You and your sisters are pretty close in age—what are some things you all did together growing up in Columbia?
My sisters and I are super close—we talk to each other every day. We grew up in a small town right outside of Columbia. There were not a lot of things to do in Lugoff; however, we would get into as much as we could when we were younger. It usually involved a game or a prank on one another (since I am the baby, I was the one getting pranked). Some of my favorite memories are of us going around the neighborhood on our bikes/scooters, building a treehouse in the woods in front of our house, and then putting on plays/recitals for my parents. We were also heavily involved with our church’s youth groups—we would go on ski trips every year with them. You would always find us at the beach or the local swim club every summer as well. My sisters are adventurous, so they are always looking to get their hands into anything that is exciting and thrilling.
What band/artist do you love but would be hesitant to tell anyone because of the weird looks they might give you?
I have been obsessed with Paramore since my glamorous middle school days. I absolutely love all their music and they were awesome when I got to see them in concert. They are the band that I can never get tired of listening to. I am not ashamed to tell anyone because I think they are awesome. I am also obsessed with country music, but that shouldn’t come as a surprise since I am from the South.
You played a lot of sports growing up! Which was your favorite, and why?
When I was in elementary and middle school, I was involved in dance, softball, basketball and cheerleading. I continued with competitive cheerleading when I was in high school, so I would have to say it is my favorite. I enjoyed doing cheerleading because it was something to keep me active, and something to do with all my friends I grew up with. It kept me busy throughout high school—we would do many competitions during the year. My cheerleading days are long over with, though. I’d much rather watch football and cheer on the USC Gamecocks or the Carolina Panthers in the fall
What are your top two pet peeves?
My top two pet peeves would have to be dirty dishes in the sink and someone that doesn’t use their car blinker. I can be a little OCD about keeping the kitchen clean at my house. I can’t stand when there are dirty dishes piled up in the sink—it only takes two seconds to clean them. It should be common sense to use your turning blinker in the car but for some, it isn’t, and it drives me insane.
You’ve come a long way from attending nursing school at USC. What drew you to become a recruiter for Prolink?
Coming out of college, I knew I wanted to help people in some form or another. Since I was not able to pursue a nursing career, my focus was to find a job where I could impact someone. I was drawn to Prolink because this was a job where I could professionally and personally grow while making an impact on those around me. I am able to help people find their right career path and steer them in the right direction. It makes my day when members of my talent are happy and are enjoying where they are working because Prolink was able to help them find the right fit. I am super thankful that I work for a company that prides themselves on growing everyone—not only their employees, but talent as well—in a professional and personal way.
Where would you spend an extended vacation? Explain.
The beach is my happy place. Put me on the beach in front of any ocean and I will be happy and completely at ease with everything. I grew up going to Atlantic Beach, Oak Island and Charleston—these are some of my favorite places to go to that are only a short drive from Columbia. I have been to Mexico and Key West a few times as well. I love the tropical white sand and crystal blue waters.
What was your favorite course in college that was unrelated to your major? What did you learn that changed the way you think about the world?
I was heavily involved with USC Dance Marathon while I was in college. It wasn’t necessarily a course that I took at USC, but it definitely took up a lot of my time and taught me more than I could ever imagine. Dance Marathon is the largest student-run organization on campus, and we raised money for the local children’s hospital in Columbia. During my time with Dance Marathon, I served on the executive board and helped facilitate our 14-hour Dance Marathon event that reveals how much money we have raised throughout the year. My senior year, we cracked over $1 million for the hospital. Being a part of this organization showed me the impact a group of students can make on a community and all the brave children in the hospital. I learned a lot about myself and what I can do with my time to make a difference for those around me. There is more we can do and bring to the table to make a change or achieve a goal—it just takes the time and commitment to make that difference.
What is your favorite meal to cook for someone else?
I am slightly obsessed with the Food Network and reading cookbooks. I think it is something that I inherited from both of my grandmothers, who loved to cook. I am a pasta lover, so my favorite meal to cook for someone is anything with a lot of cheese and carbs. I am an expert at making a delicious Southern mac and cheese, as well as homemade spaghetti or Bolognese. These meals usually bring a crowd to the table.
