All my life, I’ve been labeled the “nut allergy kid,” but I’ve never let that define me—or hold me back.

During my junior year of college, I faced a tough decision: go to Thailand—a country known for nut-heavy cuisine—or play it safe and stay home.

Most people assumed I’d sit this one out. Even my brother encouraged me to skip it. But I packed my suitcase full of protein bars and took the leap.

Stepping off the plane in Bangkok already felt like a personal victory. But the real test came on day five, when I ended up in the hospital.

This story isn’t about that hospital visit, though. It’s about the fact that I chose to go. I faced a fear, took a risk, and learned more about myself in five days than I had in years.

That’s who I am: I show up. I do the hard things. And I don’t let obstacles—big or small—stand in the way of growth.

So take a chance on the “nut allergy kid”—I promise, I’ll surprise you.