My history is, for the most part, rather straight forward compared to others boys that grew up in Holland, MI. I went to Holland Christian all the way from Kindergarten to 12th grade, I loved and enjoyed every minute, OK not every minute but I believe it was a good experience that prepared me for the next step in my life. Little did I know that the next step in my life was the United States Marine Corps. I spent the next six years jumping between the Marine Corps reserves and Calvin College. In 2003 I was called up and shipped off to Iraq were I built bridges for the 1st Marine division. I am now out of the Marines and teaching physical education at Legacy Christian School.

The Marine Corps changed my life. It opened my eyes to the world in a whole new way. Don't get me wrong Holland Christian was great and prepared me with the tools to take along on life's journeys, but the Marine Corps showed me that its not all fun and games.

If I can give one piece of advice from my life it would be, "Enjoy freedom and all it has to offer".