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On Monday, December 5th we celebrated with our graduating Class of Fall 2017 in the Fort Lewis Ballroom. Our senior class size continues to grow with the total number of fall graduates

reaching thirteen. TRIO alumnus Matt Smith, gave an amazing speech about his journey to graduation in 2014. His words were inspirational as he spoke of the pitfalls and hardships he overcame to receive his degree. He wrapped up the story with a successful ending of how he came to work at the Fort Lewis Disability Services Office after graduating. He advised students to take advantage of the support offered by TRIO and to keep on when times are challenging. Next, but not any less inspirational, was Jessie Kaleikau, a member of the fall 2017 graduating class. Jessie shared a story of the challenges faced as she pursued her degree while being far from her home in Alaska. Her words uplifted her classmates as she also encouraged them to take advantage of the support offered at TRIO. Both speakers helped to create a truly memorable evening. All of the graduates were honored with the presentation of their red and white honor cords.

Graduates in the photo: Back row: Jasmine Lopez, Taylor Begay, Matt Tomaselli, Shannon Potter, Risa Cormier Front row: Jessie Kaleikau, Ayesha Clark Not pictured: Bryan Dalla-Cundiff, Norma Toledo, Whitney Smiley, Kristin Thompson, Ben Stewart, and Ruthie Edd

Celebrating our Winter 2017 Grads

Spring 2018

For those of you who don’t know me, I graduated in Dec. of 2015 with majors in K-12 Spanish Education and endorsements

in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education (CLD) and CLD-S (Bilingual Specialist). I was a first-generation student who began my undergrad in 2001, then took 11 years off to travel, experience many jobs, and start a family. I returned to FLC at 29, when my daughter Rosa was 2. It was not easy. Many aspects of myself had to be remolded. I deeply felt out of balance with my roles as a mother, a wife, a student, a friend, a student teacher, and the other roles I played in working part-time and volunteering. PAA (TRIO) was the mortar that helped me to hold it all together. In so many ways I made it through because of TRIO, because of Emma’s friendship and guidance, and because of each of you in your constant kindness, support, and encouragement.

As a heritage Spanish speaker, my end goal was to reach bilingual fluency in the Spanish language and to be able to travel and work abroad, preferably in Latin America. Upon graduation, I worked part-time as a substitute at Animas High School (where I completed my student teaching) and filled the rest of the time tailoring my resume, searching for international jobs, and being there for my daughter and husband. This very brief moment was the only time in the past six years

that I have felt truly balanced...food for thought. Eventually, I landed a full-time, long-term sub job as the Spanish 3 and 4 teacher at Animas. Through a colleague, I learned of the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) Fair which recruits teachers to work internationally. In preparation, I sent cover letters and resumes to 17 schools in Latin America. However, I didn’t actually qualify for any of the jobs that I was applying for, with the exception of a small bilingual school in Honduras. At the fair I only secured 4 interviews; so, out of desperation, I decided to look for a job that I was highly qualified to teach and found ONE as an upper level Spanish teacher at Busan Foreign School (BFS) in South Korea.

Some interviews went well, some not so well. They told me that while I was qualified to teach bilingual elementary, I came across strongly as a secondary teacher. All of the interviews were mindgames. My last interview was with BFS. As I waited to go in, I picked a brochure trying to figure out where South Korea actually was. I knew it was in Asia, but at the time I had no idea which part. An older gentleman sat down next to me, and we hit it off right away. I thought that he was there to interview as well, but when it came time for me to go in, he followed me and introduced himself as the principal...another mind game. The interview was natural and easy. We

seemed to be a perfect fit, and they offered me the job immediately. That night I stayed up with my husband until 4 am, researching, weighing the decision carefully. Busan, South Korea is not in Latin America. It was not part of the plan. However, it was the door that opened, and it seemed to be the one we should walk through. So we accepted. In the spring of 2016, we sold our home and almost everything we owned and moved to Asia.

