What I Learned From This Class

As this class is coming to an end, I’ve been thinking a lot about how much my writing has evolved and what the process has taught me. When I first started posting, I didn’t fully understand what it meant to keep a blog or how personal the writing could become. Now, looking back, I can see that the routine of creating weekly posts has pushed me to grow not only as a writer but also as a thinker. 

My Ideas

Obviously my ideas differ depending on the assignment for the week, but usually for my free choice blog posts, they started with everyday experiences or something I connected to emotionally. For example, when I wrote about why I wanted to become an attorney, my idea came from me starting to work on my personal statement. 

Other weeks, my inspiration came from big things that I’ve experienced in college , like when I wrote about my sorority or my experience with imposter syndrome. Or they even came from things that I’m passionate about like my hometown, running, and even just the people I care about. These posts always started with something that sparked a reaction and then turned into a deeper reflection once I started writing.

My Own Habits

One of the most important discoveries I made was about my own work habits and writing process. I learned that I write best in stages: thinking, drafting, stepping away, and coming back to revise. If I try to get everything perfect on the first attempt, I can’t seem to write anything down.

But when I let myself write freely and fix things later, the ideas flow more naturally. I also learned that I work best if I just start, even if that start is just a few sentences or bullet points. The small beginning makes the whole process feel a lot less overwhelming.

Place

Place definitely plays a role in how I write. I learned that I cannot write well when I’m surrounded by noise or distractions. Most of my posts were written in quiet places like my room or the library. There’s something about being in a calm environment that helps me focus not just on the words, but on what I’m actually trying to say.

I think my room especially helped me throughout my writing process as well. My room has so many pictures of people and things that I’ve done, as well as different mementos from different times in my life. A simple look around my room definitely helped me come up with some of my ideas for what I wanted to write about. 

My Classmates’ Posts

One of the most surprising parts of this semester was how much I learned from my classmates’ posts. Some wrote with humor, others with vulnerability, and some with an almost journalistic precision. 

I really enjoyed reading Josh’s reflection about his home. When I first read the title I was immediately hooked and the rest of the post was very engaging. He used very descriptive language, so it felt like I was practically living the experience with him. I think this really inspired me to share my poetry about my hometown, as well as just write more descriptively.  

Susie’s post about her childhood dog was very vulnerable and almost made me tear up reading it. The way it was written with such nostalgia and a storyteller’s feel to it, made it that much more real. I really think she did a great job and made me think about how I could incorporate some of those elements into my future pieces. 

Another piece that stuck out to me was Lucas’s post about being in the moment. It was very relatable and I think he did a fantastic job at creating a sense of place. Similar to Josh’s post, he does a great job at describing what he is feeling and what he is experiencing. I also think it’s very relatable and have definitely felt the same before, even when I have been running myself.

Those are just some that come to mind, but all of my classmates wrote some great pieces. Reading their posts helped me see how many ways there are to tell a story or respond to an assignment. I found myself noticing techniques they used, like starting with a personal anecdote or asking rhetorical questions, and sometimes experimented with those strategies in my own writing.

Challenges

The biggest challenge for me this semester was trying to find the time to write. I am busy, like just about all college students, but finding the time to sit down and write was sometimes hard for me. And not just to write, but to write well and fully develop my ideas like I wanted to. I felt like some weeks my writing was not my best, but I am still proud of myself for what I accomplished. 

I think another challenge for me was deciding on what to write. I felt like maybe sometimes I was writing about similar things each week. I tried switching it up some of the time, but honestly, I realized it was easier to write about things that I know and I actually care about.

My Favorite Pieces

My favorite pieces I wrote this semester were actually two very different posts: my reason for running and the poem about my hometown. The running post meant a lot to me because it helped me put into words why I started running to begin with. I obviously needed something that made me feel in control during a time when life felt overwhelming, so being able to put that into words was beneficial for me. The poem, on the other hand, tapped into something softer and more emotional. It let me write from the heart about the place that shaped me. Both pieces are proof that my strongest writing definitely comes from experiences and connections that truly matter to me.

