Having worked for the U.S. Coast Guard for over 10 years, what have been some of your biggest career highlights to date?
I have an amazing job with the Coast Guard and I've been able to travel to some remarkable places. I started my journey in the Great Lakes where I was stationed on a ship that worked on navigational buoys. I often worked in freezing conditions on the water to ensure these beacons were always working for the mariners that transitied the Lakes. In 2016, I became a public affairs representative for the service and reported to New York City. I have two specific memories from early on during this period. I was able to sail aboard Coast Guard Cutter Eagle (pictured here) for a month. I traveled on the St. Lawrence Seaway and the North Atlantic Ocean. I was there to document the training our future officers go through and manage events with Canadian officials... Exploring the open ocean while under sail and seeing the most beautiful sunsets and spectacular night skies was astonishing. Secondly, I was deployed to Florida before a hurricane made landfall to assist with the Coast Guard's public affairs mission. I helped highlight what our service members were doing before the storm to keep the public safe and then post-storm coverage, including search and rescues, humanitarian efforts, and reopening ports. I was able to see firsthand the hard work of my colleagues and display this to local and national media outlets. Most recently, I traveled on one of our large cutters to Singapore, India, and the Maldives. I worked with U.S. State Department officials and the local Coast Guard units in those respective countries. It was great to highlight these partnerships and train alongside international servicemembers.
What initially motivated you to join the U.S. Coast Guard back in 2012?
I was working a corporate job in Chicago that involved a lot of computer work when I realized I needed to find something that was more aligned with my adventurous spirit and humanitarian nature. The Coast Guard was a path I always thought about but I finally made this dream a reality and haven't looked back since. My journey has provided me with countless memories and a fantastic opportunity to serve the United States.
We loved the ‘Kia Ora’ sign that popped up during the Royal New Zealand Navy’s refuel of Cutter Midget. Where did this idea come from?
We were transiting the South China Sea when the captain let us know we were going to refuel at sea with the Aotearoa, a New Zealand Navy vessel, before our long transit back to Hawai'i. Not only was this the first time I was a part of an evolution like this, but to meet up with a country I have so many fond memories with, I knew I had to do something special. I didn't have too many resources to use, but I grabbed some large pieces of paper and wrote 'Kia Ora' while another shipmate drew a silver fern. As we went back out to the port side, I grabbed a few of the crew, explained to them what the phrase meant, and then we held it up so that some of the crew of the Aotearoa could see it. They waved and the ship gave several loud blasts of the horn as they departed our side.
What made you choose the University of Canterbury for your study abroad experience?
Ever since I started hiking and climbing, New Zealand was my top destination to visit. Thankfully, my college in Wisconsin had an exchange program with the University of Canterbury. I was ecstatic! Christchurch was my ideal destination... I was also able to persuade two of my other classmates to join me in my study abroad adventure to Canterbury.
What memories stand out to you when reflecting on that experience?
My semester abroad was the highlight of my college career. I'll never forget arriving at Ilam student housing and meeting friends from all over the world who were just as excited as me to be in New Zealand. My new-found friends and I quickly began exploring the beautiful South Island. Some of my favorite hikes were the Abel Tasman Coast Track, Kepler Track, or just exploring Arthur's Pass. One of the best events that the University put on was the cruise around Lyttelton Harbour on an old steamship. It was such a blast hanging with classmates and getting out on the water. Another fond memory was renting an RV with friends and embarking on a road trip of the North Island. We got to see the All Blacks play in Wellington! The Wild Food Festival, the Canterbury toga party, walking around Cathedral Square, there are so many memories. But by far, the biggest highlight was all the strong friendships I created at the University of Canterbury. In fact, seven of them just attended my wedding this past August! Studying abroad was truly one of the best decisions I have ever made.
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