I never knew what I wanted to be when I grew up. When I was in high school many of my interests were in banking and careers that involved a degree in business or accounting. Most of these choices were based off of my strengths in high school as well as many personality tests I completed throughout my high school career. I ended up graduating from high school with a decided double major of criminal justice and psychology. This decision was developed after a college visit to Buena Vista University. I decided on attending Buena Vista University because none of my close friends would be attending. I finally decided on focusing on criminal justice with the intent of being a probation officer. During J-term of my senior year of college, I did an internship with my hometown probation officer in Guthrie Center, IA.

I enjoyed offering suggestions and advice to those on probation or parole. After completing the internship, graduating college, and landing my first job, I decided working with people was my calling. I worked as a recovery counselor at Jackson Recovery Centers and fell in love with the job. It was my experiences with adults with dual diagnosis that fired a spark in this line of work. After a year of working with adults with substance abuse and mental health disorders, I switched positions into a community based position with Seasons Center. This switch led to my counseling mindset. Through encouragement I enrolled in the Professional School Counseling program and took an opportunity with the middle school in Storm Lake. I worked in the middle school for 2 years before accepting the counseling position at the elementary school.