There is a really special feeling I get when I see my mentors walking ahead of me. It’s a feeling of intense respect mixed with gratitude. I often catch glimpses of the paths they’ve walked, how hard they’ve fought, what it took to arrive at this moment.

I feel obligated to keep pace. To run alongside them. To support them however I can. Working with them has made me feel infinite. Any problem is solvable. No challenge is impossible. I am confident that we will go the distance.

I don’t think that this scenario of mine is a common scenario. I don’t think many could ever say they were in a similar position. I don’t think I am walking an ordinary path. I don’t think that this shit “just happens”. I don’t think, not even for a second, that I could do this on my own. I’m growing painfully aware of how rare this is.

I am learning a lot. An incredible amount. A stupid amount.

I wake up every day feeling ridiculously grateful for this opportunity to learn from those walking in front of me. I’m trying my best every day to continue earning this position, because I cannot afford to take it for granted even for a second. Any lapse would be disrespectful not just to my team, but to everyone I’ve sacrificed for to pursue this mission.

I am grateful for this experience. I am grateful for my team. I am grateful to feel infinite.