I live on what I consider to be a hobby farm. This means I own animals because I love them and not to make money. Owning animals has taught me a lot of responsibilty because when I chose to own animals, they were mine and I had to take care of them. Its helped me become who I am today and has fed my want to work with animals. The pictures on the slideshow represent some of the animals I've owned and cared for. I have cows, chickens, turkeys, dogs, cats, and guinea fowl. I've had sheep, pigs and goats as well. I have tamed feral kittens, bottle fed many calves and hatched many chickens. This takes up a lot of my time but spending time with animals and raising them is where I'm happiest.

I wanted a guideing eyes puppy for the longest time because I grew up around a failed guiding eyes dogs. One of my coworkers did a similar program as well and told me all about it. I also did puppy classes with one of my other dogs and was already accustomed to the chaos of puppies. I wanted to be a part of something that helps other people. Even though it is hard to give up a dog you raised everyday I remember the good these dogs will do. I got my first guiding eyes puppy in January 2022 but had applied in August 2021. It has taught incredible patience, love, happiness, and reminds me everyday that I can be helping people. I also participated in a wag-a-thon where I walked a marathon in one month with my puppy to support guidng eyes. I have just gotten my second puppy. Please check out the guiding eyes website for anymore information-www.guidingeyes.org/  

I have been apart of 4-H since I was five years old, my older brother was in it and I just joined when I was old enough. I have shown cows, pigs, sheep, chickens and turkeys. Other than animals I have also shown a variety of baked goods, artwork, photos, canned good and many other projects. I showed at the Cortland County Junior Fair. I am apart of a 4-H group and we meet every month and do projects for the community and now that I am the oldest I get to teach kids baking and crafts. I was also fair queen where I had to do a speech and an interview and now I get to help out the community and work with kids. All of the pictures in the slideshow are of my animals at fair and me. 

I love being outside all of the time. I enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, swimming and generally anything in the sun! My mom and I play tennis in the summer together and spend our weekends going on adventures to nearby parks and lakes.  I also love baking and have used this skill to teach kids. I also taught two homeschooled kids in my 4-H basic art skills and loved it. I find peace outside, painting, being creative, being with children and baking.