What is your earliest gymnastics memory?: Participating in Flying High's Winter Tumble. I think I was around 6.
What is your greatest gymnastics moment?: Winning first at the state meet on beam when I was a Level 7 (in 2005).
What is the best part of gymnastics practice?: "Definitely my teammates. I love the incredibly close bond we all have throughout the season, how we get to know each other so well, and also
have a great time during practice."
What are two or three of your favorite gymnastics workout songs?: This is a tough one -- but I'd say "Remember the Name" by Fort Minor (which happens to be teammate Carolyn Cozza's new floor music) and "My Time" by Fabolous & Jeremih.
You've missed most of your first two high school seasons because of injuries. How have you maintained a positive attitude?: It's definitely been tough, and I owe a lot to my coaches and senior
teammates who know me and know exactly what I need when I'm having a tough practice. I'm truly looking forward to this season. As a senior, I realize that it's my last chance to participate in a sport that has had such a huge impact on my life. I hope to be able to contribute to the team as much as possible this year, and not just from the sidelines.
What do you know about gymnastics now that you wish you knew when as a freshman?: That my body can't always bounce back from injury like it used to. The aches and pains that you think will go away sometimes don't.
If you could instantly acquire one gymnastics skill, which would you choose?: I would want to instantly acquire a flawless bar routine. That's what I'll be working towards all season!
What is your favorite gymnastics saying?: If gymnastics were easy, they'd call it football.
What items do you usually visit the refrigerator for?: Depending on my mood -- edamame, iced tea, any kind of fruit, or milk that I can dip an oatmeal chocolate chip cookie into.
If you could be part of any current reality/non-scripted show, which would you choose?: 'So You Think You Can Dance.' I love everything about it! (Teammate Taylor Southworth) and I went to see a live show once and we always discuss our favorite numbers. If I could dance, I would definitely want to be a part of that show.
What do you enjoy about the Harry Potter series?: I have been a Harry Potter fan ever since my dad started reading the first book to me when I was about 6. I can't really pinpoint one specific thing that I like about the series, but my favorite book is probably the fourth ('Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire') because I loved reading about the tournament that takes place. However, the seventh book/movie ('Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows') comes in a close second. I can't wait until July 2011 for the final movie to come out!"
What would be a fantasy concert for you?: I like all different kinds of music, but my favorites are John Mayer, Joshua Radin, Taylor Swift, OAR, Ben Folds and Eric Hutchinson. If I went to an outdoor summer concert and each of these artists performed, I would be in heaven! My ideal venue would probably be Northerly Island. It's the perfect place for a summer concert in Chicago.
Do you have a favorite joke or something that always makes you smile?: My dog and everything about the Christmas season always makes me smile.
If you could become fluent in another language, which would you choose?: I think it would be awesome to learn Tagolog, the language spoken in the Philippines. I'm 50 percent Filipino and would love to learn the language of my grandparents, as well as all of my mom's side of the family.
What three items would you bring to a deserted island?: I would bring my iPod because I always listen to music, no matter my mood. Second would be my dog, Cooper. He always likes to cuddle and would be great at keeping me company. Third, I would bring and endless supply of Arnold Palmer (iced tea/lemonade), my favorite drink.