Originally from Dubuque, Iowa, I graduated from Simpson College with a BA in Rhetoric & Speech. I originally planning to be an analyst with the CIA, but, during my senior year in college, I had a life changing moment. My roommate had a grand mal seizure one day in front of me, and I had to do some quick thinking to help her. The feeling was so intense I knew I needed to completely change my path and go into nursing, so I did. I never looked back, and I have no regrets.

I grew up in a country where resources were limited. I had the privilege of attending an institution that draws inspiration from the teachings of St. Ignatius, promoting the member to strive for excellence in every aspect of life; to be there for others. While completing my undergraduate degree, I participated in multiple outreach programs in the underprivileged portion of the Philippine community, allowing me to experience life in another's shoes, a life where the smallest resources were scarce.