-
Born
Born in Kalamazoo, MI. I lived in a small town called Plainwell, which has less than 5000 residents. Spending the first few years of my life in such a small town certainly had an impact on my development. -
1st England Trip
First trip to England to visit family. My mother's side of the family, including my grandparents, still live in London, England. This was the first of yearly trips back to England to visit her family. Growing up with this duality of cultures has had an impact on my development. I have been able to keep in touch with my family via Skype, but it isn't the same as having them physically close. I did, however, get to grow up with both cultures. -
Brother Born
My brother Christopher was born in Kalamazoo, MI. We are two years apart but have never really gotten along. We have very different personalities. The constant conflict that we face has had an impact on my development as I am not close with my sibling. -
Start Preschool
I began attending preschool in Plainwell, Michigan. Because the town was so small, there weren't many opportunities for schooling. My school was in the basement of the teacher's house. There were about 8 children with two ladies who ran the program. This is where I met Emma, who is still one of my best friends. -
Move to AZ
Move from Plainwell, MI to Scottsdale, AZ. We drove across the country from Michigan to Arizona. It took us 5 days. Along the way, we stopped in many historical locations. The move and transition from MI to AZ had a large impact on my child development. As a 5 year old, I remember not wanting to move. -
Start Montessori Preschool
Start preschool at Mission Montessori in Fountain Hills, Arizona. My mother taught French at this school and she liked the hands-on approach. I learned how to read, learned French, and was one of the more advanced pupils in my class. I also was able to see my mom everyday because she would be teaching part of my class. -
Start Kindergarten
Start kindergarten at Cochise Elementary School. I love this elementary school and my parents soon started working here. After taking early retirement, my father became a volunteer computer teacher and my mother eventually became the school librarian. She still works here today. -
Start Sunday School
Begin attending Mountain View Presbyterian Church in Scottsdale, AZ. This regular attendance began my lifelong journey of faith. I also developed relationships with those at Mountain View, which would lead to opportunities later in life. -
Start Soccer
Start playing soccer on a team at the local park. I played soccer for 10 years. It was a huge part of my life. Each weekend I would play a game. My father was the coach of the team for the first few years. Soccer became my passion and I dedicated a lot of my time to pursuing it. -
Father Death
My father battled cancer for 2 months before he died on November 6, 2002. I was nine years old and in the third grade. It was just before my 10th birthday. This was the most significant event in my life to date and had a huge impact on me as a child. I had to be raised by a single parent instead of having the traditional family. -
Start Cocopah
Start Cocopah Middle School in Scottsdale, Arizona. While at Cocopah, I discovered my passion for school. I maintained straight A's during the entire 3 years period. I also was in advanced Mathematics. Developing good study skills and a foundation of knowledge here helped me to take many AP and Honors Classes in High School. -
1st Mission Trip
Went to Juarez, Mexico to build houses for 1 week. I went with my church, Mountain View Presbyterian. About 90 students went in total. We split into teams of 15 and ended up building 6 houses total. It was a week to grow in my faith while serving the community. It was also the first time that I saw true poverty. After this mission trip, I went on many more to New Orleans, Los Angeles, Phoenix, the Navajo Reservation, and more recently to Rocky Point. -
Start Chaparral HS
Start attending Chaparral High School in Scottsdale, AZ. I immediately began taking any honors classes that I could. I loved school and dedicated a lot of time to being a good student. I took pride in my academics and placed a lot of value on my grades. This was due to skills I had developed along the way in middle school that I retained to this day in Barrett, the Honors College. -
Torn Meniscus
Due to a soccer injury, I suffered a torn meniscus. Because of this, I had to have surgery on my right knee. Because I previously had torn the MCL on this same knee, the doctors decided that my soccer career was over. I had been playing for 10 years and was playing for my high school as well as for a competitive team. This was a devestating loss to me. -
Visit Kenya
I traveled across the world to Kenya for a 4 week long mission trip with Mountain View Presbyterian Church and a group of 10 other college students. We spent time in Mathare Valley, the second largest slum in the country building classrooms. We also spent time in Nyeri, which is the north of Kenya, where we stayed and worked in an orphanage. This trip was a result of a lifelong journey of faith and also due to my passion for service and volunteering. -
Start ASU
Start attending Barrett, the Honors College at Arizona State University. I originally was majoring in Business Marketing. I took a few honors classes my first semester and lived on campus. -
Change Major
Changed my major from Business Marketing to Elementary Education. Made the decision to officially become a teacher! -
Start Thesis
I have started my honors thesis. I am studying the Kenyan educational system and filming a short documentary to accompany the written portion. I plan to defend my thesis in October 2014.