When did you first participate in NASP® as a student, and in what grades?
I started shooting in the NASP® program in 2008 at Bondurant Middle School. I was in the 6th grade at the time and shot until 12th grade when I graduated from Wester Hills High School.
What were your thoughts about NASP®, archery etc.?
When I was participating in NASP® I loved it. Some of my class mates would complain about having practice or waking up early on Saturday mornings for tournaments but I couldn’t get enough of it. In high school I participated in several activities but always made time to shoot because I loved it.
What are any take-aways that NASP® gave you toward your future?
NASP® provided me with life-long friends and gave me the necessary tools to move my archery career to the collegiate level which not only paid for part of my undergraduate education but, again, provided me with an amazing group of friends and taught me valuable lessons about time management and cooperation.
When did you know you wanted to make a career from your interest in archery or the outdoors?
Going into college I had made up my mind I was going to be a biology major. After one semester of biology and a semester of general education courses, I decided that wasn’t right for me and went into my sophomore year as a business major. After taking several courses, I began to think about my career path and the only thing I really loved doing was archery. I added a Communication Arts major my junior year of college and by the end of that year, had solidified my plan of wanting to find a career in the archery or outdoor industry. Working as a NASP® intern during the summer of 2018 was one of the best decisions I made because it allowed me to meet people involved in the archery industry as well as show me what a career in it could look like.
What is your current position, and what do you do in that position?
I have recently accepted the position as Kentucky NASP® Alumni Director. My position allows me to connect with people who have formerly been involved in the NASP® program and coordinate events for these alumni to reconnect. In addition, I have the privilege of coordinating a way for alumni to give back to Kentucky NASP in any capacity they see fit and encouraging this group of young people to stay involved in the outdoors.
What is it like being a former NASP® student, and now the Alumni Director?
It’s absolutely incredible. Taking something like NASP® that had such an impact on my development as a young person and being able to connect people with that same passion together is so rewarding. When you have a group of people so passionate about spreading a love for the outdoors and archery, it’s amazing to see what they can accomplish.
What advice do you have for students that are in NASP® and may want to think about a career in Archery, Conservation, or the outdoor industry?
My best advice is to get connected. If you love hunting, fishing, or are passionate about conservation, get in touch with your local Fish and Wildlife program. The people employed there are likely passionate about those same things and can introduce you to many more people. In archery specifically, going to competitions can help you make connections with others while competing and still having fun.
