Home grown from the heart of the Hill Country, I grew up with a love for nature. As an only child I spent much of my time finding ways to occupy my spare time, such as reading, researching, studying, expanding my creativity, and enjoying the outdoors. While I had the ability to turn much of my spare time into productive activities, I would have greatly enjoyed having a sibling to learn and explore with. This childhood experience has ingrained me with the desire to be family oriented. My husband and I are striving towards a family with at least four children-the first of which is due to be born in January of 2017. This passion will be able to grow and thrive as my husband and I pursue a career where we own and operate our own greenhouses on our ranch for the purposes of research, the production of organic medicinal and culinary plants, and to educate others on organic, non-GMO cultivation practices. Attending college online as a first generation college student has allowed me to become quite adaptable to an ever busy lifestyle. Becoming wedded in March of 2016 was a profound milestone for me. The page was turned to the beginning of an entirely new chapter in my life filled with commitment, responsibility, and partnership. The beginning of this new chapter has also brought with it the beginning of new life in the form of my first daughter. This chapter in my life has empowered me, opening me to the realization that I am able of achieving more than I thought myself capable of. My new obligations as wife and mother have strengthened my abilities to multitask, to be adaptable, to be disciplined, but most importantly to be confident and in turn to have confidence in others. I have grown tremendously in my ability to effectively communicate not only as a spouse, but also as a business partner and colleague. My husband and I have enjoyed working together as partnered business owners in our construction company, G&G Maintenance. I have learned many skills that have honed my critical thinking and organizational abilities. Doing work that is hands on and challenging has been rewarding. The experience has taught me to gain initiative, to think on my feet and to maintain good business communications. These hands on skills have proven beneficial as we renovate one of our town-houses to put on the market in preparation to establish our residence and greenhouses on our ranch. When we begin constructing our ranch house and greenhouses, I will already have a considerable amount of knowledge and skills that will enable me to be hands on in the design and construction of the structures. Having a personal hand in overseeing the construction will prove economically beneficial as well as providing inside knowledge to the foundational aspects of our greenhouses. This input will aid in further planning and managing of the production of our greenhouses. This new chapter of life has been a challenging yet strengthening experience for me that I have found to be very fulfilling. I look forward to continuing my personal and academic growth as I strive towards achieving my goals and discovering more about my own capabilities.