Jessi’s Journey
My journey began in a small north Fargo home full of laughter, noise, and love. I was always curious, thoughtful, stubborn, and driven. My environment probably had a lot to do with that – potentially the result of competing for my parent’s time and affection from my three sisters.
My mom, Deb, and my sisters Chelsey, Katie, and Laine
Always wanting to impress, I struggled with being a B-student and as I was good in sports I was never great. But what I lacked in smarts or athleticism, I made up in grit and tenacity.
I enlisted in the Air National Guard during my senior year of high school and it was one of the best yesses I ever said. From being that girl who reported to basic training with Old Navy flip flops and manicured nails, I served just shy of eight years. The people I met, the travels, incredible experiences, and learning opportunities have made a lasting impact in my life. I will always be proud seeing service members and veterans salute during the national anthem.
Saying yes to new experiences is interwoven in my journey. It has taken me to many incredible places (Nashville, Colorado, Alaska, Hawaii, Germany, United Arab Emirates, Japan...) and to people who have lifted me up and have kindly shown me how to be better.
It pushed me to apply for an internship with North Dakota Senator Conrad’s office when I thought there was no way they would offer me the position. (They did).
It pushed me to apply for the Laurie Loveland scholarship at NDSU where I was so nervous interviewing with Heidi Heitkamp that my hands were noticeably shaking. (I was awarded the scholarship).
It has unearthed new experiences, such as sand surfing in Abu Dhabi, climbing Pike’s Peak in Colorado, witnessing the beauty of Multnomah Falls, and skydiving.
One of my favorite yesses though included moving across the country to Bend, Oregon where my husband and I lived for eight years. We said goodbye to family, jobs, our house, and together began a new adventure. We learned to ski on Mt. Bachelor, floated the cold Deschutes river, enjoyed our fair share of Fresh Squeezed IPAs, realized the power of community, and welcomed babies. It was memorable, loving, and fun.
In 2019, we left a piece of our heart in Bend and made the journey back to Fargo. We sold our house, said goodbye to dear friends, and loaded up the U-Haul to make the 1500-mile journey back home. Fargo is home.
The yes is easy to say and do in hindsight. In the moment, it can make me uncomfortable, be intimidating, expose my fear of failure, and the ever-present tug of not feeling good enough.
My journey is not picture-perfect. Between these lines are loss, sadness, and insecurities if I am doing life right. But most journeys are just that, which is why Glaze and Grit is important - to share with you that you are not alone in your journey. To be authentic and honest with each other while on this amazing journey of life we are privileged to be on.
