Extra Curricular Activities
Coaching
I've been passionate about health and fitness for years as I learned as a competitive dancer that I needed to fuel my body well and to condition my body. When I started my first year at SPCC, I decided to pursue fitness coaching which combined my love for fitness with the musical theatre aspect of being "on stage". I am an avid crossfit junkie, but in my conditioning, I found HSM CORE which is a high intensity, low impact, strength based pilates on the Megaformer. I started as a client and then eventually trained, and took on the role of being a part time coach where I taught 7-12, 50 min classes a week to all fitness level types. Through my coaching, I not only worked on new and creative exercises to implement, but I also worked on being knowledgeable on the human body for injuries, and in forming healthy eating habits. I worked to research new data and I also took the step obtain my NASCM personal training certification to ensure that I could speak to all clients on any issues they may have formed or have had. I am avid believer in food = fuel, and am a big proponent of anti-fad diet culture, so I was a guide to many on how to count macros, and what foods were needed to build muscle, trim fat, and/or address anti inflammatory issues. I made it a commitment to treat and prep for each class with time and energy because I knew many people's escape or "me-time" was during this class so I wanted to be their champion and helped them achieve their personal goals.
Volunteering
I've discovered over the past few years that I have a genuine passion to help others, which is why I believe I found a role in Human Resources helping others find new jobs. In my full time job, I get the opportunity to be learn about many organizations and we are encouraged to volunteer. I volunteer to partner with Goodwill and teach resume and interviewing sessions to help adults looking for next steps in their career path. I also take time to mentor our youth in financial services programs for better money habits and teach resume and interviewing skill workshops to high school students and to our veterans. I believe in giving back in any way possible, no matter how big or small. I have a skillset and gift that I try to share whenever I can through volunteering to give back into the community that gives so much to me. In addition to the work I do for career development in the community, I also volunteer for an organization called Safe Harbor that helps men and women in domestic abuse/assault and sexual abuse/assault situations. This includes being the first point contact on the hotline, organizing arrangements for them to stay somewhere else and sometimes also visiting them at the hospital. I've seen the effects of trauma on people, and try to use that knowledge for good by being an advocate for others when they feel like they may have none.
Traveling
It's crazy for me to think back and realize that I had never traveled outside the country before starting SPCC. While yes, this was many years ago in 2017, I've worked hard on incorporating time to explore new places and I try to travel out of the country at least once a year, and if possible have a summer and fall local trip. Since 2017, I have traveled to the Grand Cayman Islands and purposefully booked two different houses during our stay to explore both sides of the island to absorb all the island had to offer. I've been on three trips to Turks and Caicos, where I have had the opportunity to explore the culture and the island and learning about the history of the Islanders of Turks and Caicos. In Nassau Bahamas, I had the opportunity to learn about marine life and had the opportunity to swim with the dolphins. Clearly, I have a passion for traveling to countries in the Caribbean. Domestically, I traveled to San Juan, Puerto Rico where I got to go salsa dancing in the streets as a local and explore Old San Juan and it's rich history.I've visited Asheville where I explored the Biltmore Estate and learned about the background of the Rockefeller's and the capitalist ventures that led them to their fortune. I traveled to Nashville, Tennessee where my heart was filled with all of the music history. I visited the Johnny Cash museum, dedicated to his life, and also the Country Music Hall of Fame. I also had the opportunity to visit Dallas Texas in July 2021 where I had the opportunity to attend a Young Woman's leadership conference. I have many more places on my bucket list to explore so this is just the beginning.