I also really enjoyed the Humans of Kearney assignments. I’m pretty shy and quiet, so starting conversations with strangers is not something I’d say I’m great at. I do enjoy getting to know people and their stories though, so these assignments were fun and also helped me step out of my comfort zone. I think my favorite person that I interviewed was Ruth Rangel. She was very personable and just had a very interesting story to tell.

Conclusion

Overall, I have learned a lot about not only my writing abilities, but myself as well. I think one of the biggest things that I’ve discovered is that I really do enjoy writing and sharing bits and pieces of my life with others.

I also learned that I write best when I care about the subject. When something matters to me, I write more clearly and with more confidence.

Lastly, I learned that I’m capable of writing in different styles and that my voice is stronger than I realized. I think I’m leaving this semester not only prepared for future writing, but also more aware of who I am as a communicator.

The Reporters Who Refused to Stay Silent

Over the past couple of weeks in class, we’ve been watching two journalism films: “All the President’s Men (1976)” and “Spotlight (2015).” Even though they were made nearly forty years apart and cover completely different scandals, the parallels between them are very noticeable. Both movies show what journalism looks like when it’s done at its best.

The Truth

Something that I really appreciate about journalism is that reporters are always in pursuit of the truth. In both of these films, it shows that truth isn’t uncovered in a single interview or a dramatic breakthrough. Instead, it’s almost always the result of tedious, repetitive work. 

In “All the President’s Men,” Woodward and Bernstein knock on countless doors, chase leads that go nowhere, and piece together a puzzle they don’t fully understand yet. There is definitely no sugarcoating how hard they worked to uncover the truth about what was really going on.

Similarly, “Spotlight” showed the Boston Globe’s investigative team sorting through boxes of yearbooks, tracking down former victims, combing through legal documents, and verifying every detail. What stands out is their patience and discipline. They refuse to rush the story, even when there is so much pressure on them.

Also what I appreciated about Spotlight was that they took responsibility when they were wrong. Five years prior to this investigation, the Boston Globe had received a list of names that included as many as 20 victims, and for some reason it was ignored. When they realized this happened, they didn’t get defensive. Instead they took responsibility and admitted they were in the wrong. They acknowledged their oversight, took responsibility, and used it as motivation to push the investigation forward with even more urgency and care.

Watching both of these films, I noticed that journalism is not about being first: it’s about being right. Anyone can rush to publish, but the true responsibility of a journalist is to make sure the information is accurate and verified. Being right is far more crucial, because the consequences of getting it wrong can affect real people, public trust, and the credibility of the entire profession.

Challenge

The scandals at the center of these movies are very different. One involves political corruption within the Nixon administration, while the other exposes systemic abuse within the Catholic Church. Although different, both demonstrate how difficult it is to uncover wrongdoing when the people in power work to keep the truth hidden.

In “All the President’s Men,” the reporters are up against the entire political machinery of Washington, D.C. Every source they speak to is terrified. Every official is ignoring them. The message is pretty clear that the government is not used to being questioned.

In “Spotlight,” the challenge is even more emotional. The journalists have to face an institution that is deeply rooted in Boston’s identity. They risk backlash from their own community, family, and even fellow reporters. Confronting a system that people trust, and depend on, takes a different kind of courage.

Both films show that investigative journalism is often uncomfortable. Yes, reporters are gathering information, but at the same time they’re also confronting power.

Ethics and Responsibility

One of the most interesting themes in both films is how heavily the reporters feel the weight of their responsibility.

Woodward and Bernstein wrestle with the possibility of bringing down a presidency. The Spotlight reporters fear retraumatizing victims or making mistakes in a story that affects thousands of people.

