Hometown:
Eugene, OR
My Story:
I’ve always loved people – talking with, listening to stories, and making connections. With that passion, I was excited to broaden my friend circle and have new experiences here at BYU. To my luck, it was the year 2020 and with a worldwide pandemic it significantly altered everything. I’ll be real, freshman year was no walk in the park. I was homesick, lonely, and felt like everyone around me knew what they were doing.
I bounced from major to major my first year, from Marketing to Exercise and Wellness to Experience Design and finally to Elementary Education. Before I left on my mission I felt pressure to declare a major, so I chose Communications. During my mission my perspective on how I viewed potential in others and myself changed. I became even more passionate about connecting with others and more interested in the growth and happiness of those around me. Teaching people also helped me realize how much I love to help others understand new concepts.
For those reasons, I am currently studying Elementary Education with the hope to inspire the future generation to be more kind, to focus on connections, to enjoy being happy, and to thrive on growth.
Favorites
Book: The Five Wishes of Mr. Murray McBride
Movie: McFarland USA or How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
Food: Pizza or anything in a bowl
Animal: Turtles
Color: Pastel colors
Why is Exploring Important to Me?
Exploring has always been a big part of my life. When I was little my parents would find me outside playing in the dirt, climbing in the trees, reading books, painting and ‘exploring’ the unknown. I’ve always loved learning new things and seeing what life had to offer, however as I got older exploring became a little scarier. Not because I was afraid of adventure or new experiences but because I felt that if I explored more, specifically majors, it would be harder for me to make the right choice, however, the more I’ve explored the more I’ve realized that there are usually more than one right answer. There are many roads that lead to happiness, many that lead to success and there are multiple that lead to both and I’ve learned that it’s up to me to truly explore all my options so I can find the most exciting and most fulfilling road for me.
Looking Back
Looking back I wish I had followed my heart a little more, cheesy, I know, but I feel like I used to let the opinions of others guide my future more than they should have. Although I was listening to and considering the opinions of people who knew me and loved me, they shouldn’t have been the determining factors for me. I’ve come to realize that I’ll be the one living my day to day life so I should be truly excited for it.
Does Pineapple Belong on Pizza?
I would say that pineapple is welcome on pizza, however, it doesn’t ‘belong’.
Boring facts about me:
- I’m scuba certified
- I’ve broken 2 bones
- I wrote a book
- I’ve flipped an ATV
- I have the same birthday as Bob Ross
Hobbies
- Working out
- Embroidery
- Making videos
- Being with my family and friends
- Spikeball!
- Looking at the stars
- Listening to music