Whenever I look at this picture, I get emotional. In it, I see a young girl with the President of the United States—someone who came to this country with her parents in search of a better life. I see a girl who grew up on food stamps, food banks, and toy donations. I see someone who faced hardship, who had to overcome countless obstacles to get to where she is today.

It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve in the most diverse, equity-driven, and impactful administration in history.

That difficult yet profoundly beautiful journey is what brought me to this day. Today, I’m reflecting on my last day at the White House, after serving my community for 2.5 years as a Presidential Appointee. It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve in the most diverse, equity-driven, and impactful administration in history. Words cannot begin to describe how incredible this journey has been and how much it has changed my life. 

Growing up, I had no idea what a Presidential Appointee even was. My only aspiration was to give back to a community that helped me when I needed it most. I became a Presidential Appointee because I am supported by a community of mentors, an amazing fiancé, friends, and family who constantly lift me up and see my light. 

I am not self-made; I am community-made.

These years have helped me become the woman I always wanted to be—one who leads with kindness, resilience, and a deep commitment to my comunidad. I am not self-made; I am community-made. I stand on the shoulders of those who came before me, leaders who paved the way so that I could walk a bit easier—and so that I can bring more young people with me along the way. That is exactly what I’ve been doing and what I hope to continue doing for the rest of my life. 

As for now, I’m looking forward to taking some time to rest, start a podcast, and start planning one of the most important days of my life—the day I’ve been dreaming about since I was a little girl.