- I was born in Albany, but was raised in the small city of Troy as the eldest sister in a massive, joyfully chaotic family—including 30 cousins. Our family gatherings were like neighborhood block parties, laughter echoing, and lots of competitive games.
- As a little girl, I dreamed of being a princess. Castles were hard to come by in upstate New York, so my dad and I struck a compromise: beauty pageants. I proudly competed in the Miss Uncle Sam Pageant, a tradition in Rensselaer County. But I quickly realized that pageants weren’t about crowns—they were about confidence, presence, and learning to walk tall (in heels). Needless to say my pageant career was short lived.
- I grew up outside as much as inside, covered in bug spray and dirt, the kind that only washes off after two showers. Our family’s annual camping trips were more than vacations—they were reunions. We started in the quiet Catskills in the town of Gilboa, then migrated to the vast Adirondacks. By middle school, I could level a camper in the rain and light a fire with wet kindling. My grandfather taught my brother and I how to fish and ride four-wheelers. He had the kind of wisdom that didn’t need many words.
- When I graduated from Troy High School, I was everywhere: on the soccer field in the position of right back and goalkeeper, leaping for the 100 meter hurdles on the track and 100, 200, and 400 meter sprints/relays, as well as fighting for rebounds on the basketball court as a guard. Though I had the opportunity to play different sports, soccer has my heart and I still lace up my cleats to play in an adult co-ed league at Affirms, alongside my brother.
- But I had another stage too: the theater. I performed in five shows—two plays, three musicals—singing, dancing, acting throughout my high school career. I also waved flags with pride as the captain of the color guard in the Troy High Marching Band. The arts gave me a voice I didn’t know I had.
- Faith was a steady drumbeat through it all. I grew up in the church—baptism, Eucharist, confirmation—my journey marked by sacraments and community. Our priest wasn't just a Sunday figure; Fr. Patterson was family, often laughing at our barbecues and coming to our shows. I later became a catechist and co-taught first-grade religion classes with my aunt up until freshman year of college.
- Siena College welcomed me next. I entered with a biochemistry dream, chasing a career as a doctor —until I found my true calling in social work.
- In my “spare” time, I danced on the Siena dance team, stepped fiercely with the Step Team, and even became a Summer Legal Fellow at Fordham Law. I was also an orientation leader (Ryan 3 East for the win).
- I graduated in 2020—yes, that 2020—and earned my master’s from the College of Saint Rose. I returned to Troy, full circle, as an elementary School Social Worker, walking the same halls I once walked through as a student.
- In 2022, I boarded my first flight ever—destination: Atlanta. Since then, I've traveled to New Orleans, Greenville, SC, Asheville, NC, Orlando, and Chicago. Travel reminds me how big the world is—and how ready I am to explore it.
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