the writer.
the hiker.
the music lover.
the advocate.
the writer.
“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” — Maya Angelou
I always thought my brain was designed for math and science, and anything close to art or writing or creativity was out of reach. Then, in tenth grade, I was encouraged to take a new course: The Art of Writing. I discovered my voice, or pen, so to speak, but truthfully, I discovered an awakening in my soul. Through the years, I’ve continued to write off and on, but also have experienced significant happiness, pain, loss, and healing, as so many of us have. This is my attempt to unburden myself with that untold story inside me. Thank you for taking the time to join me.
the hiker.
“Because in the end, you won’t remember the time you spent working in an office or mowing the lawn. Climb that goddamn mountain.” - Jack Kerouac
Growing up in the mountains of Western North Carolina, I fell in love with the nature and waterfalls and taking a walk in the woods from a young age. That has carried over into adulthood and resulted in my involvement with the Xtreme Hike to cure Cystic Fibrosis, which I’ll talk more about later. Here I will write about my conquests, and what I learn along the way - because on the mountain is where memories are made.
the advocate.
“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” — Martin Luther King, Jr.
While I’m not always perfect, I try to reflect upon my standing of privilege in society, and how I can still partner and stand alongside the BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ and other communities who are marginalized without diminishing their worth. Within this arena of social justice I have learned way more from listening to people within these communities than when I have entered thinking I know how to solve all the issues. In this space, for me, I will write about: continuing to more fully understand my own privilege; education and advancements for Cystic Fibrosis; discussing mental health issues; among other topics as they arise. Feel free to agree or disagree and call me out when I completely screw up.