Hey everyone! I’m Hayden, Haley Nicole’s other half, and I’m excited to be helping out around here more. I’ve been able to assist Haley with different projects for the past several years, and we’re both pretty thrilled that I’m stepping into a more prominent role. To kick off my new “promotion,” we thought it would be cool to share part II of Haley’s “5 Things You Didn’t Know” series {you can read the first post, here}. So, let’s get this started –  here are a few things you may not know about me!

1. I want to be a doctor when I grow up.

I’m currently in the Doctorate of Physical Therapy program at Maryville University of St. Louis. It’s a 6.5 year program from start to finish, and I just finished my 5th year of classes and my first two clinical rotations. After six weeks off, I’ll return for another year of classes followed by being on the road for 30 weeks of clinical rotations, and I’ll graduate in December of 2019. I chose this field because I am fascinated by the human body and I want to build relationships with people while making a tangible impact on their lives. I can’t wait to be out working and making a difference!

2. I’m from a farm in Southern Illinois.

From 4th grade through moving out for college, I lived on grain farm owned by my dad and grandpa. I spent most of my summers mowing lawns, driving tractors, and power-washing equipment. I had the opportunity to work with my dad and grandpa full-time, but they were persistent that I should do whatever I feel called to. I love the pace and simplicity of being on the farm, but physical therapy is what I’m really passionate about.

3. I’m a die-hard Boston Celtics fan.

I’ve been playing basketball since I was in 1st grade, and it was a huge part of my life for many years. I’m around 6’1, and I have been since 8th grade. I was a tall center in middle school, but as I continued to play in high school, everyone else caught up in height. I started to realize that playing for the Celtics was a bit of a long shot. However, I still love watching Boston and keeping up with them. The love for the Celtics started from my grandpa Terry who is the biggest Celtics fan you’ll ever meet. He was married on St. Patrick’s day, gave my grandma an emerald ring, and his carpet is even green. I’m not quite the super fan he is, but I inherited the love for the Celtics.

4. I’m not very picky about food.

I never have been very particular about the food I eat. I love eating good food, and there aren’t many foods that I don’t like. My mom and mom-in-law are amazing in the kitchen, and I’m always pumped to try anything they make. Anywhere we go, I want to make sure I don’t miss out on something new to eat. That typically that means I try the craziest and wildest items on the menu. I’ve tried different combinations of sushi, squid, shark, lamb and deer, and that’s just the meats! During my undergrad, my buddies and I would go out after each semester and challenge each other to 20 oz. burgers {with everything on them}, large fries, and a large milkshake. I’ve had the opportunity to try quite a few different things, but I’m always on the hunt for something new. If you know of a crazy dish – let me know!

5. Jesus is my motivation.

Not to be cheesy, but my perspective on everything is a little different because of my faith. Knowing that God has a purpose for my life gives me a reason to do everything I do. Haley and I are able to handle whatever life throws at us because at the end of the day, we know our worth and identity come from Him, not from feelings or opinions.

I hope you enjoyed learning a little bit more about me! Send me a Facebook or Instagram message if you have any questions or comments. I’d love to hear from you all and know you better too!

Stay Classy

-Hayden

*All photos courtesy of my lovely wife, Haley Nicole *

Most of these photos are from when I’m the light testing subject for different photo shoots. Someday, maybe we’ll pull together a blog post full of outtakes.