What team do you participate on?
I’m a proud member of the North Stars – the main team I’ve been part of since March 2024. I also play softball with the Bristol Baysiders.
What sports do you compete in?
I compete in swimming, softball, and snowboarding. I’ve also enjoyed SORI’s surfing program for the past two years. Of all these sports, swimming is my favorite because it’s the one I’ve done the longest. I love the competition and being in the water.
Where did you go to school?
I went to Cumberland High School and graduated in 2024. I’m currently attending CCRI in Lincoln, majoring in Early Childhood Education. My goal is to become a kindergarten teacher and work with children who have special needs.
Do you have a job? If so, tell us about it.
I work at HomeGoods in the Lincoln Mall as a cashier. The best part about my job is working for a company that’s so accommodating. My supervisors are very supportive, and my coworkers have become my friends. I enjoy meeting customers – most of them are really nice! Plus, it feels great to earn a paycheck.
Why did you choose to participate in the Athlete Leadership University (ALU)?
I joined ALU because I thought it would be a great opportunity to meet more people like me. I also hoped to make new friends, since that can sometimes be hard for me..
What have you accomplished through your involvement with ALU?
Through ALU, I’ve gained a lot more confidence in public speaking and in teaching others about people like me – those with disabilities. Each time I spoke in class, I became more confident, especially with the support of the other athletes. They were ALWAYS supportive! A highlight for me was being interviewed after the Summer Games Opening Ceremony earlier this year by Channel 12. I felt very confident talking about being a Special Olympics athlete. I hope I showed that Special Olympics athletes are just as competitive and enthusiastic as anyone else.
What do you enjoy doing for fun?
I love listening to music and making crafts like jewelry. My favorite music genres are rock, metal, and some K-Pop. My favorite groups are Halestorm and Stray Kids. In my free time, I like making necklaces and earrings, and I recently learned how to crochet – I love it! And I can’t forget to mention that I love sushi!
Is there anything else about yourself that you would like to share?
Special Olympics has made me a more confident person and given me a whole new group of friends. I’ve become close with some of my classmates from ALU, and now we hang out outside of Special Olympics activities. I’ve also gotten to know people in their friend groups, which has made my social circle even bigger.