Age: 17

Grade: 11th (junior)

Event: Literary Criticism

How long you've been competing in UIL: Since elementary school in Lipan

What's the most challenging/nerve-wracking thing about your event: The tie-breaking essay. I'm not good at timed writing and I like to check my answers when I'm done. By the time I finish checking my work, I'm almost out of time and my essays are always terrible.

Past honors in the event: This is my first year to compete in this event. I got 5th at one of the invitational meets, but other than that the only honors I've earned are the two bronze medals that allowed me to advance to state.

Extracurricular activities/other UIL events: Superior Plus rating as pianist in Sonatina Festival (April 2008)--qualifier for Honor Recital; Spelling; Theater Productions in One Act Play--Technical Director & Lighting Coordinator; Editorial Writing

College plans: I'm going to college for sure, but I have no idea where

Birthplace: Fort Worth, Texas

One thing your parents, a sibling or even a best friend might not know about you: I have a crush on Ernest Hemingway