First of all, thank you to all who follow my writing and are faithful readers of my Odyssey articles each week. I love being a creator and playing a part in democratizing the media industry. I have recently become more involved with Odyssey and I’ve joined a team of 13 ambassadors who absolutely love Odyssey and its mission. Together, we’ll be helping shape the future of Odyssey, but for now, I’ll just give you a chance to know a few more things about who I am.

1. I am a believer.

This is the coolest thing about me, and I could probably stop here, because it is the most important. I am a believer in Jesus Christ, and He has changed my life. Therefore, the reason I have the gifts and talents I do—I owe it all to my Creator.

2. I have six siblings.

And yes, they are all biological, same parents. Growing up in a family wasn’t always the most peaceful experience, but I wouldn’t have traded it. Especially the part where friends would say, “I love coming over to your house. It’s better than going to the movies.” I will accept that.

3. I love apples.

Both the food and the technology. I consistently eat at least two apples every day and I love my iPhone. Dedication to the core. (ohhhh)

4. I am a force of nature. (Lolz, but really)

I love personality tests and figuring out about what makes me (and others) tick. On my Strengths-finders test, I fit into the category of “Force of Nature,” meaning I am “strong, intense, and internally motivated.” I love influencing and leading teams while thinking towards the future.

5. I studied abroad in the UK for six months.

And it was one of the best decisions I’ve made. I’m so glad that I got out of my comfort zone and challenged myself. I had the time of my life during this time and was able to make friends from all over the world all while earning my degree.

6. I can do the splits.

I don’t know. I’m no Simone Biles or Aly Raisman, but my body is naturally bendy. So that’s fun. Especially when I’m playing sports and end up in an odd heap on the ground.

7. I can talk to corn.

Not really, but this is a running joke in my major. I’m a senior in Agricultural Communication, which is basically just Science Communication. We take classes over both hard science and communication, so we can effectively communicate difficult information to the general public.

8. Sand volleyball is my game.

I’m probably only decent at sand volleyball because I can do the splits and I work really hard. My motto in everything athletic is, “I’m never going to be the best, but I can always work the hardest.” So, I’m just willing to dive into sand and get hurt, I’m not actually good.

9. In another life, I’d be a chef.

I still may be. I really love baking and cooking, as it’s definitely a stress reliever, but I never wanted to do it professionally, for fear I would end up hating it, so instead, I just dream about opening up a small bakery and coffee shop.

10. I used to read history books for fun.

As in, I would sit down with a 300 page textbook and read it like a novel. I fully claim “nerd-status” but I do not care. I’m still fascinated with learning about history today.

11. I was home-schooled for two years.

Simply because I wanted to be. And because my momma is one cool lady. Because when you already have six kids to worry about, why not just home school your fifth grade child?

12. I bleed black and gold.

An Illinois native, I came to Purdue University for school. I absolutely love all things Purdue and West Lafayette and I’m proud to be a Boilermaker.

13. The coolest thing I’ve seen is La Plaza de España in Sevilla.

During my study abroad experience this spring, I went to Spain and fell in love with the Andalucian city of Sevilla. It was full of amazing things, but my favorite thing (in this world, thus far) would have to be La Plaza de España.

14. I struggled with an eating disorder for several years and have a passion to inspire women to feel empowered by more than their physical beauty.

Not fun to talk about, but I’ve learned that we all have ugly things about us, and it’s better if we just own up to the fact that we’re all a mess and inspire each other instead of tear each other down.

15. My favorite Bible verse is Esther 4:14.

Paraphrasing, it says, “Perhaps you were born for such a time as this.” I love this mantra of thinking about every day of life as being purposeful. Who knows, if you were born for this specific day, this specific action, and this specific purpose? This reminds me that I have a greater purpose in life and that each day of my life matters.