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.