My mother, Rachel Silva, is easily one of the most loving, thoughtful, and hardworking individuals I know, and I am very grateful to have had her as my Mom. Throughout my childhood I know I was not an easy child, but rather than settle or give up on doing what was best for me, she always searched effortlessly high and low to find the best solutions and never stopped until I was in my most comfortable place socially, academically, and mentally. Where I am now, settled in college, comfortable socially and confident with where I’m going, is a place I would not have been able to achieve without her supporting me every second of the way.