Personal Lines Underwriter, MMG Insurance

Age: 24

Home: Presque Isle

Where did you grow up and go to school?

I was born in Presque Isle and lived in Presque Isle as well as Caribou until I was twelve. Then my mom and I moved to the suburban Philadelphia area and I attended Pennsbury High School in Yardley, Pennsylvania.

What did you do after high school?

Having grown up in both Maine and Pennsylvania, I was worried if I should go back to New England or stay in Pennsylvania. Eventually I chose the University of Pittsburg, but came back to Maine every summer to work and see my family.

So you decided to go to Maine after finishing college?

After college, I was facing the same decision again of whether I should stick around or head back to Maine. I was really pulled toward Maine because it always felt like home's strong community where I could fit in and be myself, and see myself having a family and sticking around.

Was there value in your experience outside of Maine?

There's definitely value in having lived outside of Maine. In talking with other young people from The County and from Maine in general, I'm aware that there's a certain danger in taking your hometown for granted. By leaving that place for a short time and experiencing the lifestyle in other communities, you can really come to appreciate what you had at home. I think we all learn something new from living in a new place and it's a great feeling to bring that back with me to Maine.

What is it like as a young working-age person living in "The County"?

Life can seem kind of simple to outsiders. For instance, there may not be as much going on in terms of nightlife as compared to Portland. But here you feel like you are a vital part of the community as a young person. Every member of the community is drawn in and has an important role to play. I think I have formed some of my closest relationships here because people are very open to being involved in each other's lives.

You are planning to help start a new young person's group in central Aroostook County. What do you hope will be accomplished with this group?

I'm hoping that by forming a young person's group here that we can come together as a group to make a bigger and better difference in our communities and also to bring awareness that this is a great place to make a living, start a family and be active in the development of your community. I want to see young people playing an active role in having their voice heard in how change will happen, share their knowledge and encourage others to come back and join us.