Growing up in an improvised area (Southeast Washington D.C.) with an African-American single mother I never had the opportunity to travel. However, my mother did instill the importance of educating yourself to make it out of poverty, that you can make international travel a reality. Although, I have never traveled internationally I took upon myself to explore within the confinements of my local area. This increased my passion to see the reality of what I gained at museums, galleries, cultured fairs, and even media. Based on my consumption of other cultures I gained a thirst to experience travel! Not being able to connect with those that looked like me, or truly explore my roots motivated my goal of community differences and learning practice during this program. I expect to receive invaluable education that will satisfy my thirst for knowledge in how to lead change on both an international and personal level through excellence.