What both teams show us is the importance of accuracy, accountability, and empathy. The goal isn’t to create and publish a story for drama or sensationalize it, but it’s to serve the public by revealing the truth, no matter how complicated or painful that truth is.

Why These Films Still Matter Today

Even though the events in these movies are decades old, the themes feel very relevant. Both movies show the importance of a free press in a democracy, especially in an age when misinformation spreads quickly and trust in institutions can feel shaky. They both reminded me that journalism, real journalism, requires time, resources, and courage.

Not only was I learning about history, but I was also understanding the role that reporters play in holding power accountable, protecting the vulnerable, and giving people the information they need to understand the world. 

Most of all, both of these movies show that the truth does matter, and that it is something that should always be fought for.

Why I Want to Become an Attorney

I have wanted to become an attorney ever since I could remember. I remember always arguing with my sister or my parents about the tiniest things. Things that didn’t even matter. Why? Because I just liked to argue with people, so from a young age, my parents always said that I would make a great attorney someday.

Then my aunt became an attorney. I have always looked up to her ever since I can remember. To me, she has always been the cool and fun aunt who loved to spend time with me. So her becoming an attorney made me look up to her even more.

I remember visiting her while she was in law school and she and I would “study” together. I was in 5th grade, so what I had to study was me memorizing what I was going to write for my essay for Reading class. My aunt was actually reading the real stuff. 

When I came to college, there was an opening for a “runner” at her law firm. I wanted the job, not only to gain experience working at a law firm, but so I could be closer to my aunt and shadow her. I’ve been able to watch her in court, which has been very inspiring for me.

That’s how I first settled on being an attorney. Throughout my time in college though, my career choice definitely began to waver. The doubts started flooding in, that I’m not smart enough or I’m not motivated enough. Do I really want to go through even more schooling? Do I want to do this for the rest of my life? 

But every time I started to drift away from the idea of law, I found myself always thinking back to my aunt and how she got to where she is now. Her story is very inspiring to me. Her story got me thinking about the real reason I wanted to become an attorney. Besides enjoying arguing with people or having a role model to look up to, I then began to think about some of my life experiences that may have helped put me on this path to becoming an attorney.

All I could think about was my hometown.

I believe growing up in O’Neill shaped the way I see justice, fairness, and what it means for a community to truly support its people. I experienced many things in my small town that most people only read about. 

I was there when ICE raised our community in 2018. Families I knew well were torn apart in a single morning. That feeling of helplessness, of watching people you care about lose everything without warning, has never left me. 

And it wasn’t just immigration. Someone I knew that was close with me at the time went through a long, painful custody battle, and their family had to hire an attorney who lived three hours away because there simply is a shortage of lawyers in our area. They didn’t have anyone local to turn to. Seeing that struggle up close made me realize just how much rural communities like mine rely on people who are willing to step up and fill those gaps. 

I have also seen many of my high school classmates get into trouble with the law. Attorney’s in O’Neill or nearby towns who will take a criminal case are slim to none. That leaves them only three options: the public defender who is nearing retirement age and who already has too much on his plate, hiring outside counsel that lives 3+ hours away which gets expensive, or trying to represent themselves which is difficult to do when you don’t know anything about the legal system and how it works.

I think it’s crucial to stand up for what is right and I enjoy helping people. My future clients will be going through arguably one of the most difficult times in their lives, and I don’t take that responsibility lightly. Whether someone is facing the possibility of losing their family, their freedom, or their sense of stability, they deserve someone who will show up for them. I want to be that person.

I know I won’t be able to fix every problem or undo every injustice, but I can make sure the people who come to me never feel alone in the process. I can be the person who explains what’s happening when everything feels confusing, who brings stability when their world feels like it’s collapsing, and who advocates for them when they feel voiceless. That is the kind of attorney I hope to become. An attorney who leads with empathy, stands firm in difficult moments, and uses the law to make people’s lives even a little bit better.

