SOFTBALL!!! I have played softball almost my entire life. Growing up with two brothers and so many boy cousins I learned quickly that playing sports with them meant I got to hang out and not be bored. From this just simple playing around in the back yard I found that I love being active and playing just about any sports. In grade school I played softball for 6 years on the schools team. I played catcher for a few years then third base for 2 years and also first base for 2 years. Playing in the infield so much I quickly found out that quick accurate decisions are super important both on the field and off. The last 2 years I played in high school I was captain. The leadership role is something that I loved and took very seriously. Being the one that everyone looks to for answers and help is what I loved. This applies to the OT field as well. Being able to help individuals make the best choices and giving them the encouragement they need to do it for themselves is very important to me.
HOCKEY!!!! Hockey is another sport that from a young age I fell in love with. I loved the fast pace play and the skill that it took. I have played in many leagues around Western New York. There is just something that comes over me when I am playing. It’s like there is no other worry in the world except that game. I find it to be the best stress reliever I have ever had in my life. From hockey I have learned the focus and determination I use on the ice can easily be brought over to the OT field and be used to help others find their focus and reasons to have drive and motivation.
Photography is a budding interest of mine. My mom has been a photographer her entire life and I think I got the interest from her. She does pictures for weddings and families. I am more interested in nature and situational photography. The first photo contest I entered I won! Haha it was a picture of my younger cousin holding one of his favorite toy guns. I focused in on the end of the gun and told him to act like he was focusing. The picture turned out great! It is something new that I am starting to find my way around. I love looking at everyday things and being able to see them in 100 different ways.
MAX!! My yellow lab named max is one of my best friends. Max and I are inseparable. Every room I am in Max goes. We even sleep together. Max is 2 and half years old and from day one has been at my side. I feel as if we both know what the other is thinking just by looking at each other. Every day when I get home whether I am stressed or excited he is ready to greet me and put a smile on my face. One of our favorite things to do is go for long walks in the woods. When were alone deep in the woods I feel like there are no other worries in the world. Just the beauty and smells of the outdoors is enough to changed my mood into relaxation.
