WU Words: I was born and raised in Topeka Kansas…

I was born and raised in Topeka Kansas. I have one older sister. I attended private Catholic schooling from kindergarten, all the way up into the 12th grade. I became an Ichabod here at Washburn, because I’ve wanted to be a nurse just like my mom is ever since I could remember. Washburn has an excellent nursing program, and it is also right down the street from Washburn. I have had many experiences shape my life from private schooling, to mission trips, and great parents. I have made many learning experiences throughout my life that have gotten me to where I am today. Knowing that making mistakes is part of growing up, and you take something from each of them, which makes you a better and more knowledgeable individual. I try to keep the worry less, laugh more mentality. But, in college that is really hard because I have so much going on whether it be my school work, tests, work, rent, bills-the list goes on and on.

Happiness is so key, and it goes hand in hand with laughter. A day without laughter is a day wasted I feel. Being with my family and friends is when I feel the happiest. I am the one of the oldest of the cousins so to spend time with my baby cousins makes me realize that worrying and stressing is only temporary things. You have all of the crazy things going on in your life and right when you get everything calm something else comes up and you just have to realize that that is life-life happens. When I first came to Washburn I was felt really out of sorts. Sure, I’ve been there 107 times for football games etc in the past. My best experience at Washburn was meeting my best friend who also is majoring in nursing as well. My worst experience- I really don’t have one. I wish I would have found more ways to get involved, especially my freshman year, and maybe worked a little less. I really wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. My past experiences and background have shaped the person I am today, which I’m proud of.