1)   What have you learned about yourself since the COVID-19 closures?

Since the start of quarantine I have learned that I am a pretty good distance runner. Normally I am used to running around a soccer field however since all fields are closed I have taken it upon myself to stay active and fit during this time of social isolation. Last week I ran 11 miles and next week I plan on running my first half marathon. This has quickly become my outlet for staying mentally and physically healthy. 

2)   What has been your biggest disappointment/hardship since schools have been closed for the remainder of the academic year?

My biggest disappointment since the lockdown is not being able to play my final soccer season for the school. As a high school athlete you always dream of your senior night and the crowd cheering behind you and unfortunately that was cut short. We had a very young and exciting team this year and I saw a lot of potential with the group. 

3)   What are your plans for the fall?

I will be attending George Mason University in the fall and I plan on studying marketing and or business management. Being close to home will allow me to continue growing my pet care business, We Care Pet Care LLC, and I hope to meet new and like minded individuals at George Mason.

4)   How have your plans changed, if at all?

Recently orientation was moved online so that may be a foreshadowing of classes also being online during the fall however nothing is official yet. As of right now it's a waiting game and the university hasn't announced any changes for the fall. 

5)   What is your passion?

My passions are soccer and business. I have played soccer for over 10 years at a very competitive level and I had several scholarship offers to play at smaller Division 3 schools. A lot of life lessons and personal areas of growth have come from the leadership roles I have held on teams and experiences on the field. 

From an early age I was mowing lawns, shoveling snow, and selling snacks and these activities cultivated the entrepreneurial itch that I would turn into a business a few years later. In seventh grade I turned my passion for pets into a side hustle, then a full on business. I currently service over 60 families and individuals in the surrounding area and I have a team of five contract employees who work on a weekly basis for me. The pandemic has hit my business extremely hard, but I am optimistic that we will bounce back when things get better. 

6)   Have you discovered a new passion in light of social distancing?

As discussed above one of my newest hobbies is long distance running. I usually run on trails or in the woods as I find it to be much more scenic and adventurous. I also try to run at times when less people will be outside in order to comply with the CDC's recommendations.

7)   What are your hopes for the future?

A return to normalcy would be amazing. This is a great wake up call and I believe it has given everyone a fresh perspective on how lucky we are and how much work we need to do as a society. We take for granted all the privileges we have whether it's being financially stable or the ability to go to work everyday without having to worry about your next meal. These are all important things we need to be grateful for. 

8)   Is there anything else you’d like us to know about you?

Other than I play soccer and own a business that's pretty much it. 

9) What are you most proud of about your school experience/best memory?

I am the most proud of the example I set on and off the field to many of my fellow classmates and teammates. As an upperclassman and captain of the team a lot of the younger players look up to you and your attitude and I am proud that I have set a good example for the rest to follow. I see many of my habits growing in the younger players and it's an indicator that I did my job correctly.