Put Yourself in Rooms You Have No Business Being In

In January 2022, I made the bold decision to compete for the title of Miss Tampa 2022 in the Miss America system. After attending the first competition meeting, I walked away feeling insecure, confused, and terrified. The thought of dropping out crossed my mind more than once. Competing alongside candidates with years of experience and numerous accolades felt overwhelming. But I chose to stay. I chose to see this as an opportunity to learn, and at the very least, I’d have a funny story to tell. But then, I won. That night, they called my name, and from that moment on, the trajectory of my life, growth, and future was forever altered. Now, even when fear shakes me to the core, I make it a point to put myself in rooms I have no business being in.

Today, I attended the first startup meeting for USF’s STAY research program as a graduate assistant. I found myself in a room with accomplished individuals, each with more experience than I’ve had years on this earth. It was intimidating. Conversations seemed to swirl around me, and just as I began to grasp a thought, it would shift in a new direction. It was terrifying to ask questions, admit I didn’t understand something, or make suggestions from a place of inexperience, all in the hope of gaining feedback. But after the meeting, I was shown my office—a space on the USF campus that would bear my name on the door. I cried tears of gratitude, overwhelmed with a sense of pride that nothing else had ever worked out. A deep feeling of serendipity washed over me, as if every moment leading up to this had been perfectly orchestrated to bring me to this place. It was surreal, looking out the window and seeing my reflection. What had I gotten myself into? I had landed my dream—one that had once seemed too audacious and unrealistic. But here I was, living it.

I’m writing this at 22 years old, soon to be 23. Sure, I might have changed my outfit several times before leaving the house out of anxiety about how I’d be perceived, only to realize after the meeting that I earned this opportunity not because of what I wore, but because of who I am. I am ambitious, audacious, and tenacious in my pursuit of making a difference.

After the meeting, I had lunch with another researcher on the team—an incredible woman whose accomplishments I had thoroughly researched. During lunch, she asked how I got involved in the study, and I was reminded of the splendor of the story that brought me here. It can be summarized in a few pieces of advice: “You never know the value of a handshake,” “Put yourself in rooms you have no business being in,” and “Always show gratitude and appreciation for others.” These three pillars are why I am here today.

As Miss Tampa, I met Julie Serovich, the dean of the College of Behavioral and Community Sciences, at one of the routine Columbia luncheons. I was authentic in my introduction, expressing my passion for mental health and sharing my personal adversities with mental health in high school. We bonded over our shared love for the USF Bulls and our desire to make the world a better place. A year later, after graduating from my undergraduate program, I found myself lost, unsure of what to do next with my education and career. Julie opened her office doors to me, offering her time and input—something of immense value that few could ask for, let alone receive. I left her office with a plan: pursue a Master of Social Work and an email introduction to Dr. Kilmnick, the Chair of the Online Master of Social Work (MSW) program. In no time, I was accepted into one of the best social work programs in the nation—USF.

As a student, I realized I needed to do more to get the most out of this experience and these relationships. I became a cohort representative, and through this leadership position, Dr. Kilmnick became a valued mentor. I scheduled a meeting with him to share my academic and professional dreams, practically begging for direction. He guided me to connect with researchers at USF about grants and research projects. After a brief meeting with Alison Salloum, Ph.D., LCSW, a Professor in the USF School of Social Work, she mentioned a research study starting in the fall that I might be interested in. I expressed my eagerness to learn more. By mid-summer, I was interviewing for a graduate research assistant position on the project, despite having no research background or experience. But I pitched myself to Rose Iovannone, Associate Research Professor at USF, explaining my skills, passion, and strong interest in learning and growing under her and her team’s instruction. To my surprise, I was offered the GA position.

Now, I’m writing this from my window-view office, smiling from ear to ear, filled with gratitude and excitement for what the future holds. I’m eager to soak in all that this chapter has in store for me.

Growing up, I was always eager for the next challenge, ready to move on to the next best thing. But now, I realize the immense pleasure of not worrying about what’s next, of staying open-minded and opportunistic about whatever it might be, and appreciating the amazing things I have right in front of me.

Thank you again, to everyone who has invested their time, energy, and resources into me, I am forever grateful to be able to serve others because of the opportunities you have afforded me.