When I moved to Oregon, I left my mom and sister behind in Las Vegas. I ended up saying goodbye to my mom in the church parking lot right before service. So I entered service literally bawling my eyes out, but during worship, I just had a touching moment of God telling me He’s by my side through this all. I [was] so lost and had no clue what was to come; I just felt at ease knowing that He’s my foundation, my rock. I was gonna be okay no matter what was going to happen.

I grew up in a big [city], very populated, warm sunny weather. Moving to Wilsonville where it’s just a small-knit community, everything’s so close in proximity, and everyone knows everyone… It was a big change coming into high school. I stayed home a lot; I didn’t go out and do things, I barely went to football games, and I never hung out with people, so my freshman year was one of my hardest years. [Over time] I gave myself freedom and gave myself a social life back. I’m most proud of getting out of my comfort zone, finding myself, and gaining my confidence. Why am I here caring so much about what other people are thinking of me when I could just be myself and have so much more fun and enjoy my last year here?

I’m going to be getting a business degree in marketing and then getting my real estate license, and see how things go from there. Interior design combines so many of my hobbies and things I enjoy doing, with drawing, sketching, design, fashion, or photography, which is what I think is so cool about it. I’m looking at ASU (Arizona State University); even though I have grown to love Oregon and Wilsonville, I’m ready to move on.

I’ve had my ups and downs. But now, I’m focusing on actually growing closer to God in my faith. I am satisfied with the person I’ve become and who I am today, and only hope to grow in this new chapter of life.