I am deeply grateful to those who have supported and inspired me along the way, not only with this book, but also those who have helped shape me into the person I am today. First, I would like to thank my family: my mom, Lynn Lamar, for her unconditional love; my dad, Bill Lamar, for his steady guidance; my sister, Anna, for always believing in me; along with her Fiancé, Tomas To my project manager, Nathan Wade, your insight and expertise made this endeavor possible. Thank you to my karate sensei, James Cooper, who taught me discipline and resilience that go beyond the dojo. Nicole Mescia, your continued support and friendship have been invaluable — I am forever grateful for the bond we share and your contributions to this book. To my best friend, Julian, thank you for working with me over the years, and helping me bloom despite the obstacles in grade school.