A Timely Look at Identity, Immigration, and Humanity

I’m subscribed to the New York Times and get multiple emails a day about new stories that have been released. Usually I’ll take a quick look and then just delete the email from my inbox. Today was different though. 

When I was scrolling through my inbox this morning, I came across this story that made me stop and read the entire thing. I find stories like these so interesting. Whether it’s because I want to become an attorney someday or it’s because I come from O’Neill, a community with many immigrants, I’m not sure. In my hometown, I have experienced a lot with immigration and have seen firsthand how hard it is for people to come here legally and how ICE has destroyed families.

I have my own opinions, just like everyone else, but the purpose of me writing this is not to argue about politics. This is a story about two humans whose lives have been turned upside down. So, what I will talk about is how I think this story does a phenomenal job of telling both sides of the story.

This article follows the life of Dan Kluver, an ordinary guy with an ordinary job and a pretty normal life. But suddenly, pieces of that life stop belonging to him. Tax records he doesn’t recognize. Wages being garnished for reasons that aren’t his. A legal mess he didn’t cause. As it turns out, an undocumented worker had been using his name and Social Security number for years.

When I first read this article, I didn’t expect it to sit with me the way it did. I think what struck me most about this story was how human it is on both sides. Dan’s confusion and frustration were easy to understand, but so was the desperation of the man who used his SSN just to work, and provide for his family. It made me think about how much pressure and fear undocumented workers live with every day, and how broken the system really is. But at the same time, it reminded me that someone like Dan ends up carrying the weight of that brokenness too.

Reading this made me feel for both sides and feel very conflicted. I felt sad for Romeo, frustrated for Dan, all while criticizing the system that failed them both. What I like most about the article is that it didn’t try to convince me of anything political. It just showed two intertwined lives, both affected in completely different ways by a problem much bigger than them..

That’s what makes this article stick with me. It’s not just about immigration or fraud or paperwork. It’s about how vulnerable people are within systems that are supposed to protect them. It’s about how two strangers can become tangled together without ever meeting. It’s about how much gets overlooked because the system isn’t built to handle the real lives behind the numbers.

Everyone should read this story because it shows what these issues actually look like in real life. In our society today, where everyone seems to be shouting their opinions, this article is worth reading because it asks readers to pause and actually understand. It reminds us that empathy matters, even when issues feel complicated or uncomfortable. This story does great at giving a face to both sides of the conversation.

Grateful for Everything in Between

“Be grateful for small things, big things, and everything in between.”

I saw this quote on a church sign I drive by almost every day while running errands for work, and for some reason, it stuck with me this week. As it gets closer to Thanksgiving, those words feel even more meaningful.

They remind me of how much I enjoy this time of year. I love fall and all of the leaves changing and the coolness in the air. This time of year also makes me feel like it’s okay to slow down, and really appreciate what I have and the great life I live.

I feel like I often overlook the pieces of my life that mean so much to me: the people who show up for me, the small routines that bring comfort, and just all of the opportunities that have shaped me into who I am. 

Thanksgiving has always been a quieter holiday for my family, and that’s something I’ve grown to really appreciate. Most years, it’s simply my grandma that joins me, my sister, and my parents, and then sometimes my aunt and uncle will also join us.

I love spending Thanksgiving with my grandma. Our little gathering gives us the space to truly catch up, laugh, and be present with one another without the distraction of a big crowd or a packed schedule.

Even though it’s simple, I think there is something special about it. The familiar conversations, the food that never disappoints, and just being all back together. Honestly, I would say it is always my favorite meal of the year and not just because of the food, but I get to share it with the people who mean so much to me. 

Since I have been in college, I feel like the Thanksgiving holiday is a time for me to catch up on projects and homework or for me to work a few shifts at my family’s clothing boutique. 

This year, instead of stressing about all of those things, I am making an effort to be fully present. I don’t want to be stressed about deadlines, distractions, and the pressure to be productive. I want to slow down and fully enjoy every moment and let myself simply BE with the people who feel like home. 

