Photo by Tony Contini, tonycontini.com

I enjoy learning about cultures, faiths and customs different from my own. I like plans, but believe spontaneity and risks are worth the thrill of a new adventure, even if that means unknowns or failures along the way.

I took chances of the like last year, and moved to Santiago, Chile.

I am a certified teacher of English as a Foreign Language, and teach both underprivileged children and business professionals who are hoping to find better  opportunities by learning the universal language.

In my free time, I travel through South America, soaking in whatever I learn along the way. I know this endeavor will teach me more than I can even imagine right now. I’m hoping that the Spanish language, a knack for adapting to change and a sense of direction are a few things I will master. I’m not so confident about the latter (I’m literally lost on a daily basis, even in Vegas where I was born and raised). What I do know is that I will become a better journalist and more knowledgeable, well-rounded person.

As a journalist, I am a storyteller with a passion for sharing the often overlooked realities of human life — the daily hardships, controversies and fights for equal rights.

My professional writing work can also be found in the Las Vegas Review-Journal, The San Diego Union-Tribune and some smaller papers across the country. I was a two-year editor in chief of The Nevada Sagebrush, the national award-winning student news organization at the University of Nevada, Reno. I founded my high school newspaper, whose staff later named the newsroom in my honor.

Here and now, this is me. I am an older sister and loyal friend. I am a University of Nevada alumna and proud Wolf Pack fan. I play piano. I would probably fall apart without sticky notes and to-do lists. I am a people-watcher. I make everything a competition. I love all things chocolate and my favorite flowers are Gerbera daisies. I am a curious, self-proclaimed news junkie. I sing terribly, but belt out (usually the wrong) lyrics at the top of my lungs anyway … especially when I’m in the car.

I wear a bracelet stamped with the word “laugh.” To me, it is life’s most important expression that too many people don’t appreciate.

*All writing and photography featured on this blog is my own unless otherwise cited.*