Susanna was not the name my parents had originally chosen for me. During my naming ceremony, the priest unexpectedly gave me the name Susanna. From that time onward, it has always seemed to me to be not merely a chosen name, but a blessed name, a gift given into my keeping. The name means “lily”, a flower derived from a Hebrew word which symbolizes purity and grace. It reminds me that every life has its own timing. Over the years, I have come to love my name not only for its beautiful meaning but also for the unique story behind it. It’s a name that found me and in many ways has become part of who I am.

As a child, I used to love reading books, but I was always curious why every princess or young girl needs to be saved by a prince? It made me question the roles that men and women were assigned, and why every story had to have a moral, instead of just letting us enjoy the moment.

Out of all the poems I have read, “Daffodils” by William Wordsworth has always been the most-loved one. It brings to mind the fact that how nature’s beauty can create lasting memories of joy and peace. Sometimes it is the little things in life that bring the most pleasure. My career was not something I consciously chose; it just unfolded for me. I realized that my calling had found me just as somehow my name had found me. I understood that my father’s dream was a selfless gift. I walked beside him and that dream slowly became mine. I didn’t do it anymore because I had to, but because I wanted to. It taught me that there is no warranty or guarantee in life, but we can always leave it better than we found it through service, purpose, compassion, and care for others.

To me, happiness, peace and contentment are like butterflies fluttering among flowers on a spring morning—gentle, free, full of life. I enjoy cooking and baking for the people I care about in my spare time. I love to experiment with new recipes, to play with ingredients and to find the joy in making something with my own hands. I am naturally curious and love to learn new skills, whether it’s working with air-dry clay, crocheting, making candles, practicing macramé, or exploring anything that sparks my interest. My family likes to joke that I am a “Jack of all trades, master of none,” but I like to think of myself as someone that finds happiness in learning. When no one is watching, you’ll probably find me singing and dancing joyfully, relishing the moment like a child.

Most importantly, I just want to be a safe space for others. A safe space where people feel welcomed, accepted, and never judged for whom they are or where they come from. As I look back at my younger years, I believe that we are all blessed in different ways and those blessings are to be shared. If I can offer kindness, understanding, a listening ear, and make them feel being belonged, then I would regard that I have fulfilled my purpose. I wish I could make a place where people from all walks of life will feel seen, valued, respected, and at home.