so loved from SoulCycle. To help individuals and groups explore, re-discover and articulate their vision, values, and strengths that help them move forward and flourish as their best selves…well, this is the dream, (and the training helped me immensely as I navigated this learning of what true, balance wellness can look like). To live in true connection with ourselves, each other and our landscapes - this could heal the world.  

We are living in a time that presents a great deal of individual pressures which can lead to separation and searching. I am thankful for organizations like Medijoy that are helping college-aged individuals uncover the roads towards true wellness and life-giving experiences, earlier and with intention, and I can add to that connection and support with an empathetic and passionate ear and mindset. The college years are such a beautiful time of coming into oneself and to be able to do that with even more support and connection and awareness of intrinsic motivation can be profound. I know what it’s like to perform to the point of of exhaustion and depletion and the need to have a “thick skin” through it all. And I know what it’s like to come out the other side with more awareness and tools for well-being. I am passionate about helping people live their best lives in true connection rather than comparison. I have a great curiosity for what makes us not only perform at our best as humans, but flourish.