My first blog assignment as the new intern at Fast Horse is to write a little “get-to-know-me” post. Introduce myself. Tell people who I am. It should be easy, right?

Who am I?! I’ve been asking myself that question for the past two years, and after months of reflection, I finally see myself clearly. Let’s start at the beginning.

My name is Elizabeth Slama, and I was born and raised in the northern suburbs of Minnesota alongside my younger brother, Zach. I spent my childhood summers at our cabin on Balsam Lake fishing, attempting to water ski and overdosing on Freezies. My after-school activities included dancing, striking out in tee-ball, braiding my teammates’ hair on the sidelines of our soccer games, and watching Judge Judy, who is, by the way, still a badass.

When people would ask me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I had two answers: a judge or the first female President of the United States. I even dressed up as a judge for Halloween one year and, unfortunately, was mistaken as George Washington at 90 percent of the houses I frequented. It was my first wardrobe malfunction.

In high school, my parents sent me to Totino-Grace, which was a bit straitlaced for me. After two and a half years of getting detention for not having my shirt tucked in properly, I threw in the towel and transferred to Blaine High School, where I could wear my shirt any way I wanted. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

I wanted to stay close to home, so I attended the University of Minnesota and declared a political science major, because I was, of course, going to be a judge and the first female president of the United States. I scoffed at the warning to not be surprised if I changed my major, because I’m the best Type A planner this world has ever seen. Me? Change a plan? HA! But after scanning a few entry-level poli-sci classes, I figured I’d have more fun as a public relations major. So switch I did.

During the second semester of my junior year, my best friend and rock, who I just so happened to call Dad, was diagnosed with stage-four kidney cancer and died, which changed everything I wanted out of life. After studying for the LSAT, applying to law school, being accepted and awarded a hefty scholarship, I shocked everyone and declined enrollment. After graduation, I went on a mental sabbatical, wrote a book and vowed to live my life in a way that would positively impact the world.

This is where I join the Fast Horse team. Self-aware, focused, with certainty that this is where I belong at this point in my life. I’m honored to have the opportunity to work alongside such talented people, and I’m ready to give this internship my best, work hard, help others, change the world for the better and, dear God, absolutely have some fun along the way — because life really is too short for anything else.