"I grew up in a close knit family in Sioux Falls. Sports and music were always my driving force. I excelled in Science and Math through out my schooling, but no subjects were off limits. I played soccer at the University of Sioux Falls, and graduated in 2004 with a BS in Exercise Science. I then ventured out to Massachusetts to attend Bridgewater State College. What an experience that was, hiking on Cape Cod every weekend, visiting family I don't get to see often, and meeting new people. I graduated in 2006 with a MS in Physical Education with a concentration in Athletic Training. I then came back to SD while I looked for work opportunities. One job that stuck out and became a dream job was out in Bellwood, IL working for Proviso West High School in Hillside, IL as well as with the Chicago Rush arena football team. Here I was able to grow and expand with an "inner-city" school setting, as the school was 95% African American, 4% Hispanic, and 1% Caucasian. But through these kids I was able to discover who I was as an individual and had found my calling. Many of these kids were just barely skating by with D's to play in their respective sports, but I knew they were capable of so much more so I offered tutoring to those that needed help and am proud to say I was able to assist in more than 20 of them in raising their grades by more than a letter grade. I still to this day have some of these athletes calling me asking questions about a certain subject in college, or just as someone they know will always be there for them. Unfortunately, the company I was working for lost the contract bid to renew with the high school after my second year thus steering me to look for other opportunities. I then ventured out to New York City and worked at a private school up in Manhattan. This was definitely a different atmosphere, but I would not trade the experience for anything. Due to the economy I was laid off in June of 2009, and moved back to SD in August of 2009. I spent this past winter out ne" less...