Even though they hired me to teach upper level Spanish, I was told upon my arrival that I would actually be teaching Elementary K-5 Spanish, Spanish 3/4 (combined) and Spanish 5. In the teaching world these are called “preps.” In the US, most secondary teachers have 1-2 preps with multiple sections of each. At BFS everyone has four preps. This means that we each prepare to teach four completely different classes every single day. THIS is why I went to college. My current workload is the same as a 15 credit course load. However, it is in exchange for free housing, lunch, full healthcare for my family, a retirement pension, tuition for my daughter, and a year-round salary. In the two years that I have been at BFS, I have learned so much. We are an international school with an American style curriculum. We have approximately 250 students, three years old to 12th grade, from Korea,

the US, Russia, China, Japan, the Philippines, India, the Netherlands, and several other countries, including many in Latin America. I have now taught K-5 Elementary Spanish, and levels 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and AP at the High School. Most students are diligent, hardworking, and respectful. The majority have A’s or high B’s in most courses. Those who are apathetic and failing are a very tiny minority. Plus, even though I am living in Korea, I am immersed in Spanish most of the time. Three of my students are from Panamá, Ecuador, Venezuela, and others have been studying for so many years that it makes it possible to tackle advanced literature and participate in college-level discourse. My job is challenging and creative. While I still struggle to find balance, I am learning what is necessary and what is not, where to invest and where to cut.

The biggest perks in being here have been the cultural awakenings. I can now read Hangul (written Korean) and speak with a basic level of fluency. We have traveled extensively in Korea, and also to the Philippines, Vietnam, and to Japan. Brian, my husband, is now master at planning, logistics, and deciphering public transit. We all love Korean food with its myriad of flavors that we never knew existed. The healthcare is preventative and abundant, and the public transportation is advanced and

reliable, making us see how flawed these systems are in the states. Rosa has grown to be acutely aware and accepting of culture, as she has friends and classmates from all over the world and can now distinguish between mannerisms, writing systems, values, and countries. She is an avid reader, artist, bike rider, swimmer, and soccer player. We have all recognized how blind we were to the diversity that is Asia, of how many stereotypes we did not realize we held as truth until we arrived. I can now say that Russians are some of the kindest, most creative, and passionate people that I have ever met, that Korean style jives with my soul, and that I am now interested in living in Morocco, among other places.

So what is next for us? This June my contract ends and we are moving on. Brian longs to work and I am still dreaming of Latin America. We have taken jobs with a friend at a summer camp in Minnesota. We will then spend 6 weeks in Colorado with camping, rafting, turkey sandwiches, Zia Taquería, jalepeños, music in the park, and much needed family time. We are currently connecting to family businesses and farms in Costa Rica and will be homeschooling Rosa in the fall as we seek to integrate into a single community and network for future employment. We have never felt so lost, but somehow, in being lost we are finding who we are. If you are

nearing graduation, I recommend that you take advantage of Career Services and their Resume Cafe and review. If you are interested in international teaching, check out the UNI Fair, Search Associates, TIE Online, AASSA (the Association of American Schools in South America), and USA Jobs which offers Department of Defense jobs all over the globe (not just for educators). Lastly, keep your mind open to all paths; it remains my truth that unexpected opportunities often lead to the best possible outcomes.

SpotlightAlumni

Author & Photos: Sarah Sanchez Armstrong

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BANQUET AWARDS

BRAG BOARD

end of year BANQUETAPRIL 16th!

*Free for TRIO students

Do you know someone that has had an

awesome accomplishmenmt that deserves

to be bragged about? Nominate them!

The BRAG BOARD can be found in the

TRIO lounge, 3rd floor of the Reed Library.

Nominate your TRIO friends for an award to be given at our April 2018 banquet. Email your TRIO person your nomination by April 9; be sure to let them know which award you are nominating someone for. You can nominate yourself.Jennifer McHorse Legacy Award:

awarded to a student who has gone above and beyond to help TRIO students. The award

goes to a person who has given us feedback, generated ideas, and has been motivated to

help TRIO put those ideas into action. We view this person as an “honorary staff member.”

This award is named after Jennifer Mc Horse, a TRIO participant and alumni, who contributed

to the program in these same ways.

Fresh Outlook Award:

awarded to a student who may have struggled academically in previous semesters but has

worked hard to improve his/her grades and strenghten his/her skills as a student.

Community Builder Award:

awarded to a student who works hard to build a sense of community at TRIO and FLC by

promoting student gatherings or discussions, by starting new friendships in TRIO, and/or by

encouraging connections between fellow students.

Transcend and Triumph Award:

awarded to a student who perseveres through college while, behind the scenes, they may be

working through stressful personal situations, have several obligations to tend to at home, be

trying to overcome personal strife, and/or living with multiple, complicated personal stressors

yet handling it all and progressing towards graduation.

