Growing up I was always told that I lived in "dream world" because I had dreams of seeing the world and emerging myself into different cultures. I love this country and I am a proud U.S. citizen but there is just something about experiencing what else the world has to offer. I grew up in a military family and lived the military "brat" life until we settled in Knoxville. My dads travels and experiences through the Air Force that I grew up hearing about has made me want to experience some (emphasis on some) of the places he has been to and even visit places that he hasn't been to. When I turned 18 I set out a goal that every year I would go somewhere new and so far that goal has changed my life.

As I mentioned in the slide above, the first years of my life were spent moving around because my dad was in the military. The last move for our family was to this house located in Knoxville, TN where I grew up. A childhood home can say so much about a person. I spent many times counting down the days until I pulled out of the driveway trying to escape this place but as I got older I have learned to appreciate my childhood home and the people in it. I always be thankful for the neighbors who have became family and the memories that have been and continue to be made here.

My decision to come to ETSU was a very last minute, unexpected decision. I spent my first two years of college at a community college and after that it was UTK. All the way. The University of Tennessee was always the plan and once I had the acceptance letter in my hand everything just felt off. I needed something new. So last June I made the move to Johnson City, got my first apartment, a new job and so far its been a exciting adventure.

In high school, I thought I had it all figured out about what I wanted to do for my career and well...4 years, 2 colleges, and 3 major changes later...I still have yet to figure it out. My current (and final) major is currently a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with minors in Sports Management and Marketing. I am hoping that with these new classes that are based on things that I enjoy learning will help figure out what I would like to do career wise.

One of the most unique and by far the most amazing experiences I have had while in college was when I made the decision to study abroad in Ireland. It was through a Tennessee Board of Regents program called TnCIS (ETSU is also included in this) . I was attending Pellissippi State Community College in Knoxville and someone came to talk about this program and I sat in class and said "Im going to do this." and I did. It was some of the best three weeks of my entire life and I made some of the best friends I could have asked for. The friends I met currently attend ETSU and they are the ones who convinced me to transfer here and well...here I am.

"For I know the I plans I have for you," declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and to not harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future." -Jeremiah 29:11. My favorite Bible verse. I have this verse painted on canvases and hung in every room in my apartment so I am reminded of Gods plans for me. I may not know what I want for my life and for my future but I know with my Faith and my support system, I will be okay and everything will fall into place the way its meant too.

Thank you for following my story! I wish I could fit it all but...there are only so many minutes in a day ;)