The thing that I love most about-(Rock Climbing) - is…… Getting a little (and sometimes extremely) scared! Coming in second is the feeling when you finally send a problem you’ve been projecting, it’s exhilarating.

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My proudest –(Rock Climbing)-related moment was…… helping my friend after she got tangled in the rope 50 feet up while learning to rappel and clean overhanging routes.  She wrapped the ropes around her thigh in order to use both hands to un-clip the quickdraw, and in turn created some ugly bird’s nest entangling her legs and belay device.  I got off my route, and sped up her route to help untangle her.

The Highlights of my involvement with Rock Climbing include:

- Working at a university climbing gym and teaching people the basics of climbing.  I love seeing the 1 person out of a 100 become a lifer on their first day – you can see the passion.

-Working as President of the University of Missouri Climbing Club and traveling all over the nation to climb.  We have traveled to many states including Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, and California.

-Working through each move of a 5.13a on top-rope and discovering the possibilities.

I am excited to be part of the AAO Ambassador/Athlete program because……  I feel that the AAO Ambassador/Athlete program is a major way to stay connected to the climbing and outdoor community. I would like to contribute to the outdoor and climbing communities and I believe that networking is essential.

Some of the organizations that I belong to are……

Access Fund

Something most people don’t know about me is…..  I used to hate camping.  I remember camping with my family when I was a child and I was always the kid that brought his Gameboy, books, and complained about the bugs.  However, on my first rock-climbing trip, that all changed.   Climbing has given me a new respect and interest of the outdoors.

My favorite food is…… anything fresh, seasonal and organic!  That, and pepperoni pizza.  Contradictory, I know.

My biggest addiction is……. Climbing!!!  And food

Free Range….

I am currently one semester away from three undergraduate degrees, and then I really don’t know what’s going to happen. All I’ve figured out is that Location and Climbing are at the top of the priority list, and eventually I’d like to work in the outdoor industry or for a climbing company.  I’m currently planning a minimum one year climbing trip before my entrance into “real life.”