Growing up as the youngest of four siblings in central New York, I was immersed in the simplicity and beauty of small-town life. Weekends were all about getting outdoors, playing sports, and spending time with family and friends. Whether we were hiking in the woods, riding bikes, sitting around a campfire, or casting lines in the nearby lake, there was always something fun to do. These experiences are valued parts of my upbringing and have shaped who I am today.