| What is your most memorable childhood experience? | While I have many wonderful and memorable times from my childhood, what really stuck with me the most were family trips and vacations to see different parts of the country. These experiences instilled a sense of discovery and adventure that I still have to this day. One trip in particular comes to mind. My family went down to Orlando, FL to celebrate an older cousin's wedding. It was not the wedding that was the highlight, but the days I spent with my brothers and cousins riding rides at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. The time spent together not only brought joy in the moment but a tighter bond among us all. |
| What immediate family member do you closely identify with and why? | I have nine blood related aunts and uncles, but one in particular with whom I most closely identify. My dad's younger brother and I are both “kids at heart” and share a very similar sense of humor. Whenever he is around, no matter what the conversation is there is pretty much always laughter shared by all. When we were all younger, he always had a knack for communicating with his own kids, nieces and nephews and making them feel included and important. This helped to build a solid foundation for our relationship as I got older. |
| What character traits do you admire in an individual? | There are definitely some common traits among those I admire most. Even if it is someone who I have just met exhibiting these, I recognize them pretty quickly which helps things "click" in both professional and social settings. First, when someone acts or speaks with honesty and integrity it shows that you can trust that person and have real conversations and develop a real relationship with them. I generally do not wish to move beyond "acquaintance" with those who exhibit the opposite. Other admirable traits include humility over arrogance, resilience in the face of adversity, and a healthy sense of self-confidence. |
| What is the funniest thing ever to happen to you? | This was a difficult question to answer! In many of my "funniest" memories or experiences I am really not the main character so I wouldn't feel honest putting it here. I cannot stop thinking that I am simply not remembering what "would be" my perfect answer to this! My funniest, can't-stop-laughing moments are probably from our annual winter trip to Kalahari water park resort during my college years with friends, late night video game binges with my brothers and cousins, or vacations with family friends. |
| If time and money were not an issue, where would you travel and why? | There are so many places on Earth we would love to visit! The Australian outback, Great Barrier Reef, Great Wall of China, Antarctica, and Bolivian Salt Flats for some reason come to mind first. I have always been drawn to aquatic life (GBR) and history (Great Wall) and also enjoy being in remote places that few have visited as those trips are truly unique experiences. One dream I have always had would be to rent a few RVs and round up our close college friends and their families to explore all that the American West has to offer. We could bounce around to all the great National Parks out there and get away from everyday life for a few weeks. This of course would require some serious lottery winnings and use of PTO! |
| When and if you ever have children, what would you like to pass on to them? | We have three amazing kids, and they are each such a blessing. I hope they share the same knack for problem solving, being independent, and having a healthy sense of curiosity (but also know their own limitations!). I hope they are able to form positive relationships in their lives with family and friends, just as their parents have, and be able to think for themselves. |
