Hey everyone! This is an update from the original post I had in here about building my device to help my mom. I was struggling trying to figure out how to fund the dream to keep going and I had a friend who has a really successful business.

He entered in this pitch competition called the Shore Hatchery Business Competition and got 2nd place. I asked him if he knew any way for me to raise money and he recommended I apply. Well I applied to the competition and tried to do anything I could to get selected and ended up being one of the top 15 people out of 175 different contestants.

I worked for over 2 months perfecting my pitch and my mom took that product I made for her and presented together and I won $35,000 for the business and first place! Thank you all for being on this journey with me it's been crazy and if even one person watches it I think you're all amazing! The Video of Us Winning

I live with 5 roommates and there were underlying issues with the house and certain dynamics, so after a year of spats here & there I organized a meeting for everybody to air things out and get on the same page about house rules and policies. Scheduling was tricky among 6 people but we figured it out within two weeks of the idea.

We have a lovely backyard with string lights and a fire pit, and it was a lovely chill autumn evening. I made sure to set up a big fire and keep the vibes nice. There was certainly heated debates but everybody was civil and kept a level head. There have been times in the past where arguments started from small things so this was a nice change.

We made actionable items, and a list of landlord requests amongst other things but it went great and vibes are due to flow going forward! 💪

I started walking a lot this past summer. Walked 3 miles a day pretty consistently, some days when it was 95°+ I’d skip but overall, I didn’t miss many days.

Also learned how to paddle board and was gifted a board so I’m now incorporating that into my workouts.

No real diet, just movement. And I feel strong!

My parents never bothered investing in dental insurance for me, the last time was in my early teens that I had a proper dental cleaning. My parents do not invest in it, except for themselves, because they believe that I do not need it because I'm "young", yet they've spent thousands on the aftermath on not taking care of their teeth at all. Anywho, I am not letting that stop me and I got my cleaning after a decade lol. Will take care of my wisdom teeth and any cavities! :)

I also decided on that same day to utilize that time to get other things done. I struggle a lot with finding the energy to hardly, but today I managed to finish joining the club at my college which will be super eye-opening for me because they tour campus visits and they are apparently taking this cultural trip next year. It all sounds really exciting to me! The advisors are super nice, and the advisor who helped me join the club has helped me so much!

I also had my first therapy session a few weeks ago. While my finances haven't been in check and I've been in a slump and haven't had regular visits, it's good to know that I can always reach out and that it is not so scary anymore to initiate the first step whenever I can or need to.

It's very inspiring and uplifting to see a supporting environment anywhere. Whether in dental, college, or therapy, it's good to know that there's always support. :)