My 40 Year Dash

Chapter 1: Ames

My family's roots in Iowa are deep, built on hard work and a shared faith. My grandpa's relentless effort to transform a rocky farm into fertile land paved the way for his children's futures. My parents met through a campus Christian group, their shared beliefs shaping their lives and ultimately mine. From those early connections and a strong sense of community, my own story began in Ames, a place where faith and family have always been intertwined.

Chapter 2: The Randall Farm

My early years were a mix of farm life, family adventures, and a growing awareness of the world around me. From helping with sheep to near-misses on the farm, life was never dull. A significant moment marked a turning point in my spiritual journey. Then, a move back to Ames brought new friends and memorable experiences, including a hilariously misspoken introduction that's stuck with me. These formative years shaped my perspective and created lasting memories.

Chapter 3: State Street Days

Growing up, life was a unique adventure, from navigating our address-less home using a sticky note code to my early entrepreneurial ventures fueled by a $15 monthly "eating out" budget. Simple pleasures, like watching movies with Grandma Patey, were deeply cherished. My childhood was also shaped by farm work, where a near-fatal accident led to a significant shift in my path. These early experiences, both ordinary and extraordinary, laid the foundation for who I would become.

Chapter 4: Paper Routes

My first job was delivering newspapers, which came with its own set of adventures – from neighborhood bullies to early morning routes. One particularly strange encounter on my delivery route led to a change of scenery and a challenge on another route tested my problem-solving skills. These early work experiences provided an early education in the unpredictable world of work.

Chapter 5: Childhood Friends

Beyond the quirky routines of childhood, a significant part of growing up involved navigating the world of friendships. From a larger-than-life best friend who loved front-yard football to a group that shared first crushes and even a foray into the world of pretend radio, these early connections were formative. But as often happens, paths diverged, sometimes with poignant and lasting impact. This is a peek into the bonds of childhood and the ways they shape who we become.

Chapter 6: The Dawning of Sports

A childhood trip to see Grandpa, and the discovery of cable TV, unlocked a world of baseball and a pivotal World Series. Back home in Ames, this newfound passion blossomed into adventures and dreams of athletic glory, even if those dreams were accompanied by some hilariously misguided prayers. This is a glimpse into the early innings of my sports-centered life.

Chapter 7: Done with Homeschool

Elementary school was a unique experience, marked by video lessons and a lively cast of imaginary friends. But as the years progressed, the transition to traditional schooling brought new adventures, from awkward encounters in a Baptist school to the surprising thrill of middle school football and the camaraderie of AAU basketball. This marked the beginning of experiencing challenges and triumphs of navigating new social landscapes and discovering unexpected passions.

Chapter 8: Ames Middle School Gators

Entering public school after years of homeschooling came with a mix of apprehension and curiosity, especially given Mom's warnings. Navigating the social dynamics of middle school, from forming unexpected friendships to surviving awkward first crushes, was an adventure in itself. But amidst the typical teenage chaos, a surprising passion for running emerged, sparked by a record board and an encouraging coach. In this chapter I explore the challenges of fitting in and the unexpected discovery of a hidden talent.

Chapter 9: The Start of Youth Group

My youth group trip to Myrtle Beach that summer was a wild ride. We had some hilarious adventures, tried some new things that didn't quite go as planned, and definitely made memories that still make me laugh. It was a time of connecting with people and experiencing things that were totally outside my usual Ames bubble. That trip, with all its ups and downs, definitely left its mark.

Chapter 10: We Were Only Freshman

Freshman year brought the excitement of high school football, but an unexpected event off the field led to a sudden change of plans. While my time on the team was cut short, that same period brought a different kind of meaningful experience outside of athletics.