Unwavering Achievement Award:

awarded to a student who has always done well academically by using wise academic and life-

skills to obtain good grades, pulling their own weight when working with others, jumping into

projects with both feet, and meeting high standards for him/herself. Nothing seems to get in

the way of keeping their grades high.

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FLC Foundation and President Dene Thomas have contributed to the celebrations in the past, bolstering the opinion that the benefits of group-wide recognitions span much farther than a plate of food.

National TRIO Day raises awareness about the thousands of TRIO programs that exist at several educational levels across the country. No matter what grade level the programs serve, they all have the same goal: to help their participants get through that educational level and onto the next. TRIO programs, which started under Lyndon Johnson’s War on Poverty in the 1960’s, directly raise the retention and graduation rates of high school students, college students, and students pursuing a Ph.D. TRIO is a legacy program, something its participants are proud to associate with and promote. FLC’s TRIO Student Success Center chose TRIO Day as an opportunity to simultaneously raise awareness and contributions.

TRIO thanks everyone who donated treasures and services to the event (including several current TRIO students). They also thank the countless number who bought items at the fundraiser. “We definitely could not have done it without you. It was a successful event because of you. See you next year!”

Author: Jennifer WagnonPhoto Credit: N/A

The students, faculty and staff of Fort Lewis helped the TRIO Student Success Center raise over $1,700 in honor of National TRIO Day on February 28th. Over twenty individuals and local vendors donated goods,

services, and gently-used treasures to the fundraiser, which has been colloquially referred to as a “pop-up thrift shop.” However, donations like Dom Perignon Champagne, one-of-a-kind silver inlaid jewelry, and train tickets worth almost $200 indicate the event is more than a thrift-shop, but with prices starting at $1.00 for home-made candy, people with all budgets were able to contribute to the proceeds which fund fall and spring graduation celebrations for TRIO participants.

Twice a year TRIO students gather over dinner to give out awards, celebrate graduates and honor them with TRIO’s signature red and white graduation cords. The celebrations feature speakers with backgrounds similar to TRIO students—some of whom are graduating TRIO seniors or alums who offer motivation and share their experience as college students. Jenn Wagnon, FLC TRIO Student Success Center’s director, emphasized the importance of the celebrations, “Graduating with a college degree is a big deal for anyone; but graduating as a first-generation, low-income student or a student with a disability means overcoming great obstacles and odds. It’s definitely a big deal and needs to be celebrated.”

Since the program’s inception at FLC in 1995, TRIO has held fundraisers to supplement its Department of Education grant. However, several years ago funding for food was cut from the grant, and the private donations, which can be used for food, have become essential. “We’ve considered other options,” Wagnon continued, “such as holding the celebrations for only the graduates instead of inviting all TRIO participants. That would cut the cost by about 80%. But that defeats the purpose of the event which is to show all TRIO students that they can be successful. They hear stories from others who have worked through adversity, poverty, judgement, and complicated lives, and they get a shot of much-needed motivation to strongly finish out the semester.” The program has no plans to change the design or offering of its celebrations.

Those who attend the TRIO graduation celebrations have shared they feel motivated, encouraged, inspired, hopeful, and a sense of community. The

TRIO Raises Over $1,700 for Celebrations

@trio.fortlewis

Donate your old textbooks to TRIO so other students can borrow them and save some dough!

LENDING LIBRARY

Get Social....If you haven’t followed us on social media, now’s your chance! Find us on Facebook and Instagram.

@trio_flcDo you want to start or be involved in a TRIO-

related RSO (Registered Student Organization)

next year? Let us know!

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Graduate School Field Trip

Graduate school is the next step for a TRIO grad when he/she wants to pursue an “advanced degree,” like a Master’s degree or a PhD.

There’s a lot to consider when you’re deciding if grad school is right for you:

• What career do you want to pursue and does it require an advanced degree?

• If so, what kind of advanced degree does it require?

• What schools offer that program?

• Where are they located?

• How much does it cost and what kind of aid is there?

• How long will the program take?

• What are the program’s entry requirements (like your FLC GPA)?

• Do you have to take certain graduate exams to get in?

And those are just some of the questions you need to research when you’re thinking about graduate school.

Did you know that one of TRIO’s services is to provide students with information and guidance on what to do after they graduate? Whether plans involve a job search, graduate school, or taking some time off to rest and decide what the next step is, TRIO enjoys talking with students and helping them plan.

