My vegan awakening unfolded after seeing a program on PBS about workers in a meat processing plant. For the first time, I began to seriously consider how meat was produced and the negative impact on workers, animals, human health, and the planet. As I connected with what truly happened to animals (through reading everything I could), I stopped eating meat. As someone who previously consumed meat and dairy daily, I always thought I had to eat these foods to survive and thrive. It was eye-opening to realize I could thrive on a plant-based diet - and in doing so, also make a positive difference for animals and the planet. In the past I rarely cooked, and primarily ate comfort and convenience foods. Now, for the first time in my life, I began cooking regularly, trying a range of colorful plant foods and new ingredients - and found an unexpected passion for making delicious veg meals.

In 2019, I moved to a fully vegan lifestyle. By that time, I had connected more fully with the harms to egg-laying hens and dairy cows - and knew this was the right next step for me to take. Becoming vegan has opened up my life in so many ways - not only now eating much healthier and enjoying cooking, but also feeling that I am more authentically living my values. Although there have been challenges socially and emotionally at times (living in a not-yet-vegan world), I also found fulfillment, connection, and peace. Although I am an introvert, I am learning to find my voice - and discovering aligned ways to share this lifestyle to empower others.