Taken from atop the Waldo tunnel in Sausalito this picture doesn't come close to doing the sweeping 360 degree view justice. Straight ahead is San Francisco, to the right are the rolling hills of the Marin Headlands, to the left is the clear water and East Bay, and behind is Marin - the place I am lucky enough to call home. Growing up in Marin has shaped me as liberal, open-minded and accepting and fostered my appreciation for nature with endless hiking trails, beaches, and breathtaking views.
I never pictured myself as a U of M student growing up. I dreamt of going to UCLA - I wanted to be a bruin plain and simple. But life happens, and somehow I was drawn to this place I knew very little about. Now, as a Junior studying communications and writing, I would not trade my college experience for the world. I have met inspiring peers, I'm pushed academically, I'm in love with the campus, and of course I'm an avid Michigan sports fan.
These nine girls are my best friends, my current house mates, and to finish off a cheesy list -- my soul mates. We are all in Alpha Chi Omega, and while I can't say I always planned or dreamed of being in Greek Life, I can say that this sorority has surrounded me with the most genuine, caring, motivated, and hilarious friends I've ever had. These nine girls, each with different political, ethnic, religious, and educational backgrounds, make my college experience what it is.
The older I get the more I begin to see old childhood friendships fade. At the same time, I have a greater sense of appreciation for the friendships that have lasted and strengthened over the years. Pictured here during my visit to CU Boulder, Lauren has been one of my best friends since 7th grade. We confide in each other about absolutely everything, and I am truly lucky to have a friend like her in my life.
I've written many about me sections in my lifetime, and every time I do they end up being bland, uninsightful, and generic. So instead, I've decided to share a group of photgraphs I've either taken or been in with important people, places, and events in my life. Scroll over each image below for a short description of the significance or click the image to see the full photograph with text below. I hope these images will begin to provide you with a sense of who I am and what I value.
About Me
My grandpa is unlike anyone else I know. He is charismatic, engaging, passionate about everyone and everything in his life, and has a sense of humor that might actually classify him as insane. He is someone I look up to and look to for advice and inspiration in all aspects of life.
This past December I went on a 10 day trip to Israel through the Michigan Hillel Birthright program. While religion has never been extremely prominent in my life, this trip was more than I could have ever expected. We traveled all around the country, learned about the people, history, culture, and conflict, and met eight of the most incredible Israeli soldiers. We laughed, cried, and got very little sleep. Even thinking about it makes me nostalgic.
When I opened the email informing me that I had recieved a student ticket to the NCAA Final Four in Atlanta I honestly almost cried of excitement. Attending a Final Four had been a dream of mine for years, and to do so while cheering on my own school in the student section was absolutely incredible. Despite the national championship loss it was a weekend filled with spirit, energy, and camaraderie like none other.
This picture of my fellow teammates and I at our last home high school soccer game will always be special to me. Athletics have always been, and always will be a defining aspect of my life. To me, sports are a flawless mix of mental and physical, teamwork and personal accomplishment, exhaustion and adrenaline -- unattainable in any other realm. The life lessons I've learned on the field and in the gym translate directly into who I am today.
Joining the Graham Scholars Program, a two year interdisciplinary program focusing on environmental sustainability leadership, has been an incredible experience so far. The program has broadened my understanding of environmental issues through the lens of large scale systems thinking as well as introduced me to some amazingly passionate and involved students on campus.