# data[].attributes.body
If you really knew me, you would know that I am scared to take risks in case I fail, and I am not unambitious.

# data[].attributes.body
If you really knew me you would know that school was the place I could go for stability due to severe mental illness of a parent that lead to serious financial struggle. I got on the school bus every day knowing that at school everything would be okay, even if it was for a few hours. I am not a person who had the stability we hope all young learners have and that is why I want to be an advocate for our learners each and every day.

# data[].attributes.body
If you really knew me, you would know that both of my parents spent a lot of their time in service - to people, organization or their immediate family. Now that my Dad is no longer with us and my Mom lives in a different country, I am sad that I can not return the same level of support and service to them. But I am learning and finding ways to support my Mom however I can.

# data[].attributes.body
If you really knew me, you would know that I am a truly kind person who values my relationships and connections with others and I am not as gruff as I first appear nor am I materialistic.

# data[].attributes.body
If you really knew me, you would know that I struggled with my identity until late in my 30's, mostly because I was always surrounded by people or family who would remind me not to tell anyone about my partner because people would either judge or because it wasn't "normal."  I was very insecure in my 20s, you wouldn't know it though because I learned to code-switch really well so that I could fit in with what everyone wanted me to be.  I can say I tried to become all things to all people, but it wasn't until a very difficult experience in my late 30s that I had to confront my deepest insecurity and shame that I had been carrying around for so long that I finally learned to love myself completely and be comfortable in my own skin.  I call that my born-again moment, that truly brought me to my knees, and when I truly started having a relationship with Jesus.  Thanks to the Lord, I am super joyful now inside and out.  If you really knew me, you would know that I am a big believer in empowering others and capitalizing on everyone's strengths because I understand the power in recognizing what's valuable in each and every one of us, and I am not someone who is driven by ego, nor power nor money, I truly strive to be driven by the Holy Spirit and the walk Jesus intended for all of us.  If you really knew me, you would know  that I highly value communication and that I do not like it when people make assumptions, I am very much about having crucial conversations so that we all feel heard and valued.  If you really knew me, you would know that God comes first, then my family, then the world. :)  That does not mean I am going to try to convince you to have faith, but I will listen to you, respect you, and will joyfully have a conversation with you about the Lord if and when you're ready.  Just know that I will wear my faith loudly because who I am is all thanks to the Lord, so please don't think that it's because I am trying to force anything on you.

# data[].attributes.body
If you really knew me, you would know that I am spiritual and believe all people are essentially good, and I am not judgmental or confrontational.

# data[].attributes.body
If you really knew me, you would know that my family has overcome many obstacles (from drug addiction to mental illness to cancer), and I am not always a happy individual who doesn't understand tragedy and sadness.

# data[].attributes.body
If you really knew me, you would know that I started out my schooling in a low-income setting and then, when my family moved, I was teased/excluded for being the "poor kid," and I am not someone that tolerates bullies so I've worked teaching in Title I school settings to help students have more opportunities and support in overcoming adversity.

# data[].attributes.body
If you really knew me, you would know that my life has never been easy and I am not a person who backs down when challenges a rise. Instead, I continue to strive  everyday in becoming a better me

# data[].attributes.body
If you really knew me, you would know that I come from a complex, blended family, and I am not a stereotypical straight cis white man in my beliefs about the world.

# data[].attributes.body
If you really knew me, you would know that I ________________________________, and I am not _____________________________.