My parents never gave me any idea that I couldn’t do whatever I put my mind to. They raised my sister and I with strong morals and Christian faith and taught us to care about other people. They have been my constant cheer leaders, encouraging me in whatever endeavors I set my mind to. My sister has and is my best friend and partner in crime.
I became a teacher because I saw a need. Too many kids struggled and had nobody speaking life into them, telling them they could do it and cheering them on along the way. Graduating from WSU in 2005 was a huge accomplishment for me. However, I wouldn’t consider that the moment I became a teacher. My first year teaching showed me what teaching meant—building relationships, meeting the needs of people much different from myself, and throwing some science in there along the way. My hope is that I have played a role in helping each of my students create “their story.”
I met my husband in 2004 when we both became involved with leadership in a youth church. After dating and later getting married, I began the process of becoming a wife. Just like receiving a diploma didn’t make me a teacher, signing a marriage certificate didn’t make me a wife. Becoming a wife has been a wonderful process filled with lots of laughs, dreams, and struggles along the way. I love having someone to share life’s ups and downs with, and making this step was a huge part of my story that continues to play out.
Becoming a mom has been one of the greatest moments in my story. It continues to change me everyday. It has made me slow down and enjoy the little things in everyday life, but run in a hundred different directions at the same time.
Micah has taught me to be patient, makes me laugh all the time, and has a very sweet heart. She causes me to look at people a whole new way.
Harper is a breath of fresh air. Even though she’s not even 2 yet, she has taught us all to laugh. Adorable, loving, and hilarious, she makes everyone smile. My story would be incomplete without her.
Just like my story began with a family that supported me and taught me I could do anything, it continues. The cheers have gotten louder as my husband and kids join in.
