After my sophomore year of high school, amid the pandemic, I decided that for my junior year I wanted to enroll in full time PSEO (post-secondary enrollment option), otherwise known as dual enrollment. I was a full-time student at our local community college Minnesota West, while continuing to take music classes at my high school. In addition to my fall and spring semester classes I've also taken summer, and winter courses, to ensure I am making my high school and college requirements. In May I will graduate high school and college with my high school diploma, and an Associates of liberal arts. I’ve worked with my boss at the coffeeshop I work at on marketing ideas, new things to do with the space, drink/menu ideas, and ways to reach out to the community in person or via social media. On the late afternoon shifts I can take time and connect to the people that come in, asking them about their day and their favorite coffee drinks which has been a very interesting way to get to know people! I've also enjoyed getting to teach young children important skills including, how to swim, float, and keep themselves safe in the water at my other job as a lifeguard. Teaching young kids is something i've done for almost 5 years, first as a volunteer dance instructor, then as a swim instructor. I have worked to connect to my community and the people around me. As a senior and upperclassmen I have taken advantage of my leadership role and am a section leader in both band and choir. I consistently have underclassmen in those groups asking for my help or advice which has helped me grow in confidence in my leadership abilities. Being able to be in a position to help guide classmates of mine has been incredibly rewarding, and shown me firsthand how important genuine human connection is, especially within formative high school years. I have strived to be a kind, helpful person to those around me that people feel comfortable speaking and opening up to. I have worked on how I speak to people, and how I act in hopes of making myself a better person. I hope that I encourage the people around me, and that they feel I bring things of value into their lives. Being in a small town in Minnesota has given me an unusual experience to see how close knit communities support one another through tough times, and joyful occasions. Those aspects of Minnesotan life are ones I strive to bring with me wherever I go in life.

I began my first part time job at 14 as a barista and started my second as a lifeguard at 15. I worked hard in my classes and Dual-enrolled so I could pursue my associate degree at the same time. I have prioritized staying involved at my High School so I made sure I could attend band and choir every day. I participate in extracurricular groups in both ensembles as well as being a section leader. I began swimming competitively when I was eight and continued through my senior year of High School where I medaled at the State meet. I participated in varsity tennis all four years of high school. I played the number 1 spot on the team senior year, and received the most dedicated award, most valuable player award, and Big South All Conference Award. I have committed to volunteering within my community I help serve meals, pack lunches, team swimming lessons, and more. I have worked two jobs, both as a barista, lifeward, and swim instructor. I have been saving for college since childhood. I have applied to upwards of 20 scholarships and continue to do so. I also chose a slightly less expensive college closer to home to avoid travel expenses. I am hoping that those steps help me graduate debt free or with as little debt as possible.