The path one chooses in life may not always be an easy one. Through simple acts of failure and disappointment, the author learned a lot about her inspiration to become a leader and what it actually took to make them a reality. As a woman who had little confidence to handle major life changes, the author values every second of the experience. Seeing different places and moving out of her comfort zone enabled her to change her thoughts and attitude, which ultimately changed her world. She was also privileged to cross paths with a female administrator who encouraged her to take on a leadership role. As a former middle school principal, assistant superintendent and school superintendent, she has never forgotten the importance of seeking out a mentor each time she left one comfort zone for a new challenge as an educational leader.