# data[].attributes.body
My mom is obsessed with Civil War History, so she passed her love of it down to us! I've been all over the north and south looking at monuments, battle fields, and have even encountered some civil war ghosts. Gettysburg is a family favorite spot to visit in the spring and summer. The history, struggle, and strategy of the civil war is so interesting to learn about and I hope that America has learned from its hardships and will always try its best to make us the land of the free and home of the brave. Here's a pic of my sister and I reenacting Lee's surrender at Appomattox Court House.

# data[].attributes.body
I don't have much time outside of dance and school to have a lot of hobbies, but one that I've grown to love over the years is travelling. I get to travel for dance competitions often and it's so interesting to visit new places and see how they live and what the culture and traditions are. I've been to Ireland, London, Canada, and all over the US!

# data[].attributes.body
One of my favorite things to do is sit down and watch a good movie or tv show. I love to watch horror movies, rom-coms, and Christmas movies. Some of my favorite shows are This Is Us, Friends, Riverdale, and Gilmore Girls. I've seen so many horror movies in theaters and I still scream so loud! One time someone in the theater told me to shut up because I was screaming so loudly!

# data[].attributes.body
Music has been a huge part of my life since I was a little girl. My mom used to be in an Irish band and some of my cousins are in bands as well. In 3rd grade I tried out for orchestra at McKinley and the teacher made me demonstrate how to play "Twinkle,Twinkle Little Star" in front of the whole class, and that's when I knew that I could be a musician someday. I still play the viola and sing, and even taught myself guitar! I love to have late night jam sessions with my family and friends and learn new songs to play. Music gets me through the day, weather it be listening to it, playing it, or writing it. Some of my favorite artists are Imagine Dragons, The Cranberries, Sinead O'Connor, Tom Petty, and The Civil Wars. Here's a video of my sister and I singing one of our favorite songs from a great show called This Is Us.

# data[].attributes.body
I have been a competitive Irish Dancer for 11 years and counting. I dance for the Lynn O'Grady Quinlan Connick Academy in Hatfield. This sport at times has consumed my life, and my family and I have made many sacrifices so I could continue to do what I love. However, it has presented me with so many wonderful opportunities such as traveling the world, getting scholarships, and best of all meeting life long friends. Dance has taught me determination, dedication, how to have a positive mindset when life gets tough, and to always work for my goals. Here's a pic of me  at the World Championships in Dublin from last year! (If you don't recognize me it's because I'm wearing about 3 pounds of makeup, a wig, and I have a fake tan!)

# data[].attributes.body
I live with my mom, dad, older sister Norah, and my two younger brothers, Emmet and Fintan. However, my family as a whole is HUGE! I have tons of cousins and aunts and uncles on both sides of my family so parties are always a blast! I have a very musical family so we like to get together and jam out to our favorite songs. Every year on Boxing Day we have a huge party at my house with music, presents, food and christmas festivities!

# data[].attributes.body
The name Mairin stems from the celtic roots of Ireland and Scotland and means, "goddess of the sea". Along with my Irish name, I have a very Irish heritage that I'm proud of. My heritage is a huge part of who I am and it is so amazing to know that I come from such a unique and brave culture. I have been to Ireland 3 times and it just keeps getting better and better every time I go back! My favorite place to visit is Mayo. Take a look at how beautiful it is!