| What is your most memorable childhood experience? | One childhood experience that really sticks with me is my first hike as a boy scout. I wasn't aware of how taxing the trip would be and quickly realized I wasn't physically or mentally prepared for it. I was exhausted, sore all over, and miserable on the first day of the trip. But each day was a little better and soon I just barely noticed how tired I was and even started to enjoy the challenge. Ultimately, the experience taught me some valuable lessons about perseverance, accepting challenges, and finding joy in the journey. Whenever I approach a new challenge that I'm worried about I think back to that experience and try to remember the mindset I developed then. |
| What immediate family member do you closely identify with and why? | Out of all my immediate family members, the one I most closely identify with is my father. He was a great father figure to me, but also spent a lot of time giving back to our community. He got me engaged in sports and boy scouts, but also helped me with my own hobbies I chose as a child. I chose to play string bass in an orchestra, and he drove me back and forth to school every day with that huge instrument so I could practice and play in the school orchestra and also got me private lessons for years. He also spent years running a boy scout troop, providing a great program for other kids to experience the outdoors and develop leadership skills. I hope I'm able to live up to his example and give as much back to those around me. |
| What character traits do you admire in an individual? | As a nurse, I greatly admire individuals who demonstrate awareness of their own limitations and know when to ask for help. These character traits are essential in ensuring the safety and well-being of patients. When someone is willing to acknowledge their own limitations and seek assistance from others, it not only helps to avoid unsafe situations but also fosters a culture of collaboration and teamwork. I believe that these traits are valuable not only in healthcare but in many aspects of life. |
| What is the funniest thing ever to happen to you? | When I was in the first grade, my class took a field trip to the local zoo for an afternoon. I remember being very excited and not paying close attention to where my group was going. At one point I walked toward the monkey exhibit without following my group and quickly realized I couldn't find them. I was scared of being lost and just as scared of getting in trouble for wandering off. I wandered, terrified, for what felt like forever and finally found my group. The teacher didn't notice me walk up and turned around shortly after I got there and asked me, "What exhibit do you want to see next?" She never even realized I was gone. I guess I was the quiet kid in school. |
| If time and money were not an issue, where would you travel and why? | If time and money were not an issue, I would buy a small sailing yacht and sail the world. The idea of having the freedom to go anywhere and see everything is incredibly appealing to me. Specifically, I would love to visit the Philippines and the Great Barrier Reef, where I could explore the underwater world through scuba diving. There's something very liberating about the idea of being out on the open sea and discovering new places, and I can't think of a better way to do that than by sailing the world on my own terms. |
| When and if you ever have children, what would you like to pass on to them? | When I have children, there are several things I would like to pass on to them. Firstly, I hope to instill in them a sense of curiosity about the world and a desire to explore it. I want my children to be eager to learn about new cultures, experiences, and ideas. Additionally, I would like to pass on a love for trying new things, taking calculated risks, and embracing challenges. I believe this will help them to grow as individuals and discover their own passions in life. Finally, I hope to instill in them a deep appreciation for their family and community. I want my children to know the value of strong relationships and the importance of giving back to the people and places that matter most to them. |
