A bit about me!

I grew up in a rural town in East Central Illinois called Onarga. My family's roots within our community drove my passion for agriculture. My dad works in the agriculture field, and I was raised on a beef cattle farm. My grandparents were from farm families and passed down strong values for generations. I was raised with the values of hard work, determination, and family. I spent all my summers after age seven making memories with my little brother showing cattle around the state.

​

When I'm not in the classroom or running from one organization meeting to the next, you can catch me on the sideline of any sporting event! Maybe that's a Fighting Illini game or a Chicago Cubs game. But my favorite? My favorite games are back in my hometown watching my 16-year-old brother play football, basketball, and baseball.

​

Another one of my passions and something I have been called to since I can remember, being a leader. A leader in the traditional roles like president of my sorority or an officer in FFA. But the most important leadership role I possess is for the younger kids in my family. I'm at the perfect age to be the youngest of the oldest and the oldest of the youngest cousin on both sides of my family. This has given me the identity of Tay-Tay; the MOST important title I've ever held.