I grew up in southwestern Idaho, which gave me a great appreciation for Mother Nature. Three years after obtaining my bachelor’s degree in accounting, and within two weeks of learning about perfusionists and their role on the cardiac surgery team, I returned to school to become one. I feel fortunate to be in a career where I can give care to those who need it. Because of this opportunity to care for others, I feel a responsibility to become the best I can be. Growing up playing sports, I learned how important it is to improve in my role to help the team be successful, and I continue to live by that same principle on the Kaiser Permanente cardiac team. “Life is a gift, and it offers us the privilege, opportunity, and responsibility to give something back by becoming more.” —Tony Robbins