I have lived in the small town of Lebanon, Missouri my whole life, which is approximately an hour away from campus and has a population of about 15,000 people; it will always be my home and inspiration for wanting to become a rural healthcare professional due to being a medically underserved area. When I am away from campus and outside the classroom, I am always down for a swim, run, bike ride, golf game, or cornhole competition. My friends, boyfriend, family, and faith are all very important to me, and I love spending time with them every chance I get. I am also a huge fan of St. Louis Cardinal baseball games and my boyfriend's bluegrass and gospel band, the Finley River Boys, so you can catch me at their games and shows. In November of 2019, I ran in my first ever team marathon with my cousins in honor of our grandma who passed away from cancer in 2011. During my time in quarantine, I picked up the new hobby of baking anything that satisfies my sweet tooth, as well as returning to one of my old habits-curling up with a dystopian or mystery novel. I also have a strong passion for music and find comfort in playing piano and composing music. During the fall of 2020, I ventured outside my comfort zone and joined the worship team at my church home in Springfield - University Heights Baptist Church. I also like creating daily devotionals and spending time with my younger sister and four dogs. Lastly, you can also catch me at my part-time job as a eye technician for Mattax Neu Prater Eye Clinic in Springfield, which is my first ever medical job and where I have obtained the majority of clinia experience hours. After shadowing three physician assistants in family medicine, I decided that this is the path for me after graduating from Drury University in May 2023. Through taking classes withmy professors in Biochemistry, certificates, and honors, I feel prepared for my future endeavors and am excited for the next journey of my life.