Family is everything to me, they are the reason I chose to continue my education and begin growing my own roots here in Orlando. My family has been my back bone and the biggest supporters of everything I have done and accomplished. We are always there to pick each other up and encourage each other’s endeavors. This picture below is everyone gathered for my commissioning ceremony as an Officer in the Army.

Hard work, surrounding yourself with a great team, loving what you do and a genuine concern for people is what I learned from my Uncle Earl. Earl K. Wood, was the tax collector for Orange County, Florida and passed away at the age of 96. Uncle Earl had won 11 consecutive elections totaling 48 years of public service and at 95, I joined him in announcing his candidacy for one last re-election bid at the Supervisor of Elections (http://www.clickorlando.com/news/longtime-tax-collector-changes-course-seeks-reelection). It was a hectic last second scramble, but I will always believe that he did it for the integrity of the office and to support his staff and allow them to maintain their careers.