Part of that slowing down also means giving myself time to bake again. Something about making treats brings me so much joy, and I rarely get the chance during my time at school. So this Thanksgiving, I’m hoping to spend a little extra time in the kitchen creating some of my favorite treats.

I think another reason I want to be fully present is because I actually haven’t been home at all this semester unfortunately. I have been beyond busy, and every weekend has been filled with something that has kept me from making the trip back. Since I live 2.5 hours away, going home during the week isn’t an option either, so the time I do get with my family feels even more precious. 

Also, next semester, I will be participating in the National Student Exchange Program and moving out to Montana and attending the University of Montana. That means I’ll be even further from my family, and so I really would like to make the most of the time I have with them while I am still in the same state.  

After reflecting on all of this and realizing how precious this time is, especially with so much change ahead, has made me want to hold onto these moments more tightly. And I hope others will too.

This Thanksgiving, I encourage everyone to slow down, be present, and truly appreciate the life that has been given to them. Thanksgiving isn’t just about great food, but it’s about the people you share it with and the intention to be thankful beyond the table. It’s a reminder to choose thankfulness not just for one day, but for all the days of the year.

Humans of Kearney

“Hi my name is Addie Chapman and I went on vacation two summers ago to Myrtle beach, South Carolina for a week. I went with my mom, my dad, my two sisters, and then my dad’s cousin and his wife. We actually drove there, so it took three days to get there since the drive is 26 hours. Where we were staying was actually really close to Pinehurst where they were hosting the U.S. Open for golf that year, so we took a trip down to Pinehurst for the day and we got to watch the Monday practice round and I got to see some of my favorite golfers which was my favorite part of the trip. The whole trip just made me really happy and it was nice to get away with my family. I would definitely go back again.”

The Year of Invitation

The past two summers, I have interned back in my hometown through the Nebraska Community Foundation. These past two summers have been great and I love sharing my experience with others. 

On Thursday, I was able to share it people within the Nebraska Community Foundation

In La Vista, NCF hosted their Annual Celebration and Training Conference, with this year’s theme being, “The Year of Invitation”

Me and my fellow interns speaking on the panel about our internships with our host, Mike Peterson

At the conference, I led a session along with two other of my fellow interns about the meaning of invitation and how that was prevalent in each of our own internship experiences. We all did a panel to start off the session and got to explain to attendees what our internship was like and how we experienced belonging. 

I felt honored to be able to talk about my hometown and the people who have made me feel so welcome. Sitting right beside me in the picture above was actually my supervisor from my first summer as an intern. He now works for NCF, and it’s always so fun to see him at these events. Fun fact—he was also my digital media teacher in high school. When I applied for the internship for the first time in 2024, he was so excited that I wanted to be part of the program, and I couldn’t wait to work with him again.

I had really enjoyed his class, so getting the chance to learn from him in a new environment felt familiar yet exciting. He invited me into the experience with so much encouragement and support, and he guided me through that first summer in a way that helped me grow both personally and professionally. I carried everything he taught me into the next summer, and it made the experience even more meaningful.

Then for the rest of the session, we did activities with attendees on how to facilitate invitation within their own communities and just give them the chance to share what invitation means to them. It was inspiring to hear everyone’s ideas and see how something as simple as an invitation can spark real connection and belonging.

One of the activities we had them do was write on a postcard an invitation to someone in their community or outside of their community. It could be as simple as inviting someone to go out for lunch or to invite them to an affiliated fund meeting. After they wrote their initiation, they could place it in the mailbox at the back of the room and NCF would mail them out.

Later that evening, I attended the banquet to conclude the conference. It was such a fun experience to network with other people within NCF. I met so many people and also was able to catch up with some familiar faces that I had met during my internship. 

