My Autobiography

I had to write an autobiography as part of the Jesuit Volunteer Corps (JVC) application process. So here it is. I don't like writing autobiographies, they are so broad. How am I supposed to sum up 24 years in five pages and make it flow. I guess if I were a writer it could be a fun assingment. But I see it as a superficial look at my life. Where I went, who I knew, and a little about what I was thinking. Anyways, here ya go...

Hannah
Essay B: Autobiography
30 September 2007

I was born in Tucson, Arizona on October 4, 1983, to James and Rinna. They already had a four year old daughter, Sophia, from my mother’s previous marriage. A year and a half later our family welcomed my brother, JP (James Patrick). My mother was working as a paralegal and my dad with a local union as a sheet metal worker. Unfortunately, growth in Tucson was slowing down and my dad was having a difficult time finding work. He worked in California and Hawaii on separate occasions, but leaving his young family behind in Arizona was not a long term solution.

When I was five years old we packed up the house that my father had grown up in and moved to Seattle. My mother grew up in eastern Washington and had family in the area. My dad was able to join the local union and found plenty of work to keep him busy. My mom began working at a large law firm. My brother and I were bussed to Maple Elementary School. I attended Maple for two years before transferring to the Lutheran school near my house. I attended Hope Lutheran from third grade until graduation from eighth grade.

At Hope Lutheran I first came to know God. I took daily religion classes, went to church and/or Sunday school weekly, and went to youth group. At Hope I felt that I was part of a community. I met my best friend at Hope and was introduced to sports. While at Hope I excelled in basketball, volleyball, softball, and track. When graduation came I chose to attend a Catholic high school thirty minutes across town.

I loved high school! Bishop Blanchet High School showed me that being connected and part of a community is extremely important to me as a Christian and as an individual. I took more religion and scripture classes at Blanchet and participated in yearly retreats. I connected with friends who could speak freely about God and was a part of teams that prayed before each game.

While in high school sports continued to play a vital part in how I saw myself. I saw myself as an athlete. I didn’t excel in the classroom, but on the track I was a star. I set the school record in the pole vault, got third at the state meet, and was team MVP my sophomore year. I also made the junior varsity basketball team my freshman and sophomore years and was proving myself to be a valuable member of the team. My junior year of high school I went out for cross country in the fall. By the time basketball season started I had a horrible case of tendonitis and bursitis and was benched. Two months before track season was scheduled to start I had knee surgery. It was a huge blow to my identity. If I couldn’t play sports, who was I? What good was I?

By the start of my senior year I was ready for graduation. I began counting down the days until graduation in November. I didn’t know what I was going to do after graduation, but I did know I wanted to live on my own and go to college. Unfortunately, none of the state colleges in the Northwest thought I would be an asset to their communities. Not to be discouraged, I broadened my sites and looked into the community college in my former hometown, Tucson, Arizona. Pima Community College was close to the home I once lived in and it had a track program. I could do track, live on my own, and go to college!

My sister and I moved to Tucson in July of 2002. My parents drove down with us and helped us get set up in our new (old) home. The transition was an exciting one. I transferred from the Petco I had worked at for two years in Seattle, to a Petco in Tucson. I worked twenty hours per week, went to school full time, and had track practice each afternoon. I was very busy, but was thriving. I was part of the track team, which was my community. I did not seek out a church to be a part of, but enjoyed going home to Hope Lutheran and Blanchet whenever I paid Seattle a visit.

My very first college track meet was at the University of Arizona. My parents came down to witness the event. They also came down to tell my sister and me that they were separating and would be getting a divorce. This was a huge shock. I was unaware at the time that they were even having problems. I was upset, but tried not to show it. I have become very close to my parents since their divorce. I call them often and am excited to hear about their growth and adventures. I can’t say that I wish they had stayed together because I see how happy my mom is now. I wouldn’t want anyone to be denied that happiness. I just hope that my dad is able to find that sort of happiness someday.

After graduating from Pima with an Associates degree, I transferred to Northern Arizona University with two of my Pima track teammates. I did track at NAU for one year before retiring. I worked and went out with friends to fill my time. I still had not taken the time to think about God’s role in my life and my need to have Him with me. However, I did re-ignite my passion for teaching while at NAU. While learning about physical education and health I remembered why I wanted to become a teacher in the first place: I love kids!

I found several families in Flagstaff that needed weekly babysitting. Over the years I have become a member of those families. They have been there for me and I for them. One family in particular has been especially good to me. They hosted a graduation party for me and my family, provided me with a place to sleep when I needed it, and are always there when I need a hug.

In May of 2007 I graduated from Northern Arizona University with a Bachelor’s in health education with an emphasis in physical education. Though I don’t get my diploma until I complete my student teaching in December, it was a great time to celebrate. Also in May I broke up with my boyfriend of a year and a half. After our relationship ended I moved back to Seattle to work, save money, reconnect with family and friends, and reevaluate my plans for the future. This summer was the most amazing of my life. I had adventures (white water rafting, kayaking in the San Juan Islands, and sky diving) and had plenty of time to think and talk about my life. While talking with a friend from high school she mentioned JVC. I immediately researched it and spoke with a friend of ours who was currently serving. I also spoke with a friend who had a wonderful experience serving as an au pair in Spain. It was then that I realized how much I missed having a church and made it my goal to find one in Flagstaff when I came back.

I came back to NAU refreshed, energized and ready to conquer the world. I immediately became connected to Northland Christian Assembly, their college aged youth group, Chi Alpha (XA), and their women’s bible study. Since joining NCA and XA I have felt as though my life is right on track. It is an amazing feeling. I am part of a community again!

My life has been good so far. I have an amazing family, wonderful friends, and all the opportunities I could dream of are at my fingertips. However, I feel that the best is yet to come. Moving to Spain for six months, serving as a volunteer with JVC, and teaching are all adventures that excite me and encourage me. I look forward to what God has planned for me next.

*If you are a stalker, I think this provides you with all the info you need to track me down, best of luck to you.