| What is your most memorable childhood experience? | Every year in the early spring my family would spend a weekend planting vegetables in our garden. Tending to the plants and being able to eat some of the vegetables we grew later in the year was a point of pride for my siblings and me. My great-grandfather operated a greenhouse in his retirement and my parents had us do this to keep his memory alive. It was a great way for us to bond and created memories I will never forget. |
| What immediate family member do you closely identify with and why? | I identify most with my younger brother. According to all the stories my parents tell we were inseparable from day one. I was always there for him when we were kids, and I still am today. He is always able to make me laugh when I need it and he is my best friend. |
| What character traits do you admire in an individual? | I admire loyalty because I find a lot of comfort in knowing that my friends and family have my back. I also admire perseverance because being able to finish a task or complete a set goal is satisfying for me, especially when difficult obstacles are overcome on the way. Finally, I admire honesty because I am a straight shooter and get along best with those who also are. |
| What is the funniest thing ever to happen to you? | While out to dinner to celebrate my 22nd birthday, a local celebrity, of whom I was a big fan, was sitting at the next table. We talked with him for a bit, and he ended up buying my table a round of drinks and spent the rest of the evening with us. The stories he told will always make me laugh and he brought so much joy to that night. |
| If time and money were not an issue, where would you travel and why? | I would travel around the world to climb the Seven Summits. My family takes frequent trips to mountains for hiking and skiing. I have been able to see some truly remarkable sights on these trips. I also love to challenge myself. The mental and physical challenge combined with the ability to see things that few others have seen is very enticing to me! |
| When and if you ever have children, what would you like to pass on to them? | I would like to pass on a strong work ethic and an understanding of the importance of respect. I am a believer that hard work is the key to accomplishing anything in the world. Respect for those around you and your environment makes the world a much more pleasant place. |
