2016 in Review

I have told multiple people...I don't want to say it premature. But, 2016 has been by far the best year of my life! I traveled to 13 different states, and been to 3 new countries this year. I learned about myself--and how I love to serve with people and empower people! I 

Started the year right, dancing it in followed by snowboarding!

It has been the year of many travels.

I have made some meaningful friendships, along with maintaining the golden ones.

Hung out with some cool canines throughout the year: Maverick, Chucky, Lillee, Arya, Brinley, and Copper. 

Participated in a rally that turned into a protest! 

Organized a trip to Greece to assist refugees

Competed in a national compounding competition

Went on a cruise!

Hiked n Biked a lot. 

Visited Washington D.C. and lobbied Congressmen!

Went to 3 of my dear friend's weddings! 

Rode a train

Worked up in Glenwood Springs at the hospital

Camped

Went thru caves! 

On TV for a Rockies game!

Fell in love! 

Went up to Keystone for the Colorado Health Symposium!

Went to a Colorado state fair

Saw Brandi Carlile in concert at Red Rocks!

Dyed my hair blonde!

Learned what the journey of falling out of love is like.

Went on two BIG road trips: one with each sister!

Sold my car!!

Attended National AAPS Conference!

Rode the bull!

Performed dancing on stage!

Bought a new car! 

Bicycle

Today, I bought a bike.

I needed a bike to get me to and from places here in Ohio. Most the stuff I need to get to is within biking distance.

It's a 26" turquoise and pink Huffy bike. As I rode it to my class today, it was reminiscent.

The air was thick with moisture and oxygen. And flowers. The faintest smell of flowers.

Get Her to the Greeks

K, so I've been working on this project hardcore for a while now. I can't believe it's all coming together. I keep telling people that it's been like a puzzle. I've been given all these amazing pieces and I just have to figure out how to put them together!

I don't know if you've been paying attention to the massive refugee crisis that the world is facing. I'm sure you've seen on Facebook the backlash that Presidential candidate Donald Trump is facing with his offensive comments about Muslims and refugees coming to the United States. I bet if your Mormon, you've heard about the church's stance on assisting refugees.

Well, this is my stance! Look, I know that there's a lot to be figured out with refugees coming to the United States. But I believe that we can at least help the refugees with where they're at right now. Thousands of refugees are flooding into Europe. The staff assisting these refugees are overwhelmed with the influx of people. My friend Adam Steed is a coordinator for Mercy Worldwide and he's been volunteering on Lesvos Island in Greece to aid the thousands of refugees coming in through the coast. He says that they could use our help there. 

I'm working with Regis University to get a group of healthcare students to go to the island and help with emergency medical relief. And just so you know, we're getting traction. \

I know that we can't save all the refugees, and I know that I personally can't convince Congress to accept refugees in this country. But I know that we can help these refugees in one aspect of their lives. We might not be able to fix their homelessness, or their security, or their financial needs, but I can help them with their medical needs. I believe in cura personalis, a Jesuit value in Latin which translated means "care of the entire person." I believe that cura personalis can start with guaranteeing these refugees care for their health.