I grew up in Minco, Oklahoma, a small country town where every face is familiar. When I think of home, I think of peach ice cream: sweet, nostalgic, and a little bittersweet. That image captures the feeling of growing up there—simple, close-knit, and full of memories that still stay with me.
Like many people, I used to think of my mom as my biggest role model, and she is still someone I deeply admire. Over time, though, I have realized that my little sister has shaped me just as much. She keeps me grounded, and I am incredibly thankful for the perspective she has given me. She has faced a long and difficult battle with an autoimmune disease, but even on the hardest days, her strength has taught me that people do not always define you by what you are going through; often, the way you see yourself matters most.
After high school, I went to Oklahoma State University to study marketing and management. I was also involved in Gamma Phi Beta, where I built lasting friendships, grew as a leader, and found a supportive community. My time at OSU helped me become more independent and pushed me outside my comfort zone in ways that helped me grow. Through classes, campus life, and the people I met, I learned how much I value connection, teamwork, and being surrounded by people who encourage one another. Stillwater became more than the place I went to school; it became a place that shaped me and still feels like home.