Biography

Being born in a small town in Kansas, I was used to knowing everyone at school and in the neighborhood. But during my elementary years I moved to Albuquerque, didn't know anyone, and was often teased. Yet I joined a group of other children to be trained as a mediator during recess. Ultimately, the act of settling disputes between my peers led me to discover other ways of assisting people in need. In high school I began to mentor and during my sophomore year I realized could change minds and even lives by volunteering. Volunteering at Casa Esperanza, which shelters families going through crisis of cancer from all over New Mexico, and Planned Parenthood, which provides health services to families across New Mexico, crossed the subject of politics and for the second year in a row I have lobbied for laws that would benefit my community. Presently being senior and peer health educator at South Valley Academy. I work with the South Valley Women in Action group to spread awareness about comprehensive sex education at health fairs, parades, and other community events. Our goal is not only to reduce teen pregnancy and STD rates, but also to show a positive example towards sexual health and encourage youth to know instead of find out.