Tonight’s Early Update: There are some days when you absolutely love what you are doing with your life. That moment was felt when I went through the COBRA training facility a few weeks ago and was exposed to live chemical nerve agents. (Side note: I have two more entries at COBRA coming later this year, once in November and once in December.) A LOT has happened since then, but today was another one of those days when I just had to sit back and take in all of the amazing things going on around me. And they weren’t just going on around me, I was once again an active part of them. Fortunately, I didn’t have to do any actual work today except for physically be there. It’s amazing what doors a volunteer opportunity can open for you. I’ve had lunch with the President the day before his inauguration, I’ve hung out at the White House, I’ve met amazing people, I’ve developed skills that saves lives, and I’ve had an impact countless college students through teaching leadership development courses. I’ve traveled around the country (international opportunities are in the works!) and I’ve literally walked through fire. I may hate myself at times, but I also have the confidence to know that I’m awesome. I cannot encourage others enough to volunteer in their communities to be the best that they can be!