The first time I had any inkling I was a writer, I was in seventh grade. I'd penned an essay for a countywide writing contest, where the winner would be published in Florida Today newspaper.

My teacher spoke highly of my submission, and suggested edits. The problem? I'd written about my dad's midlife career change of becoming a pastor, us moving to a new town in the middle of nowhere and the parishioners literally sitting on our new couches, watching us move boxes and furniture—not offering to help.

While my words were "true," my parents said they would also "probably not be appreciated." So I couldn't edit. I turned the piece in as is. It was not published.

So I've found my place in the world saying true things that are probably not [always] what people want to hear.

My words have appeared in Washington Post, Architectural Digest, The Week, The Muse, Caring magazine and other publications.

I was a finalist for a pair of National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards as well as for the Religion Newswriters Association’s Chandler Student Award for “The PK Project,” a multimedia experience chronicling the stereotypes facing preacher’s kids versus reality. 

Read my best clips here or contact me here.