During the banquet, I kept hearing the quote, “We are the people we have been waiting for.” That really stuck with me because, through my internship, I’ve realized how true it is. Community change doesn’t come from somewhere else or from someone “more qualified”. It comes from people who care enough to show up, invite others in, and take small steps that eventually build something bigger.

My internship showed me that I am capable of being one of those people. It gave me the confidence to speak up, lead, and contribute to the place that raised me. Hearing that quote throughout the evening felt like a reminder that young people like me have an important role to play, and that the work we do really does matter.

This opportunity has helped me grow as a communicator and leader and has also deepened my appreciation for community work. I’m so thankful for this experience and the doors it has opened for me, and I’ll continue to tell anyone and everyone about my amazing internship journey with NCF.

I was able to see my mom at the session and banquet!

The Tower That Built a Friendship

When junior Dylan Pfeifer joined the Kearney Health Opportunities Program, he expected to prepare for a future in healthcare. What he didn’t expect was to find a friendship that would shape his college journey.

Pfeifer, a health sciences major and biology minor on the pre-PA track, joined KHOP to get hands-on experience and connections in the health field. KHOP is a learning community designed for students interested in healthcare careers, and it offers a guaranteed pathway to the University of Nebraska Medical Center for those who qualify.

But for Pfeifer, KHOP became more than just an academic program. It became a community.

In 2024, he took on the role of KHOP mentor, helping guide a group of freshmen as they adjusted to college life. He had nine mentees in total, and while he connected with most of them, one stood out and quickly became a close friend.

“At first, it was a little awkward since everyone was still getting to know each other,” Pfeifer said. “But over time, I got really close with one of my mentees, Ben. We started hanging out outside of KHOP events, studying together, and eventually became really good friends.”

The two bonded over being on the same pre-PA track and shared a love for sports.

“We actually found out we played against each other in high school,” Pfeifer said. “Once we realized that, we just clicked.”

Their friendship continued to grow throughout the year. Ben even decided to join Pfeifer’s fraternity, and then later became part of his family line within it.

“It was really cool to see it come full circle,” Pfiefer said. “He went from being a mentee I barely knew to being like a brother to me.”

Pfeifer credits living in Centennial Towers West for giving him the space to form those kinds of relationships.

“If I hadn’t lived in the towers, I probably wouldn’t have met one of my closest friends,” he said. “Living there gave us the chance to really get to know each other beyond class and KHOP, and before we knew it, a mentorship turned into a real friendship.”

Being both a KHOP student and a mentor has shaped Pfeifer’s time at UNK in more ways than one.

“KHOP gave me the academic support I needed, but it also gave me people,” Pfeifer said. “It taught me that college isn’t just about classes or grades—it’s about the relationships you build along the way.”

Ben and Dylan after a fraternity event last semester.

A Slice of Childhood

Growing up, weekends at my grandparents’ house were something my sister and I always looked forward to. Every so often, my parents would pack our bags, load us into the car, and make the drive out to the farm. It felt like a tradition. 

The moment we turned onto the gravel lane and the little, white farmhouse came into view, I could feel excitement bubbling up inside me. Those weekends were simple, but they were the kind of simple that felt special. 

One weekend in particular, we arrived on a sunny Friday morning. The sun was shining bright and I could feel the warmth through the car window as we turned down the familiar gravel lane. Dust rose behind us and the white farmhouse came into view just beyond the trees,

As soon as my dad put the vehicle into park, my sister and I ran straight into the house eager to greet Grandma and Grandpa and turn every second into an adventure.

That day was spent outside, picking up sticks so Grandpa could mow, jumping on hay bales, and exploring every inch of the farm. Exploring the big, old barn that somehow was still standing was our favorite thing to do. We would try to hunt down the barn cats in hopes to make them our new pets, and we would hide in the old stalls and run around trying to scare each other. We used our imaginations and turned the old barn into our playhouse. 

