I grew up on a farm just outside of Cassville, Missouri, where hard work, faith, and the dream of owning something of my own shaped my early years. Life was built around routines—mornings feeding animals, afternoons at practice, Sundays in church, and long days in the field.
Sports were a big part of the community. Track, cross country, and basketball filled the seasons, and FFA (Future Farmers of America) taught us the value of discipline, leadership, and working with our hands. March 1st was always special—school was out for the opening day of trout season at Roaring River, a tradition that brought families and friends together at the riverbanks before sunrise.
Some of my best memories are of stopping by Whitley’s Pharmacy for an ice cream float, passing by Tomblin’s Jewelry, and seeing the local businesses that had been there for generations. These weren’t just stores; they were places where people built a living, not just earned a paycheck. But like so many small towns, Cassville changed when Walmart came in. One by one, the family-owned shops closed—the hardware stores, the jewelry stores, the places where people knew your name. Jobs that once supported families were replaced with low-wage retail work, no benefits, no future.
Even as a kid, I was drawn to learning, even when questioning wasn’t encouraged. I saw how access to information could challenge assumptions, open doors, and reveal the deeper workings of the world around me. Education became my way forward—not just in school, but as a lifelong pursuit of truth and understanding.
Over time, I honed my ability to research, analyze, and think critically, recognizing that an informed mind is the strongest defense against manipulation and broken promises. Whether through academic study, independent learning, or professional work, I remain committed to intellectual integrity and the belief that knowledge should be accessible to everyone.
Because the dream of owning a home, working the land, and building something lasting shouldn’t be a relic of the past—it should still be possible for anyone willing to put in the work.
