Marathon moment: Finished the Seattle Marathon on Nov. 25, as part of her senior project. It was her first marathon and the longest race she had ever attempted. She walked the course in 7 hours, 47 minutes, 2 seconds.
Raising money: Used the race as a fundraiser for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, a Phoenix-based organization that grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions. Sent letters to friends and handed out ornaments at her church to collect $2,200 for the foundation. Wanted to give the money to an organization that makes people happy.
Painful finish: Between work and school, didn’t have much time to train for the marathon. Walked the course alone and says she wasn’t as prepared as she should have been. Cried the last six miles. Saw her stepmom near the finish line and walked the last bit of the race with her.
On the pain: “My legs were burning and every step was a new challenge. I got so frustrated because I was so close to the finish line, but six miles is still a substantial amount.”
Mind games: Race was a huge challenge and accomplishment for her. “Your body will do what your mind tells it to do, as long as you have faith in yourself.”
College-level classes: Taking “Careers &Education” and “College Writing” courses. Education class involves an internship with a sixth-grade teacher.
Future plans: Wants to attend Western Washington University in Bellingham. Plans to study teaching, counseling or psychology.
For fun: Enjoys horseback riding and yearbook class. Spends a lot of time after school working on yearbook layouts and taking photos at events.
Job: Works as a sales associate at the Tommy Hilfiger outlet at Seattle Premium Outlets in Tulalip. Uses money for gas for her 2004 Kia Sorento.
Favorite book: “Where the Red Fern Grows” by Wilson Rawls. “It was a childhood favorite I read when I was younger. I’ve read it four times. It makes me cry every time at the end.”
Home life: Lives with her stepmom, dad and two older brothers. Has a cat named Moxie and three dogs, Ginger, Jasmine and Scout.
Favorite movie: “A Night at the Roxbury,” based on a popular Saturday Night Live skit. “It’s one of my brothers’ favorite movies. It’d always be on when I was younger. I look up to them and thought it was funny, too. It’s in the family.”
Role model: Admires Heather Baker, who used to work for Youth Dynamics Christian program in Arlington. “We’d go out for coffee. She’s kind of just like a big sister to me. She’d give me a lot of advice. She moved to Mount Vernon, but I still look up to her completely.”
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
