Since I was a junior in high school, my professional goal was to become a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA). I have been consistently motivated to achieve this goal by organizing my educational and professional experiences toward this outcome. I graduated from the Associate Degree in Nursing program at Lincoln Land Community College and received an award for outstanding nursing student in that program. I graduated magna cum laude with my BSN from St. Louis University. This opportunity was particularly attractive to me since I was able to experience campus life and the college experience away from home for the first time. After spending a semester shadowing a CRNA during clinical at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, (Magnet and Level I Trauma Hospital) in St. Louis, I was certain that I wanted to pursue my master's degree in anesthesia. I worked at St. Louis University Coronary Care Unit until I was accepted into the CRNA program at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. I was presently completing my first year of the CRNA program.

During my college years, I was active in extracurricular activities. I was a student government representative in my ADN program and presently serve as student representative for my CRNA program. I have helped coach baseball for disadvantaged children through Cardinal Care which is sponsored by the St. Louis Cardinals. I have also volunteered with blood drives and the Big Brother/Big Sister Program.

I am not only committed to the field of nurse anesthesia but I am committed to serving the people of central Illinois. Nationally, there is an acute shortage of male nurses, CRNAs, and male leaders in the nursing profession, and I look forward to facing that challenge by continuing to make meaningful contributions to the profession of nursing.