If you would have asked me 10 years ago if I’d be a youth director or even working for a church, I would have said you were crazy. My faith journey has been a whirlwind of a ride, but it has lead me to where I am today, and for that I am eternally grateful. I grew up in Clarence Center, and was a member at Zion Lutheran Church. My family and I attended church regularly, but I was not very involved in the youth group. Instead, I was a swimmer and spent most of my time in the pool. While all of my friends were spending there summers at LCLC having the time of their lives, I was working on my family’s farm or training. After high school, I left Buffalo for a few years to concentrate on my education. I graduated from SUNY Oswego in 2013 with a Bachelors in Business Administration and Economics. Soon after graduation I got involved with Campus Ministry and moved into the Olin house. This was a huge stepping stone in my faith journey. This is where I first truly felt Gods calling and I knew I belonged in ministry. In September 2014 I began a yearlong project connect pastoral internship at St. John Lutheran Church in Williamsville. For the past few years I have been the director of youth ministry at St. John. I am also lucky to spend a week every summer at camp leading a workshop at senior high week. Camp is where I have found my love and passion for youth ministry. I am excited to begin the next chapter here at St. Paul’s and continue to guide the youth in their faith journey.