I met "Hayz" on their first day of college. We went on to room together for 3 years at Penn State. After graduating, Hayz moved to Anchorage - another long-distance relationship! - and took a job working in the oil industry. He currently lives in Houston with his wife and two kids.

Phoebe is my sister! She recently graduated with her JD from Penn State Law School and is moving to Pittsburgh to be closer to me, her favorite person (...she'll also be working at a firm in Pittsburgh as an Associate Attorney working in the medical field which is absolutely incredible and...yadda yadda... ) but mostly she'll be closer to me!! I admire Phoebe for her wit, her energy, and for the person she has become. I am proud of her for many reasons, least of which is that she is now a J.D. I am proud that she is kind, and thoughtful, and generous. She loves well and I'm lucky to be her sister.

“Mort” showed up at my door prior to his junior year at Penn State – literally, he moved in next door. Upon graduation, Mort developed into a successful PGA Golf Professional before transitioning into the financial sector. He grew up and continues to live in Ligonier.

Taryn lives in Pittsburgh and works for Amazon! Taryn has been my best friend since we were in diapers! We've been through a lot in those 20-something years. One thing that has never faltered is her true desire to see me happy. She will go to the ends of the earth for the ones she loves. She loves fiercely, intentionally, and freely. I'm so lucky to get to be a part of her life, until we're in diapers again. Love you, T.

Emily currently works at A.I. DuPont Hospital for Children as a Speech Language Pathologist. Emily is my fabulous, wonderful, amazing cousin and friend. We are often mistaken for each other when we are with our families not only because we look alike, but because we walk alike, we talk alike...you've heard the song. Emily is human sunshine. She looks for the best in everyone, she makes everyones' lives more bright and full, and she's just my true soul sister. I love her so much.

Once again lucking out with new neighbors at Penn State, “Don” and I hit it off right away. Don grew up in Ligonier and, after earning his engineering degree, accepted a position at FedEx. He lives outside of Charlotte with his wife and son.

I met “Lloyd” through mutual friends upon moving to Ligonier. Lloyd is a man of many skills, but recently found his true calling in the financial industry. He grew up in Ligonier and still lives in the area.

Lauren currently lives in Florida with her husband and is working as an Occupational Therapist. Lauren became my friend at Pine Springs Camp in 2011. We hit it off right away as we were in a camp with 5 people...us, and 3 boys. We had no choice but to love each other. But, Lauren makes loving her easy. She is steadfast, strong, and wise. I love this girl.

Clayton and I first crossed paths in 8th grade English class, and quickly formed a friendship by trying to outwit each other. Clayton would go on to attend the Police Academy and has been an officer for over 15 years. He lives in Maryland with his wife and son.

Bennett lives in Cleveland and works at the Cleveland Institute of Art as an admissions counselor. Bennett and I met during Teach for America in 2016. I was immediately drawn to Bennett because of her incredible sense of style and witty sense of humor. In TFA, you would very rarely see me without Bennett and our other dear friend Rachel. Bennett was a rock to me during a lot of difficult times. I admire her for her resilience, for her insight, and for never getting tired of catching me up on the celebrity gossip I miss. I love you, bb.

Keeping with the "friendly neighbor" theme, I met "Mel" while at Penn State. Mel also grew up in Ligonier and earned an engineering degree. He currently works for Under Armour and lives outside of Annapolis with his wife and two kids.

Sophia lives in Ligonier with her husband and works in local schools as an Occupational Therapist. I met Sophia at Cate Cummings' spin class in 2018. There was a moment at a "spin class party" where I turned to her and said, "I think we should be friends." And so, we were. Since then we have had many adventures. We have gone on trips, gotten several new fur babies, cooked, cried, built things, broke things, played things, and eaten A LOT of cheese. She is dependable, loving, kind, thoughtful, supportive, and so much more. I feel so, so lucky that I get to be your friend, sweet one.