Hometown: Gothenburg, NE

School: Gothenburg Jr Sr High

I'm from Gothenburg, Nebraska, a small community where I grew up on my family's sixth-generation farm. Growing up on the farm, I learned to appreciate hard work, problem-solving, and the importance of helping my community. In high school, I was heavily involved in speech and theater, was a leader in student government, and volunteered as a government advocate for the Immune Deficiency Foundation, where I would travel to Washington, D.C., to hold meetings with members of Congress concerning issues affecting individuals who suffer from Primary Immune Deficiency (a disease that I have), with hopes of influencing their votes and legislation. I have also been honored as an Elks Scholar and a recipient of the DJ’s Hero Award, recognitions that reflect my commitment to service and leadership. In my free time, I enjoy listening to music, going to the gym, working on the farm, and finding ways to express my creativity. I look forward to getting to know the other Kiewit Scholars, sharpening my leadership skills, and soaking in all of the unique opportunities that the program and UNL provide. I plan to pursue a career in mechanical engineering, where I can combine creativity and design to create innovative solutions that leave a positive impact on people and communities.