Introduction

Hello, everyone! I am from a small town outside of Tulsa, Oklahoma, called Berryhill. I love my community and have deep connections to it; I am the third generation to graduate high school from Berryhill! I was blessed to grow up surrounded by my family.  I spent many summers learning to garden with my grandparents, exploring museums with my dad, and dancing to disco music around the house with my mom.  We also have a precious new addition to our family -- our rescue dog, Baxter!

Image Information: Personal Photo of my my dog and me

 However, my older sister, Nicole, has undoubtedly had the biggest impact on who I am today.  Nicole struggled with cerebral palsy, but was always incredibly joyful.  She taught each of us compassion and love! Although I miss her every day, I am encouraged to pursue my passions so that I can make a difference someday for children like her.

Image Information: Personal photo of my sister and me

I am currently pursing a Bachelor of Arts in Letters with a concentration on Constitutional Studies and minors in International Studies and Political Science. This is my second semester of my senior year.  However, it feels like just yesterday that I moved into the dorms for my freshman year! I made many of my friends on my dorm floor and in The President’s Leadership Class, and it is a joy to be there as we all complete our OU adventures together.  At least once a month, we get together to forget our busy schedules and just talk over pizza. “Pizza and Pepsi” has always been a highlight for us all, and I am excited to continue it during our final semester!

Image Information: Personal photo of some of my friends and me during our freshman year at OU.

                           

I have always had a love of learning. In particular, I am interested in politics, public policy, and international relations. Through my education abroad experiences, I have expanded my love of these subjects to encompass a greater understanding of the ways in which history and culture impact the way that states interact with each other and approach policy decisions. I am especially passionate about issues regarding education and human rights, but I am excited to learn about diverse subjects this semester! I spent this summer is Washington, D.C. working for the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. Although I had no previous knowledge of environmental policy, I truly enjoyed learning and working for the good of the committee! Washington, D.C. is definitely now one of my favorite places, and I hope to move  back there after graduation this spring.  It is just so special to be surrounded by so much history and culture each day! 

Image Information: Personal photo of the U.S. Capitol Rotunda: my favorite room in the Capitol!

I am thrilled to get the opportunity to learn with and get to know each of you all through out this semester!