One question I get asked a lot is what motivates me as a IBM zSystems Ambassador Captain. I always say that being an ambassador is the ride and honor of a lifetime.It’s presented me with so many wonderful opportunities. I get to share my passion and love for IBM zSystems with so many students everyday. That’s my motivation, seeing student’s faces light up when I talk about all of the amazing opportunities that students can learn, achieve, and grow with IBM zSystems. For the past two years, my ambassador journey is one that I will never forget. I always start my origin story at the beginning, summer of 2021. I was a participant in the IBM Accelerate Program in the software track. Over the course of eight weeks, I learned how IBM operates from a software development standpoint. I got exposed to HTML,CSS, JavaScript, Node.js, Front-End Development, Back-End Development, Full-Stack Development, and Agile Development. I learned the importance of working with a team and how when we all work together we can create amazing things. During the program, I got to meet so many IBMers. Throughout the accelerate program, I really saw myself developing a love and a passion for IBM. At the start of my junior year I was on LinkedIN and I saw the link to apply to be a IBM zSystems Ambassador. At the time I didn’t know much about IBM zSystems or mainframes so I decided to apply so I can learn more about it. I’m really glad I applied because I’ve learned so many new things about mainframes and enterprise computing. I hosted my first workshop around the zXplore Platform. During this workshop I explained to students the importance of the platform and the student contest, how they can learn and grow new skills, and how they can earn badges. Seeing the reaction from the students warmed my heart, they were so excited and were so engaged. After I hosted my first workshop, I did another workshop talking about the super powerful and really cool IBM z16 system. My latest workshop was around career opportunities with IBM zSystems. I had the pleasure of hosting it with the amazing Shelly Meierarend, who talked about how students can use those skills they learned from the ZXplore platform to apply for career opportunities with the industry. I also got to be a part of IBM Z Day this year. I spoke with Megan Conklin about IBM zSystems commitment to sustainability and how they are pioneering in their green agenda. All of these amazing opportunities led me to a summer internship at IBM as a technical sales specialist intern working with clients in the Data and AI sector. I helped several clients implement a hybrid cloud strategy with DB2 on IBM zSystems. Throughout this journey I’ve developed a really strong support system and formed friendships with a lot of special people. I would like to say thank you to Hope Hawkins, Adia Sakura-Lemessy, Robert Owor, Racheal Head, Marti Widger Grimminck, Sudharsana Srinivasan, Shari Chiara, Lella Violet Halloum, Lucas Sahn, Shelly Meierarend,Paul Newton,Ross Cruickshank, Monica Siegel, Anthony Testman, Norman Walton, Heather Inaule, Kyle Davis ,and so many more. This journey motivates me to keep going, keep climbing, and to keep achieving new goals. This is my origin story and I can’t wait to see what the future holds. Whoever is reading this I hope this inspires you to break down the walls, test your limits, and don’t be afraid to take a chance because it can present you with the opportunity of a lifetime.