Erin Ennes

About Erin:

Born July 15, 1986. Daughter of Mark and Mary Ennes of Valparaiso. Sister to Megan and Colleen. Graduate of Valparaiso High School class of 2004.

Accomplishments: Erin Ennes graduated in May from University of Southern Indiana with a Bachelor of Arts degree in advertising/public relations and Spanish. She graduated cum laude as a USI University Honors Scholar. Ennes studied abroad in Barcelona, Spain for a semester junior year and will return to Spain, specifically Priego DeCordoba in September to teach English at a primary school for children 3 to 12 years old. The one year commitment and the study abroad program are through Council on International Educational Exchange. "I'm really excited," she said. Ennes was an education major at one point and has worked with youth through her church as a small group leader and peer mentor.

At college, she was very involved in Student Government Association and served on its executive board for two years. She was a member of the school's honor program and its honors council, Alpha Mu Gamma foreign language honor society and ran track.

Personal heroes: "My parents. I really look up to them. They've been great role models and given me the motivation to graduate in four years and encouraged me to study abroad and go back to Spain too."

What I read: "I really like Jodi Picoult. I've read almost all of her books. She's definitely my favorite author."

Advice: "Never give up and at least try everything. Unless you give it a try and give it your best effort you never know what you can accomplish."

People might be surprised to know: "I love to enjoy live and enjoy the simple things."

-SUE BERO, Times Correspondent

To nominate someone for this feature, e-mail slbero@hotmail.com