After getting bullied and beaten up at 9 years old, I decided I wanted to learn how to defend myself. I studied Taekwondo under Korean Grandmaster Yong Shin in Camarillo, California. I loved Taekwondo. It built my confidence, taught me how to protect myself, and gave me another family to be a part of. I started assisting my instructor as a blue belt, helping other students prepare for advancement. I love helping them. I have been teaching ever since. It’s amazing to see students starting out being shy and timid. But in just a few months, our students built confidence, made friends, and learned to be leaders. They push themselves outside their comfort zones and overcome obstacles and challenges! I had the opportunity to work with at-risk youth in a facility, teaching them Taekwondo and the philosophies that go with it. When these youth were at their lowest, feeling like they could never change and life was hopeless, the philosophies of Taekwondo changed them. They shaped them to be the competent adults they are today. Taekwondo has truly changed their lives, and I am blessed to be a part of that journey. I love being a Taekwondo instructor, creating a safe environment where families can come to learn and grow together.