I was born in Norfolk, Virginia; but from the time I was four years old, I grew up just south of Austin in Manchaca, Texas. My family attended Santa Cruz Catholic Parish in Buda, TX. This parish had a strong sense of family and community, and thus played a large role in my formation as a young Catholic.

In 1992, my father, David, passed away which resulted in me struggling with my faith in God. I attended St. Michael’s Catholic Academy in West Austin, and I began to devote my time to learn more about the Catholic faith, developing my relationship with God. After high school, I attended Texas A&M University where I earned a B.S. degree in Biochemistry and Genetics. Originally, I considered going to medical school but then decided to follow my dream and become a police officer. I then spent the next seven years working for the College Station Police Department as a dispatcher, then police officer, detective, and crime scene investigator. It was through my work at the police department, service to my community, daily mass attendance, participation in my local parish, and much prayer that I began to hear God’s call to the seminary. This past year, I worked for my parish as the Resource Development Director. Working in a parish for a year intensified the stirrings in my heart to discern a vocation to the priesthood. I feel strongly that God has called me to the seminary to formally discern His will for my life and a vocation to the priesthood. I am open to discovering God’s will for my life as I know that is where I will find true joy and fulfillment.