Trey started with zero case competition experience and eventually represented ACE on a national stage twice, each time overcoming difficult circumstances that built his resilience. Moving from coordinator to president within his club taught him the importance of leadership rooted in community and growth. Academically, he learned that success doesn’t come from memorizing everything but from studying with intention and understanding. Networking helped lead him to his first internship, reinforcing the power of relationships. After getting rejected from the JDC West Challenge team, he came back stronger with the JDC West Academics team and learned that rejection is just redirection. Competing in Elite and placing just short of finals only pushed him to aim higher. Through it all, he realized that real success comes from creating communities, expanding network, and continuously choosing to grow rather than step back.