Saying Yes in a Different Way

I will never forget the moment my son said yes to the United States Naval Academy. He said it with a level of certainty that stayed with me. In that moment, he was choosing something bigger than himself, and it made me reflect on how I show up in my own life. 

As his journey began, our family stepped into a world that felt unfamiliar. Like many parents, I wanted to support him, but I quickly realized how much I did not know. That search for guidance led me to the USNA Parent Club of Central Florida, where I found a community of people willing to share their experiences and support one another. 

What I did not expect was how much that experience would shape me. Over time, I felt a growing pull to give back in the same way I had been supported. I wanted to help the next parent feel less overwhelmed and more confident in the journey ahead. So, I stepped in, first as a volunteer and eventually as president of the club. 

That kind of involvement would not have been possible without the support I have at Paylocity. Through our company’s Volunteer in Action hours, I can dedicate time to causes that matter to me and my family without having to choose between my role at work and the impact I want to make in my community. 

Those hours have given me more than time. They have given me perspective, growth and connection. Volunteering has helped me strengthen my leadership skills, build relationships and represent our organization in a meaningful way. It has reinforced that the work we do at Paylocity extends beyond our day-to-day responsibilities and into the communities where we live. 

Today, I see Paylocity’s Volunteer in Action hours as an essential part of my experience here. They allow me to show up fully, both in my career and in the moments that matter most outside of it.

What started with my son’s yes became my own. And through Paylocity, I have been able to follow through on it.