I grew up in Upstate New York with my wonderfully chaotic family of six. Together, my family owns and operates a local dairy and bakery. I went to University of Connecticut, graduating with a Bachelor’s in English.
After that, I moved to Alaska on a whim (I had never been more west than Texas). I went to the University of Alaska Fairbanks and got my Master’s in English, falling in love with Alaska while doing so. Now, almost four years after moving, I live in Southcentral Alaska. I am surrounded by beauty everywhere, and still can’t believe I get to drink my morning coffee while looking at mountains from my kitchen window every day. I love this little life up north.
I created MyDilemma as a way to write about dilemmas that many people have — big or small. Life is never easy, but it doesn’t have to be super hard, either.
My work life
I work in marketing for an Alaskan internet co-op called MTA. We are lucky to have a hybrid schedule, so you can catch me working from home on Mondays and Fridays. I specialize in writing copy, working in PR, and managing internal communications. I love my job so much and am very fortunate to be surrounded by wonderful coworkers!
My home life
I live with my partner, Ben, and our dog, Nali. Ben moved up to Alaska two and a half years ago, and like me, he fell in love with the state right away.
In April 2024, we adopted a Husky mix from a Canadian foster home. She was about six or seven months old when we adopted her, and every day since then we have fallen more in love with her! She is the sweetest thing.
We are constantly finding ways to get outside and enjoy the beauty of nature around us. In the winter, we nordic ski, watch the northern lights dance, and enjoy our short, cold days as much as we can. In the summer, we’re constantly outside (which is easy to do when we have 20 hours of daylight)! We love hiking, trail running, fishing in chest-deep water for salmon (which we eat all winter), and going on backpacking and camping weekend trips. We are so lucky to live in such a beautiful state.
My “me” life
After swimming competitively my entire life, swimming at UCONN, and swimming a fifth year at University of Alaska Fairbanks while I got my Master’s degree, I accidentally got into running when I spontaneously signed up for a trail marathon (a sport that allows me to breathe whenever I can? Count me in). The Equinox Marathon in Fairbanks, AK is one of the most fun races I have ever done; and little did I know, it was my gateway race…
Now, I run ultramarathons for fun. I’ve done some 50ks, a few 50 milers, and a 60 miler. If it’s a beautiful day outside, chances are, I’m packing up my running vest and headed out for a three or four hour solo run. I love my “me” time… I am always in good company.
My Dilemma 