| What is your most memorable childhood experience? | When I was about 7 or 8, I remember one day thinking it would be funny to pretend to run away from home. I didn’t have the intention to leave, and I thought I was cleverer than I actually was. I opened the front door and snuck into the family van without thinking someone would notice. I brought some blankets with me and made a little bed in the cargo area. After a few minutes my mom and sisters opened the van door and hopped inside, casually stating that they wondered where I went, and they needed to drive around and look for me. They began to drive around the neighborhood and talk about how much they loved and missed me. I remember trying hard not to smile and laugh in the back and I’m sure many of my giggles were clearly heard. After a few minutes the car pulled into the drive through where we would occasionally get milkshakes on special occasions. At that moment the joke was no longer worth the sacrifice of giving up a chocolate milkshake, so I emerged from the back to laughter from my mom and sisters. I reflect on this experience often with nostalgia and gratitude for the patience of my mother. |
| What immediate family member do you closely identify with and why? | I most closely identify with my sister who is closest in age with me. Coming from a large family, I spent most of my time with my sister since we were interested in similar things. We knew which of us needed to ask our mom if we wanted to eat at a certain restaurant. We’d play outside together, and watch shows together. We’d rely on one another for help when our mother was working, and we were the only two at home. My sister is someone I admire greatly and have leaned on since childhood. She now has two daughters, but she is still a constant in my life. Although we live several states apart, we speak on a regular basis and make sure the other is happy and doing well. |
| What character traits do you admire in an individual? | Above all I admire someone who is kind. It is easy to be argumentative and hateful, especially on digital platforms, however kindness is needed now more than ever. We don’t always know the challenges that people face. Everyone has bad days and sometimes people just have bad luck but acts of kindness can make a great impact. Even something simple like complimenting attire, or opening a door, or taking a minute to be a shoulder to lean on can soften someone’s heart. Kindness is a trait I will always admire. |
| What is the funniest thing ever to happen to you? | One random day a friend created a “fake advertisement” and posted it on social media without me being able to see it. The ad said that I had a petting zoo and could be booked for birthday parties or events. My friend posted this to social media to get anyone whose number I did not have to contact me and ask about booking my services. This then spread to friends of friends getting my contact information and reaching out about a petting zoo. I think I received 20 calls before I turned off my phone for the remainder of the day. In hindsight I’m not sure if this classifies as something funny, but I received some strange texts and emails that still make me laugh to this day. My friend did owe me several drinks to make up for what they put me through, so we are still on good terms today. |
| If time and money were not an issue, where would you travel and why? | I would travel to Antarctica. I have been fortunate to have traveled to many locations so far in my life, but I have a goal to visit every continent. To be in a location where so few people in history have gone is extraordinary. I would love to see the penguins, take in the variety and beauty of the icebergs, and go somewhere so remote and unique. I have a friend who returned from a trip to Antarctica a few years ago and the account of their experience was inspiring. In addition to the breathtaking setting, he made lifelong friends due to the nature of the trip and I look forward to doing the same. |
| When and if you ever have children, what would you like to pass on to them? | I have two young sons and I think often about what I would like to pass on to them. I want them to be respectful and kind to others. I want them to be confident about their choices and know it’s ok to make mistakes. I want them to know their self-worth and to know they are loved, unique, and worthy. I want my children to be better than me and to know their father loves them and will always love them. |
