Pets' names: Max (Golden Retriever) and Misty (mutt cat).

Best friend: I don't believe in the idea of a "best friend" - that makes me feel like I have to pick just one person. I have many CLOSE friends!

Favorite teacher: Many teachers have had an influence on me, but one particular teacher that stands out in my mind is one of my 6th grade teachers, Mrs. Crawford. She always taught using "out of the box" techniques and actually took the time to listen to us and hear what we had to say.

Family: I have one older brother, Graig. My parents are Bill and Cheryl. I feel that I have a very good relationship with my parents and I love how they are constantly supporting me and encouraging me to follow my dreams. They encourage me to take any opportunities that come my way, but they also make sure to remind me on a regular basis that I am still their baby.

Favorite subject in school: Psychology-related courses.

Favorite television shows: "Friends" and "Whose Line Is It Anyway"?

Favorite actor/actress: I don't pick favorites, but Cameron Diaz and Josh Walker are definitely on the top of the list!

Dream vacation: I want to spend a summer backpacking through Europe - and I will do it!

Travels: I spent last fall (2004) studying abroad in Costa Rica . I spent four months studying Spanish and interning at a Deaf school, shadowing a school psychologist and working with Deaf children. I also took the opportunity to travel through the country and got to know the Deaf community. Not only did these four months help me improve my Spanish, the time in Costa Rica also taught me a lot about independence and confidence, in addition to making me think about what I want to do with my life and how I will get there.

Favorite Quote: I collect quotes, so this is a very tough question to answer. I'll settle with: "Knowledge is love, light and power." - Helen Keller.

Motto/Principle to live by: I have two mottos - "Go with the flow!" and "Pura Vida!" The second is a quote I learned in Costa Rica that roughly translates into "Life is grand!"

Where I want to be 5 years from now: By then, I will have finished college with two degrees - BA in Psychology and MA in counseling. In 5 years, I should be starting my job, working with Deaf children and their families. Hopefully I'll also be traveling like crazy!

Most embarrassing moment: One of my most memorable moments occurred right after I got my driver's license, when I was 16. I had my own car and I was sick one day so I drove to the doctor's office. I met my mom there, who drove from work. When the appointment was done, I decided to stop by the mall to pick up something and my mom was behind me in her car. I pulled out onto the main street, which is a two-way street. Keep in mind that I wasn't feeling well so my mind wasn't functioning properly. The light at the next intersection was green and there was a long line of cars at the light, not moving. For SOME reason, I thought it was a one-way street, so I pulled over into the left lane and proceeded through the intersection when I realized why there was a long line of cars not moving - there was an ambulance, with its sirens and lights on, coming my way! It had to stop because it wanted to turn onto the street I was driving on, but I was in the way, so I had to move around the ambulance. The worst part was the fact that it was rush hour so there were many cars and my mom witnessed the whole thing. Talk about a blonde moment!

My role models: I have an older cousin in West Virginia that I have always looked up to as my role model, Jodie. She is now the mother of two and is aiming to become an Interpreter. She is very open-minded, curious, and extremely caring. I don't get to see her very often, so I look forward to any opportunity I get to see her and her family.

Additional things to know about me: I am now a junior at Gallaudet University and grew up in the Port Huron area.

 

 

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