Growing up, I always thought I’d be a scientist: a paleontologist, a marine biologist, a genetic engineer — it didn’t really matter so long as it was in STEM. But as the saying goes, “You plan; God laughs.” Whatever is out there had a funny sense of humor with me. I’ll tell you that for free.

I got into college when I was 15: dual-enrolled at North Idaho College (a place that will always have a special place in my heart) focused on molecular biology. After three years, I was accepted to study in Scotland, at the University of Glasgow. I was the best. I didn’t know any other way. Texas couldn’t have been further from my mind.

Then, COVID happened, and the world stopped turning. My dreams of studying abroad died. But if I’m being honest, when quarantine hit, I just felt relieved. I was used to being the best, and I knew if I went to Scotland, I wouldn’t be anymore. And if I wasn’t the best, what was I?

After that, I was a boat at sea without rudder or sail. So I went back to the last place that felt like home: Alaska. I got a seasonal job working as a seafood processor.

It was brutal: 16-hour shifts in a near-freezing factory for a whole summer. Salmon don’t care when you sleep; when they’re running, they don’t stop until either you or they are spent. But through it all, I never did walk through the wind and rain, up those tired, blue, wooden steps into HR’s office to quit.

I enjoyed a period of happy driftlessness afterwards. I couch-surfed down the Pacific Coast Highway. I (briefly) joined a circus. I soaked up all the sun the world had to offer.

Then, life reared its pitiless head. My dad got sick. My brother had to get surgery. So I started working. I lost myself in it. It’s hard to enjoy the ride when you’re fighting to keep your head above water.

After a few years, I realized I couldn’t live that life anymore. I applied to UT. Words cannot convey how little hope I had that I’d be accepted. But I was. And here I am. And I couldn’t be more grateful. Looking back on everything, I am glad I can thank everyone who helped me get here and who made that journey worthwhile. I rarely do so in the moment.

To my family, I love you with all that I am. You gave all you could to make sure I had the life I wanted.

Mama — I always tell people I take after you, but those are small words. Any of my strength, kindness and love, I get from you. Papa — you taught me the meaning of sacrifice, and you gave me my will and my good humor. For that I thank you, though my friends may have other words. Maddox — the Calvin to my Hobbes, you were the very best partner in every childhood adventure and game we had. I couldn’t have asked for a better brother.

To The Texan — thank you. Being here pushed me to be better than I ever thought I could be.

Steph — you believed in me and my stories even when I did not. For that, I will always be grateful. Joseph — your dedication and hard work taught me the standard leadership holds itself to. I will carry that ethos with me. Miranda — your passion and the care you have for others inspired me to be greater than myself. Layla — from TrIG to department heads — what a ride. I will always treasure our friendship.

I would not be the person I am without y’all. There are not enough words, time or space for y’all and for everyone else I couldn’t mention.

I never imagined I would be here. Looking ahead, I am not sure where I’m going. But if everything went to plan, how boring would that be?