Author: Jennifer WagnonPhoto Credit: N/A

To help with this decision and to get students excited about the idea of graduate school, TRIO takes students to the University of New Mexico to visit their graduate programs each year. During FLC’s spring break in early March, Katie and Candice accompanied eight TRIO students to UNM to explore the campus, learn about the graduate school entry process, the financial aid options, and spend some quality time together.

UNM is in Albuquerque, just a few hours from FLC, so it’s a convenient place to visit. Day one of the trip, which was a Monday, was spent traveling, touring the campus, visiting the UNM bookstore, checking into the hotel, enjoying dinner at a local restaurant, and hanging out at the Barnes and Noble bookstore.

One of the trip’s highlights was the African/Caribbean restaurant where they dined that evening—Jambo Café. TRIO loves to encourage students to escape their culinary comfort zones once in a while, and this place sure provided for that. All participants tried new and exciting cuisine and got to know each other better over conversation and dishes that were influenced by Swahili, Indian, Arabic, and European traditions. On day two the group

visited with UNM representatives from the graduate schools, the grad school admissions office, and UNM students from the mentoring program who spoke with us about students’ programs of interest. Afterwards, they challenged their taste buds again with a Latin-Asian fusion restaurant, Poki Poki.

Prior to going on the trip, all participants attended two mandatory prep meetings with Katie and Candice. These meetings helped students identify their graduate school interests and learn what to expect on the trip. They were also able to get to know their fellow travelers. Whether or not they had UNM in their sights as a potential graduate school, the TRIO students learned a lot about the process of applying, the ways they can finance their advanced degree, and what kinds of questions they should ask any graduate school/program.

If you are interested in a future graduate school trip, let TRIO know. We hope to offer the trip every year. And in the meantime, talk to your TRIO person about what to do after graduation. We want to make the transition from “undergrad” to “graduate” as enjoyable as possible!

• What career do you want

to pursue and does it require

an advanced degree?

• If so, what kind of advanced

degree does it require?

• What schools offer that program?

• Where are they located?

• How much does it cost and

what kind of aid is there?

• How long will the program take?

• What are the program’s entry

requirements (like your FLC GPA)?

• Do you have to take certain

graduate exams to get in?

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Did you get a no-show?

Ask your person for more details

ERASE IT!

BRING SNACKS FOR THE OFFICE

HELP TRIO

RECRUIT

COORDINATE A TRIO

ACTIVITY

CONTRIBUTETO A TRIOBAKE SALE

WRITEAN ESSAY

VOLUNTEER

RECRUITA FRIEND TO

TRIO

YOURIDEA

What’s really good with “Cooking Matters?”

When my advisor and mentor Emma Salazar from TRIO told me that I should sign up to take a cooking class, I was kind of offended (especially considering this woman had eaten

my cooking before! Like, what are you trying to say Emma?!?!). After a conversation and quick clear-up of what the class really was, I decided to sign-up and try it out. I also struggle keeping food in my pantry most weeks, so the fact that I was getting fed for free one night a week, and then given the groceries to recreate that meal (or make something new) had me ready for class.

If I were to rate my experience with the Cooking Matters crew, I would give it a 10/10. I say this because the people who put it together each week, really care and come prepared to help in any way. As one of the two vegans that were in the class (SHOUT OUT TO CHERYN !! Latinx vegan squad!) each week, there was a substitute for whatever meat or cheese was being used in the meal- and TRUST ME when I say that it was a good substitute; nothing nasty. The group who put it together also asked

for input each week to develop a menu for the following week, so it was always a meal that the class agreed on.

I persoally took a lot away from the course. I learned things about nutrition, reading labels and grocery shopping that I will continue to practice. All three of the instructors were very knowledgeable and clear when answering any of our questions. They were also culturally understanding and willing to listen to others when they shared the way their families did things. I really appreciated the dynamic created within the group of mutual respect and guidance.

I know my experiences are not the same as others, and while I have been cooking most of my life, I know others have not. If you are new to cooking, this course is perfect because it teaches you all the basics. I would recommend new cooks and old cooks alike to try taking this course. I mean after all, you get free food! What is not to like? I would recommend taking it with a group of your friends, because having friends with you makes everything better.

Author: Mari AndersonPhoto Credit: Emma Salazar

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offers workshops.

Did you know....?

