| What is your most memorable childhood experience? | I have two most memorable childhood experiences: my two little brothers being born. It was cool to think that I had new friends to hang out with while also getting to watch them find their individual personalities as they grew older. I also liked that no matter what, we would always have each other. My dad always says friends will come and go, but family is here forever. I love that quote. |
| What immediate family member do you closely identify with and why? | I closely identify with my dad. Being a former Marine and current Police Officer, my father has taught me the importance in leadership and having integrity. His drive, work ethic, and daily sacrifices he makes to protect others truly amazes me. My dad has also been my biggest influence when it comes to health. I wake up at 4:30 am most mornings to work out. I weigh my food and count my calories because he has instilled in me the importance of living a long, healthy, and happy life. I don't know what exactly my future holds, but if I can be half the man that my father is, then I don't have too much to worry about. |
| What character traits do you admire in an individual? | I admire people that are optimistic, uphold integrity, and have a great sense of humor. I think it's essential to find the good in every situation. Life doesn't always go the way you want it to, but being positive and finding a way to put a good spin on it will make it more enjoyable. Integrity is another key trait I admire. Being true to yourself as well as others implies that you have morals you live by and believe in. And when you believe in something, it makes you a stronger individual that will be a steadfast leader. A great sense of humor is the third character trait I absolutely love in people. When people get offended too easily, it makes them less fun to be around and relate to. Anyone that can laugh at the absurdity of life, or themselves, is someone I definitely would love to spend my time with. |
| What is the funniest thing ever to happen to you? | I don't have one specific moment, but I would have to say meeting one of my college roommates, named JP. He makes me laugh everyday, even at the small stuff. There's not a day that goes by where I'm not holding my stomach because I'm laughing so hard. JP is definitely a big reason why I've enjoyed college so much. |
| If time and money were not an issue, where would you travel and why? | I would travel to Oklahoma because I'm a little bit of a country boy and I would love to see the rolling hills and great plains of the rural and peaceful Midwest. I have been lucky enough to travel outside of the United States in the past. I think it is important to do so because it will give you a greater perspective on the world and many different cultures/ways of life that there are. I think that it also puts into perspective just how small we really are in the grand scheme of things. Traveling to Oklahoma would also give me a chance to wear my cowboy hat a little bit more often. |
| When and if you ever have children, what would you like to pass on to them? | I would like to pass on to my children the idea that they should find happiness. Now whether that applies to their careers, friends, or family is up to them. In general I look back and realize how much time I spent being stressed out, mad, and sad about things that I could care less about in the present day. Being happy definitely makes everyday more enjoyable, especially when you aren't promised tomorrow. I would also stress the importance of being healthy from a physical, psychological, and spiritual standpoint. Exercising, eating healthy, and identifying, processing, and acting on your emotions is what will lead to a long and enjoyable life. It sucks to see when parents can't throw the ball with their kids or go on family hikes because of health issues. When I mentioned being spiritually healthy, I don't necessarily mean you have to be religious. I think it is important to find something you believe in that gives purpose to your life. |
