Isn’t it funny how life works? One minute, you’re sending what you think is a polite email, and the next, you’re sitting there staring at your inbox, wondering if you’ve just stumbled into something way bigger than you ever imagined. That’s exactly where I found myself recently, all because I decided to reach out to my alma mater, Harding High School.

Let me set the stage. I’d just finished drafting a message to Harding’s leadership, telling them about my debut novel, Marked by Fate, and inviting them to my launch party. Simple enough, right? I figured, “Hey, I’m an alum, the book’s aimed at teens, and maybe a few students or teachers would be interested in coming to celebrate.” Plus, I thought it might be cool to see if the book could find a home in the school library. No big deal, just a quick email.

Or so I thought.

The response I got wasn’t just warm—it was electric. Suddenly, I wasn’t just inviting Harding to a party; I was having my book shared with faculty for potential use in the classroom. There was talk about aligning Marked by Fate with state learning standards and discussions about how it might resonate with students. I was equal parts floored, honored, and maybe a little panicked (in a good way). Did I just become “that alum” who might actually make it onto a school reading list?

What even is my life right now?

Here’s the thing about Harding: it’s not just where I spent my senior year. It’s where I learned what it means to keep going, even when life throws everything it has at you. It's where I learned the true meaning of second chances. That senior year, I was living in a homeless shelter by the time prom and graduation came around, and there were so many days when it felt like the odds were stacked too high. But Harding? Harding showed up for me in ways I can’t even begin to repay. Teachers, staff—they went above and beyond to make sure I crossed that graduation stage. They believed in me when it felt like the world didn’t. Things weren't perfect, of course; many things went haywire right towards the end of the final semester. But in many ways, the support I found in unexpected places through Harding High became a big reason why I can say I am a high school graduate. And now, here I am, with a chance to give a little something back.

What’s wild to me is how Marked by Fate ties into all of this. This book is about standing up for what you believe in, even when the odds are impossible. It’s about resilience and figuring out who you are when the world tries to tell you otherwise. It’s also about fate, choice, and what happens when the two collide—heavy themes, sure, but ones that feel so relevant to the Harding experience (at least, my Harding experience). I can’t think of a better audience than the students walking those halls today.

The whole thing feels like this incredible full-circle moment. I reached out to share something I’d made, thinking maybe it’d spark a little interest. Instead, it opened a door I didn’t even know existed. And let me tell you, as someone who’s had her fair share of doors slammed shut, this feels huge.

To anyone reading this, let me just say: send the email. Make the call. Take the leap. You never know what might happen. For me, it’s been this incredible blend of gratitude and disbelief, and I can’t wait to see where it goes from here. Maybe Marked by Fate ends up on a Harding bookshelf. Maybe it sparks a connection for just one student who needs it. Whatever happens, I’ll always be thankful for this unexpected twist in my journey.

Here’s to full-circle moments, the surprises they bring, and the people who believed in us when we needed it most.