I grew up mostly in the Nashville, Tennessee area. I became a Christian at a young age, enjoyed (and struggled through) the many facets of church life, and benefited from honest, faithful discipleship in my home. Home was always a safe place to wrestle with faith and ask the difficult questions. Doubts and concerns (most often confessed through tears) were met with understanding, compassion, patience, much conversation, and usually 2 or 3 books to read in the process. My parents remain some of the most important spiritual influences in my life.

After coming up through public school, I attended Auburn University for college — War Eagle! My time in the Loveliest Village on the Plains established my devotion to college football, produced lifelong friendships, and culminated in a B.S. in Computer Science. After graduation I traded the Deep South for East Asia where I spent 2 years studying Mandarin, learning how far my world view could expand, growing in my walk with Jesus, and discussing life and faith with fellow students.

I love school and learning in general. I can quote more episodes of Friends than I’m proud of. I am dedicated to crossing cultures with the gospel and I am committed to being involved in dissembling personal and systemic racism. I seek to contribute to increased biblical literacy, cultural competency, and emotional intelligence in the church.