30 Under 30 | Finalist

The email arrived while I was at an inspection last week. I had been thinking about it earlier that morning -- in fact, I told my business coach that I was trying to keep my expectations low. I know myself, and the minute I get too wrapped up in something, I sink.

Realtor Magazine's 30 Under 30 national contest is an annual award in real estate. Each year, the magazine selects 50 finalists from across the country -- from San Francisco to Apple Valley to East Hampton. The honorees are realtors who are doing things differently. More than anything, I wanted to be in this group.

I started working on my application in early December. Courtney helped me with my audition video, and I poured over the written portion for weeks. It is exceedingly frightening to have one chance to present yourself. In the end, I submitted my application in late January and told God that He'd have to do it.

Slowly, I moved up in the process, sending in proof of my age and scheduling a phone call with an editor at the magazine. I felt hopeful, but still cautious. Nothing was certain, and ultimately, I had to remind myself that my identity was not in this award.

Today, I am so honored and thrilled to announce that I am one of the 50 finalists. I'm representing the best city in the world and serving others in a job I adore. This recognition means the world to me, and I'd love to secure a spot amongst the 30. The final group is selected by a panel of judges, but there's an online voting contest, too. The realtor that receives the most votes is guaranteed a seat in the class of 2017.

I'm not sure what's going to happen come March 24th, but I am one-hundred-percent-sold on this particular truth: The one who called me is faithful and He will do it.