I am originally from a small Appalachian town in Southwestern Virginia, so rural life was what I was accustomed to for many years. I grew up incredibly active in my community, always looking to make friends and better the world around me. As I moved on to college, I became a first-generation college graduate at George Mason University, right outside of Washington, D.C. I was fortunate to gain my undergraduate degree in Psychology, and have the experience of studying American Sign Language as my minor, all while falling in love with city living in Northern Virginia. During my few years in Fairfax, I was able to continue my work as a sports coach, perpetuating the love of volleyball, basketball, swimming, and softball for many middle and high school athletes. Alongside this, I worked as a camp counselor and substitute teacher, which strengthened my love for passing along information to a younger generation and fostering growth and care for oneself and others. At the present, I am in the process of completing a Master’s of Social Work at VCU, doing everything I can to learn and explore how to meet people where they are at and help them get to where they want to be. In my free time, I am an avid reader and nature lover, and my biggest guilty pleasure is watching reality television. I consider myself a lifetime learner, always eager to explore and curious about what the world could offer.