Amanda Sumner
My name is Amanda Rose Sumner. I was born in Murray, Utah, along with my twin brother, on June 9, 1990. My brother Jordan and I joined my three older sisters Ashley, Rachel, and Kaitlyn in our home in Sandy, Utah. I have lived in the same house my entire life. I attended Parklane Elementary, Eastmont Middle School, and Jordan High School. I began competitive cheerleading when I was 8 years old and was ranked as the number one cheerleader in 2003. I then went on to be the first sophomore on the varsity cheer squad at Jordan High School. My father passed away my junior year due to complications of multiple sclerosis and there is not a day that goes by that I do not think of his optimism and courage. The things my father taught me helped me develop a greater compassion for those who have disabilities. I have always had the desire to help out with the mentally disabled and have been able to work with them in the school district and at my job for the past 18 months. It has been the best job and the most rewarding experience I could have ever asked for. These opportunities have led me to want to pursue a career as a behavioral specialist where I would continue working with the mentally disabled. I am extremely excited that I was accepted into my first choice school, Brigham Young University, and I am very much looking forward to the future.