What is your background?: I was born in Des Moines but I moved here to Cedar Rapids from Winterset, Iowa, which is the hometown of John Wayne. I moved in with my aunt and uncle in Central City and was homeschooled my last four years at connections academy.
What brought you to Kirkwood and why?: I wanted to go to college when I graduated high school and was going to go to DMACC, but ended up choosing Kirkwood instead.
What is your program of study and what interests you about it?: I am studying Diesel Truck Technology at Kirkwood. I’ve been working on cars since I could turn a wrench but I was fascinated with semis so I thought: ‘Hey I like getting dirty and working hard – why not put the two together and work on semis?’ When I first started here at Kirkwood I was the only girl in the program, so I was nervous as can be.
Are you involved in anything else on campus?: I’m part of the Diesel Power Club.
What do you do for fun?: I love to write. I also love sitting outside and enjoying the nice weather so I’m a big fan of going to parks – especially if they have a lake or a river.
Where do you see yourself in five years?: My plan for the next five years is to join the National Guard to work on tanks and other military vehicles. I also want to have a few books published. That may seem like a lot, but your success is all up to you. Life is hard no matter what situation you are in. But if you have a goal – follow it and don’t let others tell you what you can’t do.