Later, I went with Grandpa to check the cows. He let me drive the 4-wheeler, and my heart pounded as I gripped the handles tightly, concentrating on keeping it steady across the uneven ground. The wind on my face, the hum of the engine, and the thrill of being trusted with something so big made me feel proud and fearless. 

Whenever we went out to the pasture, I would always point out the calves and start naming them. Sometimes the names stuck and sometimes they didn’t, but regardless, that was my favorite game to play with Grandpa. 

Afterwards, we went inside, where the kitchen smelled warm and comforting. The kitchen table was dusted with flour, cookie dough ready to be rolled, and chocolate chips scattered across the surface. 

We spent that time with Grandma carefully shaping the dough, and sneaking extra chocolate chips whenever we could. If we were lucky, we’d even get a bite of the dough. When the cookies came out of the oven, golden and fragrant, I savored each warm bite, feeling content and happy.

That evening, my sister and I sprawled across the living room floor, crayons scattered around us as we colored and made up stories. The buttery smell of popcorn drifted from the kitchen where Grandma worked, and Grandpa’s old westerns crackled softly on the TV. When the sky turned dark, we’d press our faces to the window, watching the tiny “city lights” flicker on in town.

Eventually, Grandma would tell us it was time for bed. I always claimed the couch, and my sister unrolled her blanket on the floor — an unspoken rule we never questioned. By then, our eyes were heavy from the day’s excitement, and it didn’t matter where we slept. 

At night, the house settled into a deep quiet. The only sound that could be heard was the steady ticking of the clock in the living room. Our heads would sink into our pillows, and before long, we’d drift off, dreaming of Grandma’s pancakes sizzling on the griddle the next morning and all the adventures the next day would bring.

That weekend at my grandparents’ house is still one of my favorite childhood memories. 

Even now, thinking about that weekend fills me with nostalgia. I miss the freedom of running through the fields, the thrill of the 4-wheeler, and the warmth of baking cookies.

At that moment, I was just being a kid. But looking back, I’m reminded to find joy in simple things, to cherish the people who make life better, and to hold tight to memories that remind me of home and love.

My grandpa has since passed, and now that I’m in college three hours away, it’s hard to see my grandma as often as I’d like. 

The old barn was renovated into a larger, more industrial looking shop. My uncle now uses it to store equipment and for his cattle operation. And sometimes if I’m lucky, I get to go back and help him work cattle – and even drive the 4-wheeler.  

Whenever I am able to make that drive back to the little, white farmhouse on the outskirts of Spencer, Nebraska, it feels like I’m stepping into a memory. 

The house still smells faintly of cookies, the gravel still crunches the same under my shoes, and for a moment, it’s as if nothing has changed. All the laughter, the adventures, and the love that filled those weekends still live there in the walls, in the fields, and in me.

You Are Who You Surround Yourself With

I’ve always heard the saying “you are who you surround yourself with,” but it didn’t really hit me until I looked at the people in my life and realized just how true it is.

The people around us shape who we are. The way we think, the way we handle challenges, and even the way we see ourselves. 

I’ve been incredibly lucky to be surrounded by some of the most genuine, supportive, and inspiring friends. Each of them has impacted me in ways that go far beyond what they probably realize.

Kylie and I at our favorite place – a concert!

Kylie has this quiet strength that keeps me grounded. She reminds me that it’s okay to slow down, take a deep breath, and just be present. She was one of the first people I met when I moved into college freshman year, and from the start, she’s been the definition of a great friend. We are truly inseparable and do everything together. She’s always there to listen, to pick me up when I fall, and to encourage me when I think I can’t go any further. We always find a way to have fun in any situation, and she truly understands me on every level. Her kindness shines through in everything she does, especially in the way she treats people around her, and is just a light in every room she walks into. I’m so grateful to have her in my life.

Jesse and I dressed up as princesses for a half marathon because why not?

