I’m blunt and to the point. With that said, I want to get the particulars out of the way so that you can read something interesting about me and it make sense. I was born in North Carolina and moved to Palatka, Florida when I was three years old. I loved Florida. When I was almost thirteen, my parents decided it was time to move back to where they grew up and graduated, Southwest Louisiana. Currently, I’m still in Southwest LA (until I leave to go on gapyear next year) and it has proved to be one of the best things to ever happen to me. Now, to something interesting:
I like to watch the birds floating in the sky, feel the soft, itchy grass between my toes, and gaze at the beautiful sunset with its pink and orange colors drifting into the night. There is just something about peace and quiet that is unlike anything else in the world. I’m just kidding. A loud Saturday night in a college football stadium is the place for me. The roar of the crowd and the adrenaline pumping after a huge play is exactly the peace and quiet I need. Growing up in Florida, being an LSU tiger fan in the heart of gator country was difficult. But the good college football morals my dad instilled in me allowed me to persevere and root for my tigers in spite of the jokes from my friends.
Sports have been an avid part of my life since I was born. I’ve played organized soccer, baseball, football, basketball, and wrestling, while dabbling in volleyball, spikeball, and ultimate frisbee recreationally. I could not imagine growing up without being at the ballpark. The friendships I’ve made and lessons I’ve learned while playing sports will last me a lifetime. I still text my best friend from Florida (Matt) on a weekly, if not daily, basis. The most important thing I learned playing sports was how to lose. I hate losing. When I lost, I didn’t understand how it could still be fun. I was the kid who cried when he struck out or failed to perform to the expectations he set for himself. I got so emotionally invested into sports that they controlled everything about me. But when I learned how to lose, I was able to have fun, and once I began looking for joy, it became an easy way to represent Christ’s example to others.
After my freshman year in high school, I stopped focusing on playing sports and began to shift my time to music. I learned how to play the guitar and got plugged into my church youth band. Playing the guitar has become the best decision I never knew I wanted to make. I never had the urge to become a musician, I just asked my papaw to borrow his guitar one day for the fun of it. But once I got hooked, the fire didn’t leave me. Leading others in worship are some of my favorite parts of the week. I also practiced fingerstyle songs to broaden my musical knowledge. They make playing a challenge and more enjoyable. I do not think I would have as strong of a relationship with God if He did not put the idea in my head to learn to play the guitar. It is just another testimony that God makes our desires become His desires when we pursue Him.
Lastly, the people I trust the most play an important part in my life. I love strengthening friendships with people. My friend group has grown and shifted over the years, but it has been one awesome journey that is ever-changing. The inside jokes I’ve made and the relationships I’ve created in highschool I pray will last a lifetime. But there is not one person in the world I am closer with than my mom. She is the best godly example I could imagine, and dang, I’m lucky to have her. I probably would not have played as many sports, learned the guitar, or had as much fun in my first seventeen years of life if she wasn’t there.
If you have any questions or want to know more of my life story, ask me. I’ve definitely left a lot of life my out in this short summary of my seventeen years, but I am beyond excited for what the next couple of years will bring.
