I come from a family of pianists, so when it became clear at a young age that I loved to sing and perform, my great-grandma was incredibly excited to have a singer in the family. I wish she was alive today so she could see the opportunities I have been given to use my talent here on campus.

I grew up in Logan, Iowa, graduating from Logan-Magnolia High School in 2020, I was raised by my grandparents with my three younger siblings. I come from a divorced family and have a complicated relationship with my parents, my grandparents are my world. While I was active in high school, those four years were rough because I experienced bullying and began to struggle with mental health issues without understanding what any of it meant.

I had planned to go to a large school thinking it would be good for me to go to a big place, blend in, and try to find a few good friends, but when COVID-19 hit, it really sealed that a smaller place would be best to thrive. I realized that I wanted to be able to continue singing since I had missed out on those experiences at the end of high school. Dr. Person talked to me and I knew Morningside was where I needed to be.

Continuing to sing while at Morningside has allowed me the chance to explore the world and be part of an award-winning ensemble that has put on some outstanding productions. On top of that, I have also been able to explore my future in ways I never even knew I needed. I started as a political science major and after taking a religious studies class with Dr. Coody, I had my eyes opened to so many new perspectives. I realized I wanted to learn so much more about the world.

More than anything, though, I have come to value people who help people, and especially those who are helping to address the mental health crisis. I have begun to understand my own struggles with mental health while I’ve been here, I’ve also realized I’m passionate about finding a way to help underprivileged adults get the help they need. My hope is to stay in the Midwest and be a light in this sometimes dark world.”