Alumni Highlight

Where are you currently living?

 Kenmore, WA, in the Seattle area. 

What are you doing professionally right now?

I’m a full-time mom, and a student in the MFA program at NSA. 

How many children do you have?

We have a toddler girl and a baby boy!

How has your experience at NSA influenced your career and professional journey?

My husband and I met at NSA, and we had our first kid the summer after graduation. NSA has helped my mom-life in so many ways, teaching me how to communicate, to problem solve, and to be disciplined in hard work, to name just a few benefits. 

Getting to return to school via the MFA has been so fun. The program has boosted my knowledge of story structure and writing craft, and I'm excited to get working on other projects when I finish the program. 

How has NSA shaped your worldview or perspective on life?

NSA has helped me see Christ in all of life: politics, food, science, books—He owns it all. This translates so nicely into life as a mom. Even though, with littles, the topics I'm covering in a day aren't heady (diapers are not very philosophical), it can all be seen as in light of God's glory.  

In what ways are you currently shaping culture, or working towards shaping culture?

Raising two little people is culture shaping at its most essential. It's crazy to think that my two kids will have families of their own, will raise their own kids in the fear of the Lord...and then their kids will do the same.  

As I also work to write books, I'm hopefully making stories that will strengthen the lives of my kids and others, blessing the saints as they work to glorify Him. 

What are some key lessons or skills you gained from your time at NSA?

There's so many to choose from. I loved our theology class: learning about the nature of God and how He gave us Scripture will bless me the rest of my life. I loved learning languages, getting a little dose of libertarianism (with some natural law, of course), and, in a gastronomy class, I learned that people should just use more salt. I use lots of salt. 

Looking back, what educational advice would you give to someone considering their options today?

We are so much more than what we do, way more than a job. We are eternal souls, and our real work is to know God and enjoy Him forever. So go where your soul will be better equipped to love God, strengthened for whatever earthly tasks God calls you to. NSA's liberal arts training will help you do just that.