Where are you from?  I was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona and did my undergrad at the University of Arizona in Tucson. Don’t miss the heat but I do miss the cacti!

How long have you lived in the area and why did you move here?  I moved to Chapel Hill in the summer of 2018 to start medical school at UNC. My parents and most of my extended family are from North Carolina, so I was happy to be closer to them.

What are three words your friends would use to describe you?  Spunky, driven, and loyal.

Why do you run?  Running keeps me (somewhat) sane and is a fun way for me to challenge myself. I am hoping that this will be the year I run my first full marathon!

Why did you decide to join the Station Pub Run?  My wonderful friend/roommate Chelsea introduced me to it. We have since recruited several more med students and have made Station Pub Run the ~official~ UNC med school running club.

What is your favorite thing about the Station Pub Run?  I never thought I enjoyed running with other people until I joined the Station Pub Run, but it’s so motivating to have a group of people to challenge/support you. And the beer definitely doesn’t hurt.

Describe the most recent (appropriate 🙂 ) photo you took with your phone:  A picture of the sunset from the fifth floor of Davis library.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received, and who gave it to you?  When I was growing up, my dad always told me “Don’t wish your life away – it goes faster than you think.” I hate to say it, but he was right.

Favorite book? How about a book you think everyone must read? (They can be different.)  My current must read is Educated by Tara Westover, but my favorite book would probably be All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr. I am also a Harry Potter nerd and have read the whole series multiple times. It gets better every time!

What is your most primary mode of transportation currently? (I like to think all the Pub Runners are smart commuters.)  I used to walk to class but have recently taken up biking, which I am really enjoying it! It’s better for the environment & I hate driving, so it’s a win-win.

If you could have any talent or skill in the entire world, without needing to practice and money was no limitation, what would it be?  I would love to be able to speak any language. I have been studying and practicing Spanish on-and-off for years and still find it challenging, but it is so valuable to be able to communicate in another language.

If you could eat only one meal (not just a single food) for the rest of your life, what would it be?  Thai red curry with veggies, fried tofu, and sticky rice. The sticky rice is essential.

What is the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?  Seaweed out of the ocean when I was kayaking near the San Juan islands. Probably would not recommend to a friend.

Do you collect anything?  I have a fairly extensive shot glass collection from different places that I have traveled.

Tell us something about yourself that not many people know:  I am a certified scuba diver!

What is something you have done recently, or are about to do, that you are proud of?  I am taking my first board exam for medical school in mid-February (yikes)!!

Please share your favorite quote or slogan:  “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone”. Cheesy but true.

Anything else you’d like to share with us?!  I’m very grateful for all the crazy Pub Runners out there for making Tuesday my favorite weekday!