On a sunny day in September, I strolled through the quiet halls of the loft to my dear friend’s place for lunch and to chat about her journey. My mind traveled back to the day when she heard the devastating diagnosis: cancer. Never walking in her shoes, I desired to gain a better understanding of her journey since she not only survived, but also thrived.

I knocked on the door. A big radiant smile and the bear hug that greeted me hid any indication this beautiful woman, Joanne Dukes, ever battled cancer. Joanne prepared a delicious lunch for us, but because she knew I love desserts, she also whipped up her famous chocolate cupcakes and banana bread. I sensed the beginning of a sweet interview.

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I sat down to chill and chat with Moriah Jefferson, #4 of the University of Connecticut Huskies, on a nice August evening. Clad in her black chucks, tattered jeans and tailored shirt, she seemed relaxed and eager to engage in some girl talk. Prior to joining the UCONN Huskies, Moriah—a McDonald’s All-American—won a gold medal in the World Championship Competitions, got featured in various magazine and newspaper articles, and received much notoriety for a small, skinny homeschooled point guard. Now, entering her third year as a member of the UCONN Huskies, Moriah feels as if she has finally entered her zone.

Moriah, affectionately called “Mo” by friends and family, reflects no run-of-the-mill young lady.

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