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I have always loved school. From a young age, I dreaded vacations from school because it meant I wouldn’t be learning in the capacity I could while at school. I haven’t even finished my first master’s degree yet but I’ve already started researching other programs I can pursue in a few years. I enjoy long walks down the school supply aisle and I can constantly be found with my nose (or ears) in a book. I crave that feeling of getting lost in a story and emerging from another world hours later. I love to read to grow my knowledge and learn about the experiences of others. I prefer to read young adult novels, but I have been working to expand my interests so I can continue to learn and grow. I usually read between 100 and 110 books every year.
I grew up in West Des Moines and graduated from Valley High School. When I was a sophomore in high school, I had the opportunity to march in the Rose Bowl Parade in Pasadena, California. I’m not sure any other New Year’s Day event can top 2004! I attended the University of Northern Iowa and graduated with my bachelor’s degree in Elementary & Middle Level Education in addition to minoring in Literacy (K-8) and Social Studies (K-8). I am also certified to teach math and science at the middle school level. I am currently attending Morningside College pursuing my master’s degree in Education. I am also getting my endorsement in Talented and Gifted Education (K-12).
In my spare time, if I’m not working on my master’s degree or reading, I am spending time with my dog, Simone. She is an eight year old Lhasa Also rescue. I adopted her in January 2018. She is weary of new people, loves to take naps, and is stubborn to no end. I like to joke and say Simone is me in dog form! Simone has absolutely changed my life for the better. On the weekends you can often find Simone and I traveling to Des Moines to spend time with my mom and sister.
In the last few years, I have been learning how to use my voice to speak up about issues I’m passionate about including reducing my reliance on plastic, buying and wearing ethically made clothing, and making the switch to chemical-free products. My interest in the environment can be traced back to my kindergarten days when I wanted to grow up and plant trees for a living. :)
My story would not be complete without acknowledging I am also an advocate for mental health and changing the stigma around mental health. I have struggled with perfectionism, anxiety, and depression for over half of my life and I have learned it’s ok to ask for help. I needed adults in my life while I was in middle and high school to tell me it’s ok to struggle and it’s ok to ask for help. My therapist has helped me develop strategies to cope with debilitating anxiety attacks and perfectionism. I would not be where I am now if I hadn’t reached out for help. To those of you reading this and silently struggling: it is ok to ask for help. You don’t have to talk to me, but talk to an adult you trust and get help. Help break the stigma that mental health is something to be ashamed of.
Always remember: you are enough, just the way you are. You matter, you are seen, and you are enough.
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