Q: When did you first join R4R and how did you learn about us?
A: I joined Rhett in 2023. I first heard of R4R when I did my first Run to Feed the Hungry in 2021. I was walking back to the car after the race, and I saw a couple wearing blue shirts with the name Rhett on them. I asked them about their shirts, and they told me the story of how Rhett started. It broke my heart, in a good way. I thought about it for a while and made the decision to join a positive movement.
Q: Where in the South did you grow up and what did you enjoy most about your time in the South?
A: I grew up in Vernon, Alabama. It is the county seat (what we call the capital of a county back home) of Lamar County located in the Northwest section of Alabama. It is nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. I enjoyed the simpleness of Vernon. Everyone knew each other and where they lived. If you ask someone for directions on how to get somewhere a standard answer could be you go past Mrs. Hall’s house and make a right because everyone knows where Mrs. Hall lives. I enjoyed black eyed peas, cornbread, and watermelon. My dad grew a huge garden every year and we had a ton of fresh vegetables grown from the Alabama ground. My brothers and I spent our summers shucking corn and shelling peas to help put up the garden (freezing and canning done by my mother) so the family could enjoy vegetables all year. I miss those times. I just realized how much love there was coming from that garden my dad planted every year.
Q: What has been your most unusual or interesting job?
A: I would say teaching assistant at Folsom State Prison as my most unusual or interesting job so far. I felt like I was doing so much for the greater good proctoring tests for the incarcerated population. It was wonderful to see them graduate from college programs and learn a trade. It felt like helping God’s children while I was in that position.
Q: How do you like to spend your free time? Any hobbies of note?
A: I love going to farmers markets. I enjoy reading. I love to write in journals. Writing is something that I really enjoy doing. This year I enjoyed learning how to paddle board and getting to go kayaking with my daughter.
Q: What’s something most people don’t know about you?
A: I have been called a wind dancer. I am that much fun! I love adventure and meeting people. If you say hey let’s go, try (fill in the blank) I am your Huckleberry. I would like to be invited to more things and participate more in R4R in the upcoming year. I would like to build some friendships in the walking/running community. I love you all and would like to get to know you better. I look forward to more walks, runs and races with you guys in 2027!
Q: What has been your proudest moment since being a part of the R4R family?
A: A moment that I am proud of is when the Rhett crew met up in Davis and ran the Davis Stampede to honor Daniel Padron. Daniel was such a sweet man. He was wonderful to take a walk with and have a conversation together. I am glad that I got to participate in honoring his memory.
Q: If you were a vegetable, what would you be and why?
A: I do not know what vegetable I would be, but I do know what fruit I would like to be. I would like to be a banana. I think they are a very fun fruit.
Q: How would you describe your Runnin’ for Rhett experience to a child?
A: I would describe it as fun and rewarding. You get to take pride in what you have accomplished and make new friends. And you get to look cool doing it! And you feel happy too!
