By: Katie S., Grand Worthy Advisor
Greetings California Rainbow! Many people have been asking me, “Where exactly is Visalia?” It is easiest to explain that it is between Fresno and Bakersfield on Highway 99, but I just know it as home. By now I am sure you have heard me talk about my pride in Visalia. My experiences growing up in Visalia Assembly provided opportunities for me to develop a better understanding of service and sisterhood. While in Rainbow, I have had the opportunity to be on the Membership Team, State Service Court, Public Relations Team, Leadership Team, and was a part of the Youth Supreme Training and Development Team. Now, I am a proud Milestone Making Meerkat!
Since I was six, I have enjoyed swimming competitively. From swimming at my local swim club, four-year varsity swimmer in high school, and now at College of the Sequoias, I can proudly say I have chlorine in my blood. My all-time favorite swim memories have to be the time when I qualified for a swim meet in Seattle and Texas! While in High School, I held WYL Champion titles all four years, competed at Valley, and even got to swim at the CIF State Championship with my relay. And when I’m not competing… I’m still in the water. The ocean, lake, river, swimming pool, if there is water count me in. I’m your girl! Needless to say, the water is my happy place.
Because of Rainbow and swim, I’ve had the opportunity to experience so many new places while discovering my passion for travel. The best vacations are when the destination includes visiting new places, trying new and different foods, and being adventurous. One vacation that sticks out to me was in Hawaii. We canoed upstream for two miles, hiked for another mile, and then Emily and I were able to swim under a waterfall. Way cool! Even though I love to travel to new places, my all-time favorite place to be is Disneyland©. I love the food, the rides, and most of all the feeling you get when you are there. It truly is my “happy place”. If you can’t find me on the rides, try Mainstreet USA or Salt and Straw in Downtown Disney, because I’m an ice cream connoisseur, you’ll be sure to find me there! When I’m not getting to travel, one of my favorite activities at home to do with my sister, Emily, is Carpool Karaoke. Highschool Musical is our main act, but don’t be surprised if Hannah Montana makes an appearance! I love to sing but just know I am not “the” singer! Emily has those genes!
I am beyond excited to travel this year. I can’t wait to visit new places, try new foods with Mr. Regier (and Mrs. Regier too), and expand our Carpool Karaoke band! I can’t wait to see all of the great things California Rainbow has been doing and most of all I can’t wait to travel with the Milestone Making Meerkats and meet all the girls throughout California. To quote one of my favorite songs, “Together, together, come on let’s have some fun!” Let’s make 100 milestones to celebrate 100 years of service and leadership and show the world what California Rainbow is all about.
