I have learned so many skills in FIRST that have carried over to my acting career. Gracious Professionalism, on its own, is one of the most important things that I use every single day of my life. I use the lessons about team work on every set and project. On the business side, I’ve learned how to deal with contracts and marketing, public relations and high stress situations. As for my technical skills, they really help me grow close with my crew on set because I understand all of the hard, technical work that goes into every scene. I love going to the woodshop and talking to them about how they create our sets and with such strict time constraints.

Another value FIRST instills is how to give back. That's why immediately after graduation I started mentoring. The most important thing we can do is try to change the lives of young people and perhaps give them opportunities they may have not gotten any other way. We're creating the next generation of innovators and leaders, and that's something that shouldn't be taken lightly.

FIRST changes the lives of everyone it touches. Not just students: mentors, volunteers, sponsors and people who work for FIRST. It changed my life. I can honestly say that FIRST has made me a better person, and now I hope to pay it forward.