Name: Bailey MacDonald

Age: 21

Town/Neighborhood: Glendale

What I’m excited about & why: I’m excited to be starting nursing school in November. I’m excited about this because this will be my first big leap into working my dream job!

What I like most about living here: I love how beautiful and diverse this state is.

Changes I’d like to see in this area: I’d like to see the roads repaved.

Favorite community cause & why: One of my favorite community causes has always been the Walk to Defeat ALS. We started doing that in high school with a number of athletes from my high school. My family and I have continued to do it every year since. I love this fundraiser because it is for an amazing cause and participating is so incredibly rewarding when you are able to talk with some of the families that have been affected by ALS.

When & why I moved here: I have lived here my whole life.

My family: I have a very large family. However, my immediate family is rather small. It consists of my mom, dad, sister, grandma, aunt and cousin.

What I do: I work at Abrazo Arrowhead Hospital and I am a full-time student.

What I like most about what I do: I love the people that I work with. I also love the daily interactions that I am able to have with so many patients that come in and out of the hospital. It makes me happy knowing that I can make their bad/hard days better and more positive.

Previous occupations & why I left: I worked at a sports bar as my first job. Then I worked at a UPS store. Now I work at Abrazo. I left my job at the sports bar just because I wanted to experience something different, as it was my first job. I left the UPS Store because I wanted to work at a place that would benefit me towards my career.

If I had picked a different occupation, it might have been: If I had to pick a different occupation it would be an ultrasound technician.

My interests and hobbies: I enjoy working out and shopping.

The best and/or worst time in my life: The best time in life has been winning state three years in a row with my high school cheer team and being captain my senior year. The worst time in life has been when my grandma was diagnosed with three separate cancers back to back to back.

My best/worst habits: My best habit would be how hardworking and determined I am. My worst habit would be how much time I spend on my phone.

The trait(s) I admire in others: A trait I admire in others is the ability to always stay positive on the hard days and not let circumstances that are out of our control get them down.

People who inspired me (and how): My mom inspires me the most. She is always so supportive of me and my goals. She always encourages me and has no problem being honest with me.

My guiding philosophy: One of my guiding philosophies would be to stay healthy. Exercise often and be mindful of what I am putting in my body. In my opinion, it doesn’t matter how successful a person is if they are not healthy.

My advice to today’s youth: Stop trying to grow up so fast. You will miss these days. Also start looking into college’s NOW. Do your research and meet with advisors to get information as soon as possible.