A personal value that consistently guides my actions is curiosity. It became a defining principle for me at age 16, when I first encountered the work of Anthony Bourdain. Through his books and television shows, I was captivated by how he seemed to say “yes” to every interesting opportunity that crossed his path. His fearless exploration of the world inspired me deeply; I wanted to experience life the way he did.
Since then, I’ve made a conscious effort to nurture my curiosity and let it shape my decisions and goals. One early example came just after high school. With two months to spare before starting a year-long AmeriCorps program, I enrolled in welding school. Though I had some exposure growing up in an agricultural community, I was wholly unprepared for the intensity of the program. Spending six hours a day in a testosterone-charged shop pushed me far outside my comfort zone. It taught me to persevere through challenges and meet immovable deadlines—lessons I carry with me to this day.
My desire to dive into the unknown also led me to join the women’s club rugby team at Colorado State University. Though I had a background in another combat sport, wrestling, I had never even seen a rugby match before. Embracing the unfamiliar, I found myself immersed in a sport that was both physically demanding and deeply rewarding. I built lasting friendships, developed resilience, and discovered the joy of learning something entirely new from the ground up.
Curiosity also led me to spend a summer living in Peru, Bolivia, and Chile through the Obama Foundation’s Voyager Scholarship. The program gave me the freedom to design a service experience, and I chose to lean into the unknown. I spent a year planning what became the most memorable two months of my life: solo traveling across three countries, volunteering with community organizations, exploring museums, and savoring local cuisine. Had I not prioritized curiosity, I know the experience would have been far less rewarding.
As I begin this Fellowship, I see another opportunity to let curiosity lead. With exposure to inspiring people and meaningful projects, I know the next 22 months will be transformative. My hope is that curiosity will continue to guide me, encouraging me to ask questions, embrace discomfort, and say “yes” to the unexpected.