• Budgeting• Creating a resume and cover letter• Finding scholarships• Grammar and punctuation• Strategic reading• Knowing your learning style• Exploring graduate school• Stress management• Study strategies

• Organizing your coursework and due dates• MS Word, Excel, or PowerPoint• Using your FLC email and M drive• Organizing and delivering presentations• Time management• Taking notes for class

We offer one-on-one guidance to help you build academic, financial and life skills.

TRIO Students who have graduated from FLC since the program started in the 1990’s

72: Number of TRIO students who received tutoring 932: Number of hours tutored in 2016-17

65%: The federally-required percentage

of TRIO students who must be in good

academic standing

96%: The actual percentage

of TRIO students in good

academic standing in 2016-17

Number of minutes TRIO staff spent checking in

with their studentsin 2016-17

FINANCIAL AID SUPPORT

» We help you with the FAFSA application, FLC financial aid procedures, and finding scholarships.

» We help you explore options to offset college expenses.

» We discuss student loans with you.

» We help you create a budget to manage your money.

* Data provided by theTRIO Blumen database

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Meet our Staff

What do you love most about being part of TRIO?

I love that TRIO is all about encouragement, support, and helping each other figure out how to get to where we want to be. Everyone in TRIO has something in common, something that can be viewed as an obstacle to success. These commonalities build a unique sense of understanding and community among our participants. I also love that we all have something to teach and learn from one another. It is wonderful how many connections and friendships are formed in TRIO.

When I came to FLC as a first-generation, low-income, non-traditional student, I felt uncomfortable and unsure of myself in the new environment of college. TRIO helped me feel welcome and gave me a sense of belonging. I am happy that I now work for

the support system that helped me overcome the challenge of getting through college and earning my degree. I love being a part of the amazing team of staff and students who are all doing meaningful work.

What sort of activities do you do in your daily routine to avoid stress?

First thing in the morning, I drink water and get some exercise and stretching in, even if it’s just five or ten minutes; it makes a difference in my day. I have also been working on practicing mindful eating as often as a I can, which for me means not doing other things while I am eating and taking the time to enjoy and appreciate the food.

Spending time in nature is an important factor in my life for stress relief. I like to take a walk outside on my lunch break and just notice my surroundings, birds flying overhead, tree buds swelling up and getting ready to open for spring, the sun on my face, etc.

Sometimes when I feel stressed I forget that just focusing on breathing for a while is incredibly helpful. Last year I downloaded a meditation app on my phone and have recently gotten into the habit of using it more often, which has been beneficial. I also make sure to listen to or watch something funny or be with people who make me laugh. Laughter is an amazing stress-reliever.

Because I also like to be productive and organized, checking things off my list helps relieve stress as well.

What sort of hobbies do you have?

Aside from camping and hiking, I love the creativity of sewing and cooking. I like to alter and reconstruct garments, transforming them into something new. I enjoy cooking all kinds of food but I especially love to bake. I love dessert and always have. Because I have food allergies and a love for trying new things, I have experimented with many ways of eating over the years, from vegan to paleo and everything in between. I love to experiment in the kitchen and figure out ingredient substitutions and flavor combinations that will result in delicious and beautiful desserts (and those other, more substantial meals too).

Candice Jenkins Academic Service Coordinator

What do you love most about being part of TRIO?

I love learning people’s stories. Working at TRIO allows us to get to know our students (and fellow colleagues) over an extended time. At TRIO we can spend an hour with students getting to know them, hearing their stories, learning their interests, and making discoveries alongside them. If students are willing to spend time with us, we not only help them address complications before they can get in their way of succeeding in college, but we can celebrate their success. These kinds of genuine, sustained conversations are enriching in wonderfully surprising ways. The more I learn about TRIO students, the more enthusiastic I become about offering top-notch services through TRIO.

What helps keep you motivated to be the best person that you can be?

First, it’s the awful feeling I get when I fail to be the best person I can be. H. Jackson Brown Jr. said, “Our character is what we do when we think no one is looking.” I love that. It reminds me that every day I want to be able to look myself in the mirror and respect the person I see. Truthfully, I haven’t always been able to manage that. I’ve said things and behaved in ways that make me feel bad when I think about them. It’s that feeling right there—that feeling of disappointment in myself—that I want to avoid. On the flip side, I’m motivated to be the best version of myself because I am confident that intention will spread positivity and goodness. Whether it’s in the way I treat others, myself, or how I approach a project or problem, if my intentions are good and kind, goodness and kindness will prevail.

Do you have any secret or hidden talents?

I can say the alphabet backwards. Fast.

