2023 marked my third year building home in Seattle, Washington and my first out of grad school. I continued my work as a therapist and care coordinator in Seattle Public Schools until June but ultimately decided not to return due to an unexpected personal loss and burnout. I’m grateful to have spent the year learning from and supporting such resilient young people while gaining an understanding of the systems that are struggling to meet their needs. During the summer months, I nannied for two energetic toddlers and got back to my animal-loving roots working as a stable hand on a large horse farm. This fall, I began in my new role as the care coordinator for a collective of therapists who specialize in politicized healing and trauma processing for the queer and trans community. I am excited to be a part of this collective and their commitment to connecting political conditions with individual and collective mental health. Amidst a full year, I continue to explore my own gender and feel increasingly embodied as I integrate pieces of my expression that were long buried. Life is short and what an honor to really live it! Thank you MVYouth for your support during undergrad and for being part of the reason I can pursue such a full life, post-grad and beyond.