If there are two words that best describe me, they would be determined and empathic. As a former competitive swimmer, I learned early on how to set, follow, and achieve my goals. These life skills have given me the confidence and the determination to overcome obstacles that may have blocked me otherwise from achieving my objectives. My empathy developed early on as well, however, under more challenging circumstances. Growing up as an openly gay youth, I experienced bullying first-hand for being who I was. This eye-opening incident put a spotlight on a dark truth: a lack of education produces…