# data[].attributes.body
I do not personally remember this whole experience but I did talk to my mom. She said I was a trier. Like most babies I would get up take a few steps and then fall down but I would keep trying. Always getting back up to see if I could do it the next time. Until I did finally get it.

# data[].attributes.body
My mom is a teacher so she knew the importance of reading and taught we how to read from a young age. I would sit with her and she would help me till I could read it by myself. One I was getting to more difficult books I would get a little piece of gum as an incentive for reading a book.

# data[].attributes.body
Learning how to tie my shoes was very difficult for me. My parents would explain it and explain it to me but I could not get it. I would sit on a stool next to my mom while she was making dinner and try it over and over again. Once I finally learned how to do it, it was an amazing experience because I finally mastered something I was working on for so long.

# data[].attributes.body
When I lived in Chicago my parents enrolled me in swim lessons at our community pool. I swam for about a week and then was moved up to the next age group because I was advanced. Learning how to swim has helped keep me safe near water but has also shaped my future career. Before I came to college I coached a swim team. I moved from the student to the teacher and took on the responsibility to teach other students how to swim.

# data[].attributes.body
When I was in 4th grade my parents sat us down at the dinner table and told us we were moving from Chicago to Kansas City. While I was young it still rocked my world. I had created a life there, I had friends, I went to school, and I loved Chicago. But seeing how I was only 11 I had to move with my parents. I had to learn to trust my parents and the Lord. And trust that they were doing the best thing for me. Nevertheless, it was very hard to say goodbye to the life that I had known. It was very hard to make new friends and start a new life. When I did make friends I did not make the best friends.

# data[].attributes.body
Being in Kansas City meant I had to make new friends. When I got to middle school I made friends with the girls who were always fighting with each other and all into the drama. It really took a hold on me and it slowly became dangerous. I was judgmental, mean, fake, and obsessed with drama. I was just trying to get out of that friendship.

# data[].attributes.headline
LEAD Innovation Studio - 14 to 18 Years Old 

# data[].attributes.subject
LEAD Innovation Studio - 14 to 18 Years Old 

# data[].attributes.body
I was a desperate 14 year old when I went into high school. LEAD was a new, project-based, school that our district opened up to relieve overcrowding. I was so nervous to go but I made the choice to go knowing it would help me break away from the toxic girls in middle school. I was part of the 150 original students to open the school and part of the first class to graduate. Going to LEAD I learned so many things that helped me turn back into the person I hid inside from those girls. I became more outgoing, kinder, less in the drama, and less judgmental. But with that I also learned how to present properly, make friends, work together with other people, and how to teach myself lessons.

# data[].attributes.headline
Foster Care - 16 Years Old to Present Day

# data[].attributes.subject
Foster Care - 16 Years Old to Present Day

# data[].attributes.body
While I was a sophomore in high school my parents finally became foster parents. We have had 4 long term placements. We currently have a 15 month old baby boy. With my parents taking in children I have learned that how fortunate I am to have the life I have. But I also learned how to love unconditionally. My siblings had behavior problems, were born with drugs in their system and were neglected. I have a great love and appreciation for all they went through and them. Seeing my parents open their homes to children who need love makes me want to do the same with my life.

# data[].attributes.body
I had my heart set on going to BYU in Utah for as long as I can remember. I put a lot of pressure on myself to do well to get in and worked so hard through high school to make myself look good for the admissions office. Once the letters came out I was rejected. I was devastated. I am the perfect candidate for BYU. I prayed earnestly for days wondering why I wasn't good enough. But the spirit spoke to my heart telling me that going to BYUI was the best place for me to be. It doesn't matter where I get my degree as long as its a church school. I am at BYUI for a reason and I can truly see that.

# data[].attributes.body
The summer before I left for school I was hired to coach with the group of people you see above. I coached kids from 3-18 year old's. It was an amazing experience because I not only go to work with come of the best kids and coaching staff but it also helped me further my decision in going into elementary education. I refined my swimming, social, and the teaching skills I learned during my time in high school.