0
Benchmark - Personal Development Essay (Obj. 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3)
Grand Canyon University
SWK-285-O500
1
The Highest Human Act is to Inspire: A Reflection on Personal Development
There’s a quiet power in knowing who you are. My journey—rooted in culture, community, and
resilience—has shaped my personal beliefs, how I see the world, and ultimately, how I engage
with those around me. As someone who has spent 22 years in social work, advocacy, and
community outreach, my perspective is a reflection of lived experience, heartbreak, and hope.
Raised in Illinois, transitioning through West Covina, California, and now calling Phoenix,
Arizona, home, I have witnessed firsthand the struggles of marginalized communities. These
, experiences have not just informed my work—they’ve transformed my approach to humanity
itself.
Personal Identity and Its Influence on Beliefs
My identity is a tapestry woven with threads of culture, race, gender, socioeconomic status, and
spirituality. Being a mother of five and a wife of 20 years, I have learned the art of balancing
tenderness with tenacity. I grew up knowing what it meant to struggle and, in turn, what it meant
to survive. That survival instinct turned into service—whether it was showing up for victims of
sexual assault, guiding newly diagnosed HIV clients, or ensuring that families didn’t go to bed
hungry during the pandemic.
Spiritually, my beliefs are grounded in the idea that purpose is tied to service. My family’s "Grab
and Go" free lunch initiative during COVID wasn’t just about food—it was about restoring
dignity. Inspired by Nipsey Hussle’s words, "The highest human act is to inspire," I have
dedicated my life to uplifting others. My spirituality has taught me that resilience isn’t just about
standing tall in the storm but about helping others find shelter, too.
Benchmark - Personal Development Essay (Obj. 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3)
Grand Canyon University
SWK-285-O500
1
The Highest Human Act is to Inspire: A Reflection on Personal Development
There’s a quiet power in knowing who you are. My journey—rooted in culture, community, and
resilience—has shaped my personal beliefs, how I see the world, and ultimately, how I engage
with those around me. As someone who has spent 22 years in social work, advocacy, and
community outreach, my perspective is a reflection of lived experience, heartbreak, and hope.
Raised in Illinois, transitioning through West Covina, California, and now calling Phoenix,
Arizona, home, I have witnessed firsthand the struggles of marginalized communities. These
, experiences have not just informed my work—they’ve transformed my approach to humanity
itself.
Personal Identity and Its Influence on Beliefs
My identity is a tapestry woven with threads of culture, race, gender, socioeconomic status, and
spirituality. Being a mother of five and a wife of 20 years, I have learned the art of balancing
tenderness with tenacity. I grew up knowing what it meant to struggle and, in turn, what it meant
to survive. That survival instinct turned into service—whether it was showing up for victims of
sexual assault, guiding newly diagnosed HIV clients, or ensuring that families didn’t go to bed
hungry during the pandemic.
Spiritually, my beliefs are grounded in the idea that purpose is tied to service. My family’s "Grab
and Go" free lunch initiative during COVID wasn’t just about food—it was about restoring
dignity. Inspired by Nipsey Hussle’s words, "The highest human act is to inspire," I have
dedicated my life to uplifting others. My spirituality has taught me that resilience isn’t just about
standing tall in the storm but about helping others find shelter, too.
