A chapter into my journey.

Growing up, my childhood was filled with a diverse array of interests and aspirations. While excelling in various sports and showcasing a competitive spirit, the idea of becoming a naturopathic practitioner was far from my initial contemplations. Despite my proficiency in basketball, I never envisioned a future solely dedicated to the sport. Instead, my ambitions ranged from pursuing a career in medicine, law, education, to even entrepreneurship.

Inspired by the remarkable achievements of my mother and sister in the field of education, I initially felt drawn towards following in their footsteps. However, as I delved deeper into exploring my passions and interests, I realized that the conventional 9-5 routine did not align with my dynamic and active mindset. The multitude of dreams that resided within me reflected a yearning for something more, something beyond the ordinary.

In the pursuit of my aspirations, I came to understand that while the desire to make my parents proud and emulate their success was strong, my true calling lay elsewhere. Their paths, though admirable, did not ignite the same fire within me. This realization led me on a journey of self-discovery, pushing me to explore unconventional paths and carve out a unique identity that resonated with my innermost desires and ambitions.

Alongside of our educational endeavors, my little family shared our passion of sports. My father was an avid boxing fanatic, so we all shared his love of watching martial arts and boxing. Both our parents loved watching sports together. They loved watching tennis, mostly the Williams sisters. My mother, on the other hand, was obsessed with watching basketball, particularly NBA double headers at 9 am on NBC. You could hear her cheering for Magic, or Jordan, or Bird in the early hours of a Saturday morning. She would passionately root for her favorite players, getting excited with each dunk, three-pointer, or buzzer-beater.

But beyond just being a spectator, my mother found true joy in watching me and my sister play basketball. The court became our stage, and she was our biggest fan, always there to support us with her unwavering enthusiasm and encouragement. The pride in her eyes as we dribbled, passed, and scored was a sight to behold. We were her superstars, and she was our number one supporter, always cheering us on from the sidelines with a beaming smile. Her love for the game was infectious, instilling in us a deep appreciation for the sport and a drive to always give our best.

As we reminisce about those precious moments on the court, we hold onto the memories of her unwavering support and the bond we shared through the love of basketball. Though she may no longer be with us, her spirit lives on in each of us, a constant reminder of the beautiful soul that she was and the legacy of love and passion she left behind.