Kristin was born with a complex congenital heart defect and underwent open heart surgery as a newborn. She had another open heart surgery when she was in fourth grade, which is the first one she remembers. This surgery brought the lasting effects of the awareness of her own mortality, the fear of more surgery, and worrying about doctors, hospitals, and missing school.
Kristin participates in her school music department and show choir. Every time she steps on stage she realizes how blessed she is to have the ability to participate in such an activity that years ago would have been so difficult for her. She accepts that living with a heart defect is a part of who she is and hopes not to let that derail her from her dream of becoming an early Elementary Education teacher.
In high school, Kristin took advance placement classes and was a member of the National Honor Society as well as the Tri:M Music Honor Society. Kristin will be attending Southern New Hampshire University this fall studying Elementary Education. She will receive the scholarship all four years leading to her Bachelor?s degree. We wish Kristin the best of luck!