This image shows my graduation cap that took weeks to perfect. When I was applying for college in the Fall of 2017 and fell in love with molecular genetics, I found a quote that read, “I’ll climb this strand of DNA to see where life takes me.” This quote quickly became my favorite thing to say to myself when I questioned my ability to do the things I aspired to do. When it came time to decorate my graduation cap, I knew exactly what I wanted to make it say. I was able to graduate first in my class, but only because I had pushed myself as far as I possibly could. I look back at these pictures and think about this quote often. I want to keep this quote with me as I make my way through college and the first steps in my career because I need a reminder to push myself, while knowing that my best is good enough. This quote is a way to tell myself that it is alright to not have everything planned out; it will all fall into place as long as I work my hardest and try my very best.