Jenn WagnonDirector

To any TRIO newcomers, what advice or tips do you have for them?

Take advantage of opportunities to learn about financial literacy from your TRIO person and/or in a workshop. Use this resource and time to build a solid financial base for your future after graduation.

Who do you look up to and why?

My parents. Both of them came from impoverished backgrounds . The have risen above multi-generational poverty, built a business and excelled as generous, ethical, and positive capitalists. They have left a legacy for our current family and generations to come. I am honored to be their daughter and to share in the heritage of hard work and personal responsibility they have modeled and handed down.

What sort of hobbies do you have?

Recently I have acquired a passion for analyzing and trading in the stock market and crypto-currency markets. I enjoy and am inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit of so many people that are changing the way we do business as well as our global economy. I am especially intrigued by block-chain technology.

Brenda AragonOffice Manager

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What inspires you to do what you do at TRIO?

The foundation of where TRIO comes from as a national program is rooted in social justice, and that alone is pretty inspiring to me on most days. At the same time, I think where I find the most inspiration is from TRIO students. I am inspired by the commitment and the courage that move our students to pursue a goal which, oftentimes, they are the first in their family to achieve. I am inspired by the perseverance that so many students demonstrate as they push forward even when it seems all the odds are stacked against them. I am inspired by the knowledge that so many of our students are striving for this degree to be able to make a positive impact on their entire community. I am inspired by the resilience so many of our students come from to adapt to this system of higher education and to be exposed to all the knowledge

and skills their courses offer, while maintaining and honoring a sense of self. I feel blessed to be involved in the process!

What helps keep you motivated to be the best person that you can be?

My family has always been the most important thing in my life. Now, I am a mom, and I truly believe my daughter is my main motivation in being the best version of me. I want her to be able to trust and respect me for what I’ve done with my own life, in the hopes of building a strong foundation for hers. I pray that she learns how to believe in herself through my example, and through the knowledge of our ancestors’ strength, spirit, and soul.

What music do you listen to? / Favorite song?

I love music that makes me feel good. Most of it comes from the genres of hip hop and/or R&B. I like the empowerment of hip-hop music like TuPac, old-school Queen Latifah and Lauryn Hill, the smoothness of R&B music like Marvin Gaye and Jill Scott, the energy of some rap like Kid Frost’s La Raza and Snow tha Product, and the unapologetic love of oldies like Al Green and the Chi-Lites. It all depends on what mood I’m in.

Staff Continued

Emma SalazarAcademic Service Coordinator

Katie SparksTutor Coordinator & Academic Service Coordinator

What do I love most about being a part of Trio?

Each day I grow as a human being by spending time with the staff and students who are a part of Trio. I am reminded every day that each one of us is unique in our view of the world, and each person thrives in different environments. I feel a great deal of satisfaction working with students to help them overcome any obstacle that may get in their way of continuing with school successfully, be it financial, emotional, academics, social, and/or familial. I believe we as a staff are able to witness the maturation of students as they enter college and progress toward graduation. The college experience truly provides students opportunities to become the people they want to grow into which is available to students at any age. This growth process is not easy which makes it so very valuable.

What do I do in my daily routine to avoid stress?

Exercising helps me to leave the stressors of the day, week, or month behind me. If I find myself feeling agitated, I recognize that I have not been doing enough yoga which gives me quiet time and a spot in my busy day to stretch my body and rest my mind. Hiking with my friends gives me a chance to spend time outside with the trees, plants, dirt, blue sky, and weather as well as to discuss how the world is affecting us and we are affecting the world. Mountain biking gives me a chance to totally detach from the world and concentrate solely on the trail filled with obstacles that I am rolling over. Road biking solo gives me a chance to feel the wind and examine the thoughts that are filling me with apprehension and let them go with the wind. Skiing with my family gives me an opportunity to feel pure joy when I am surrounded by their love.

What do I do in my free time?

I am a soprano in the Mancos Valley Choir and have found that I love to work on learning to sing our choir’s repertoire of songs for each season. Our practice is two hours per week, and during that time, we work as a group and individually on the very smallest of details of each song so that when we have our season’s performance, our music is performed with joy, pride, and know-how. Our choir of 32 singers ranging in age from 27 to 80-something is rewarded with standing ovations from the audience which fills me a great sense of accomplishment. Our director is full of energy and motivates us to be the best we can be. Some of you may be a part of a group and understand this feeling of combining the participants’ talents to create one beautiful sound.

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