​My kayaking journey started around when I was 8, The beggining was slow as I was initially scared away. It was the fear of flipping over, and being trapped upside down. So I never felt inspired to go kayaking. That is, until I turned 14. Some close friends scored a permit for the Grand Canyon, and I found myself in a kayak again. I was motivated to NOT be the only kid on the trip not kayaking. I would be stuck on the Raft all trip, or I could claim my autonomy and take the kayak. The friendly power of the Colorado River slowly washed away my previous fear, as I frequently flipped and had to swim out of my boat. Throughout the trip I worked on my role, and near the end of the trip I got my first combat role. Which required some skill, but mostly composure. I have kayaked every summer since the Grand Canyon in 2017. Another pivotal moment was when I was 18, a Freshman in college, I decided I wanted to become my personal best kayaker. This pursuit has taken a large amount of my time and effort. For all I have dedicated to the sport, I'm grateful for all it has given back to me, in the form of people I have met and places I have been able to go. I enjoy freestyle kayaking in addition to downriver kayaking. ​ While kayaking can be dangerous, people have this misconception that it always is. This is not true. If the sport is respected, and a thorough and respectful learning process is adorned, which allows for an understanding of hydrology, development of kayaking and safety skills, appreciation of reality- what kind of line is realistic, what are the hazards, and what would the consequences be- then it is possible to kayak challenging rapids in a safe manner.