Making those projects introduced me to so many incredible people and helped me learn so much more about our community - and in turn, inspired me to get involved and start giving back to this place that I love so much. I served as Student Body President at both Philomath Middle School and Philomath High School, working to make our schools more welcoming and supportive places for every student who attends.

After graduating from PHS in 2017, my passion for filmmaking propelled me south to Los Angeles where I attended the University of Southern California (USC). However, my experiences in high school stayed with me, and it became increasingly clear to me that filmmaking alone wasn't going to cut it for me anymore. I wanted to continue to make a positive impact in my community. During my time at USC, in addition to making films and writing papers, I served as an Undergraduate Student Government Senator and chaired the Norman Topping Student Aid Fund (NTSAF) - the nation's first (and only) student-initiated, student-funded, and student-governed student aid fund, serving primarily first-gen, low-income students from underrepresented backgrounds with demonstrated histories of community service.

In addition to a growing distaste for the entertainment industry and a growing interest in public service, I also found myself yearning for the green trees, rugged terrain, natural beauty, and community spirit back in Oregon.

I ended up graduating from USC in 2021 with a BA in Political Science and a BFA in Film & Television Production, and promptly headed back to Philomath, not knowing exactly what my future would hold - but knowing that I was headed back home.

I now work as a Legislative Staffer in the Oregon House of Representatives, while still producing film & multimedia content on the side. But, perhaps even more importantly, I've found myself thriving on the opportunities for community involvement back here in Philomath (see below for a comprehensive list). It's been an absolute pleasure to dive back in to our incredible little town, and I can't wait to continue doing so in the future.