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HomeBoys
I played my first competitive basketball at 6 years old on an all white boys team (called the HomeBoys) which played in our little town city league. This was the first time that any white kids had played in the city league in the history of our town and I was the only girl. I played point guard and my dad was the coach. This season began a long and continued love of the sport. -
My First Paper about Grandmom's Flowers
I wrote a story about my grandmother's flowers in first grade because I spent so much time with her in the garden. She corrected every mispelled word and put it on her fridge. She taught me to strive for excellence and to love the outdoors. She wanted me to go to her alma mater (Stanford) for college. I didn't want to break it to her that there was now way on earth that would happen :) -
Learning about Jesus as savior
I learned and recognized the Jesus was my savior at vacation bible school in the summer of 1991. The teachings of Jesus have had the most impact on my life of any event. It all started here. -
Move to Vestavia Hills, Alabama
I moved from Mississippi to Birmingham at the start of 4th grade when my dad got a promotion at work. My whole family had lived in our little town most of their life. It was pretty huge at the time. I met my best friend Lilly the first day of 4th grade. We've been friends ever since. -
Basketball
I was asked to play varsity basketball as a freshman at Vestavia Hills High School. That year was the first time I met my longtime coach and mentor Fran Braasch who has been instrumental in the person I have become. She and I are close - talking regularly. She is also the reason I coach girls basketballl today. -
Prom...as a sophomore
I went to prom my sophomore year with a great friend (who is now my husband)! -
Virginia Tech
I went to college at Viriginia Tech where I knew no one. I started out as an engineer but met my future advisor - known as the guy who loved Mr. Potato Head and switched my major to International Agriculture. Virginia Tech and the people of Blacksburg, VA have had a profound affect on who I am. -
Belize - My first overseas trip
In the summer of 2003, I went on my first overseas trip (that was not vacation) and fell in love with different cultures. This trip sparked many more - including Africa, France and the Phillippines. -
New York City Fellows
In December of my senior year of college I was offered a job teaching with the New York City Fellows program. While I ultimately did not accept the job and instead decided to pursue my masters in soil science at Auburn, it did confirm my love of teaching. -
Shootings
On April 16th, four of my friends were killed at Virginia Tech in the deadliest attack by a single gunman in U.S. history. This is a day and an event that has totally altered my views on life (and active shooter drills in schools). I will never forget that day nor the lives of my friends who were lost. -
First Real Job
In May of 2008 I married my husband and accepted a teaching job at VHHS. While I had zero experience, the principal took a chance and offered me an incredible opportunity to influence teenagers. I cherish every day that I have in the halls of VHHS. -
It's a Girl!
Lilly Mae entered the world this day. She is so much fun!
