-
Birth and Family
I was born into a family that's the picture of a strong marriage and a somewhat wholesome environment. I have six brothers and five sisters, some who come in and out of my life and some who are quite stable around me. I try my best to set an example how life should be lived out by and how to go about it in troubling times to my youngest brother and sister as, they too, approach the insanity that is adolescence. -
Dr. Bell and Mr. Lloyd
Besides my parents, Dr. Bell influenced me as my first grade school teacher. She led me to capture a love for reading, all while helping me excel in it's marvels that I otherwise would've never known if it weren't for her aid. Mr. Lloyd was my 5th and 7th-8th grade teacher, a friend I'm most fond of for his willingness to connect with his students. He helped us deadbeats kids realize the importance of finishing our education, and helped me realize the potential I'd have as an adult. -
Valerie's Death
Valerie Miller was my absolute best friend as a kid. So it was a surprise to hear her dad went ballistic and took her life along with his wife's. At that moment, I felt very numb, which helped me deal with death calmly. Her life saved me, because I realized I needed a hope in something, so the next day I became a Christian.Though her death wasn't the first in my life, it made me realize how innocent, corrupt, and brief life can be. So why not live it out in the best way we can while we have it? -
Foreclosure... Life Lesson
Foreclosure on the house my family had lived in for 17 years brought upon hard times. Money had always been tight, but it seemed as though there would be no escaping trouble during this time. Though there were times of grief from losing the house and not knowing where we would move to, my family took the situation by the reigns and taught me to keep your head up whenever you feel like your falling into a deep and dark hole. This life lesson has and continues to help me today during hard times. -
College
During my second semester of freshman year in high school, I was offered the opportunity to apply and take college courses at a nearby community college for free. Being offered this opportunity gave me hope that I can go further in my education and not give up on school. This was encouragement for me to allow myself to 'grow up' in a sense and start taking opportunities and make wise choices that would better my future. -
Drop Out
Unfortunately, prior motivation that I'd received seemed to grow dim as junior year came. School became bleak in all it's routines and tedious work. College slowed and it seemed as though I was trapped in a familiar schedule of very boring days and idleness. Looking back now, I see dropping out as one of the worst decisions any person could ever bestow upon themselves.If anything good is going to happen, you have to make it happne yourself. I decided to finish my education and joined Primavera! -
My Les Paul
Music has always played a major part in how I view people and life. Listening to a folk song with an amazingly melodic vibe, paired with some opinionated lyrics that are beyond this world, you can't go wrong! Music's a great communicator, and I can't help but be inspired when I discover tunes from a different time that can be complexly beautiful. Getting my first axe Christmas Day meant I could take my part in this exciting and beatiful world and make something out of it in my future! Dream Big! -
VBS Teacher
Caring for children has recently become a big deal for me, and volunteering at my church daycare has only made me love the little guys even more. When I was asked to co-lead a summer class for 3-4th grade at my church though, I was terrified, but said yes because I didn't want to let the kids down. It was one of the best decisions I ever made! Teaching to the kids was not only fun, but both sides got quite an experience out of it. It was something I found a surprinsingly enjoyable knack for! -
Bob and Jeremiah P1
Bob and Jeremiah are two guys I look up to in my life. One I've known for about 6 years, the other I've never met personally. Jeremiah's been my youth pastor/mentor since 7th grade. He's the crazy guy who is not only very humble and the leader-type when you need some guidance or direction in your life, but he's also your friend when you need one. He's taught me how to live a life fulfilling the gospel and caring for people. I don't think there are words to describe him, and how he's helped give -
Bob and Jeremiah P3
Bob Goff is one of the greatest guys you will ever hear about. A friend of mine's niece who's going to Uganda this fall called Bob up one day, not knowing who he was, and he not knowing who she was either. She had found his phone number published on the back of his book, "Love Does." Beside his number were the comforting words that read, as they do in all his books, that if anyone ever needed his help, or just someone to talk to, they could call his personal number. She and a group of friends -
Bob and Jeremiah P2
and wisdom is beyond my comprehension. I wouldn't have mentioned him if he wasn't someone I wouldn't like emulate in motivating other people and leaving others in in 'awe', because every time he speaks or does something, he's got some truth or something amazing to show you. In fact, I am proud to try and follow in his foot steps when I got to college and seminary to make a difference in not only young kids lives like he did, but in everyone I meet. -
Bob and Jeremiah P4
called him during a conference to see if the number worked. He answered, and as amazing as he is, invited them to join him in Uganda to fight injustices towards kids in that region. Bob is a 'yes' person and jumps at any opportunity where he sees adventure involved. That's who he is, and he's unbelievable in every way, inspiring you to do unconventional things, and help out whoever needs it and do it in love. Just take a read into "Love Does," and you'll understand why I mention him as a mentor. -
Africa Mission Trip
As I said, kids are an important cause to me, and I wish I could protect them from all the evils they have to face. It's always been my ultimate goal to be a physician, and I like missionary work. That being said, me and 5 other crazy people are hopping on a plane to Tanzania this fall to help out at an orphanage and university to speak about teen pregnancy, English, spread the Gospel, and just be their friend. This will help me train for my medical missionary career, helping these families out.