Jesse is the kind of friend who can find joy in absolutely anything. She’s always laughing, always bringing light into the room, and always reminding me that life doesn’t have to be so serious all the time. Around her, I remember how important it is to find fun in the little things. Being around her reminds me to appreciate the present instead of worrying so much about the future. She’s also the best running buddy, and I’ll never forget when she ran 14 miles with me out of the blue, while I was training for my marathon. She’s always pushing me to do my best and making every run go by faster with her funny stories. I’m so grateful for her energy in my life.

My mini me!

Carly is basically my mini me. We relate on so many things from our goals for the future, what we want (or maybe don’t quite know yet…) for our careers, to our tendency to want everything to be just right. We both put a lot of pressure on ourselves sometimes, but it’s comforting to have someone who truly understands that side of me. She gets it without me having to explain it. At the same time, Carly encourages me to step outside my comfort zone and just go for it. And I like to think I do the same for her. Having her in my life reminds me that I’m not alone in the way I think or feel, and I’m so thankful for that kind of understanding and balance.

Macie and I all dressed up!

Macie is full of drive. She knows what she wants and goes after it fearlessly. She’s a phenomenal leader and someone I truly look up to. The way she carries herself and leads others with confidence is something I admire so much. She always has great ideas and is incredibly smart, which makes being around her inspiring. What I love most is that Macie’s ambition doesn’t overshadow her kindness. She uplifts the people around her, encourages them to reach higher, and celebrates their successes as much as her own. I think this is a hard balance for people sometimes, but Macie does it effortlessly. Being with her pushes me to set to set high goals and work hard.

Anna and I at one of our favorite places – Well Weathered!

Anna is loyalty in its purest form. She’s the steady friend who’s always there. She’s the one who listens without judgment and shows up constantly. She celebrates the good moments with genuine excitement and offers comfort during the hard ones without hesitation. Her presence feels like a safe space because around her, I feel like I can be my truest self without fear of criticism. She’s taught me what true friendship looks like, the kind that lasts through every season of life. She truly has the kindest heart and so much love for her friends and family. Also a fun fact about Anna and and I: We were randomly paired as roommates in the Alpha Phi house our sophomore year, and we were both SO nervous at first. Turns out, it was one of the best things that could have happened, because now we’re such great friends.

Carley and I on our kayaking adventure this summer!

Carley is the definition of a free spirit. She lives life on her own terms and doesn’t let the opinions of others hold her back. Her energy is contagious, and being around her makes you feel like taking more risks. She has a deep love for traveling and seeing the world, and her stories and experiences inspire everyone around her to explore more and embrace the unknown. Outgoing and adventurous, Carley has taught me the importance of following my own path, embracing new experiences, and not being afraid to be myself. 

Kelsey and Kylee have been in my life for as long as I can remember — since kindergarten. They’ve seen every version of me through the years, and I’m so grateful that they’ve always stayed by my side. What I love most about them is their honesty. They’ll tell me how it truly is, even when it’s not what I want to hear, and I’ve learned to value that more than anything. They are also two of the most hardworking and driven people I know, but at the same time, they’re so down to earth. Whether it’s school, work, or life in general, they put in the effort and stay true to who they are. Being around them reminds me to stay grounded, to work hard, and to be real with myself and others.

My sister and I in Deadwood, SD after she performed at a Songwriters Festival!

And then there’s Emma, my sister. Even though I didn’t get to choose to have her in my life, I wouldn’t want it any other way. Sisters have a way of knowing you better than anyone else, sometimes even when you wish they didn’t. Emma constantly inspires me with her creativity, her drive, and her ability to be unapologetically herself. She keeps me humble, makes me laugh, and reminds me what unconditional love looks like.

There are plenty of people in my life who have shaped me, but these ones have had such a huge impact on my life. When I think about them, I realize that surrounding yourself with good people isn’t just about having fun or sharing experiences. It’s about becoming a better version of yourself because of the people who challenge you, support you, and love you exactly as you are.