Sunkissed Stories

At 28 years old, my life is busy, loud, and full in the best way possible. I’ve been married to my husband for a year and a half, and together we are learning how to navigate life with our sweet 8-month-old daughter and our two dogs who somehow manage to keep the house just as chaotic as the baby does. Most days feel like a balancing act between bottles, laundry, lesson plans, and trying to remember what day of the week it is, but I wouldn’t trade this season of life for anything.

I teach 7th grade in North Carolina, which means no two days are ever the same. Middle schoolers keep me on my toes with their energy, humor, and constant need for snacks. Along with teaching, I also coach volleyball, which gives me another opportunity to pour into students outside the classroom. Coaching has taught me just as much about patience, leadership, and teamwork as teaching ever has. Even on the exhausting days, I truly love building relationships with my students and watching them grow into confident young people.

Faith is also a big part of my life. My family and I attend church regularly, and it’s something that keeps me grounded through the chaos of work, parenting, and everyday life. Between teaching, coaching, and raising a baby, life can feel overwhelming at times, but my faith reminds me to slow down and appreciate the blessings in front of me.

More than anything, though, I love the beach. Not just vacation-level love — the kind of love where if I could pack everything up tomorrow and live there permanently, I absolutely would. There’s something about the salty air, the sound of waves, and the slower pace of coastal life that feels like home to me. The beach holds so many memories from my childhood, and now getting to bring my own family there feels incredibly special. No matter how stressful life gets, the beach has always been the one place that makes everything feel peaceful again.