Mareesha Backman (Hoyle):  

Life Currently I live in Washington State and just graduated from Graduate school at the University of Washington. Life has been great as I have had so many opportunities and adventures. Right after high school I served as a U.S. student ambassador to Japan (missing H.S. graduation). I returned home to start school at EWU where I spent the next five years working on two degrees (International Affairs & Sociology), and a scholarly work (with the Ronald E. McNair program). A year before I was finished I headed off to Spain to study at a private University and to travel. I came back and was proposed to by my husband in a hot air balloon on a sunny afternoon. We were married a year latter (right after graduation) in what felt like a fairytale wedding. My husband and I spend much of our free time traveling and exploring the outdoors. We have also been remodeling our house for the last two years (without the help of contractors). School High school was an adventure in it self, as with all challenges in life there were highs and lows. During the first two years of high school I struggled a lot with my foster family, and things only got worse when I was kicked out of my home senior year. I felt like the world was crashing down on me. It was with the love and support of my best friend/sister that I was able to finish school. I also received a lot of support and encouragement from the C.V. Counselors, as they took me aside and helped me overcome so many of my fears. After much encouragement, and support I went off to college. I honestly feel that without the encouragement and support of the counselors and some of the other faculty and my...Expand for more