I’m a student at the University of Arizona. So, my typical day includes waking up and attending my classes (where I fall into the world of journalism and writing), volunteering with Central City Assembly at their weekly Family Meal to feed the homeless, and spending the evenings with my boyfriend and two cats (Rocket and Batman). On the weekends I am a waitress at Lindy’s On 4^th. I absolutely love working at one of Tucson’s local faves, and have so much fun interacting with everyone—the servers, the cooks, the customers—it’s a great time.

I was born…

on January 29^th, 1995, in China, actually. But I was adopted by my loving mother and father and brought home to Flagstaff, Arizona, where I spent an entire 18 years before moving down to Tucson.

My favorite thing about Arizona…

I’m absolutely enamored with the mass expanse of desert across the Arizona region. The big, open skies and the sunsets that dance across sandy dunes are almost indescribable. No, it’s definitely indescribable, and also unable to be captured in photograph alone. It’s something everyone should see at least once in their life.

I’m listening to…

a lot of rap, A$AP Rocky and Kendrick Lamar in particular. I love Lamar’s intelligent, meaningful, and very “real” lyrics. I also have a shameless obsession with 80s pop (what can I say, a girl just wants to have fun)!

My family…

is amazing. It’s me, my parents, and my dog Millie (she’s an Australian Shepherd; check out my Insta for pics!). My parents are both incredibly smart, talented, loving individuals. They are my inspiration for showing me that if you have a passion for something, you can find a way to make a living doing what you love. They are the embodiment of the classic “choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”

If I could have dinner with anyone, it would be…

Emma Watson. She was my first celebrity idol in childhood, circa Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. I was 6. Guys, she’s gotten even cooler since then. Emma is an inspirational feminist figure within society and a great young leader (check out her work with He For She). I admire her greatly, and also think she’s totally Euro-classy.

One thing I cannot live without…

my planner (and colorful pens!). My planner helps me plan my weeks so I can be productive and get things done and work towards my goals day by day. The colorful pens are just a bonus to the pleasure and contentedness I get from organizing my life

When I was younger, I wanted to be…

a detective! I wanted to solve crimes, outsmart villains, and use gadgets.

I’m inspired by…

the good in the world. Daily we hear of terrible things going on in our country and around the world, but from the heart of the darkness always emerges those who are compassionate and kind. Those people inspire me to change the world for the better, and to always have hope for a better tomorrow.

The one person who motivates me is…

my mom. My mom has always believed in me and my abilities, supported my endeavors, and offered life advice to soothe the soul.

If I could change anything in the world, it would be…

the way women are treated by society. Women are capable of so much more than what society gives them credit for.

The perfect day would be…

spent exploring and adventuring in Paris. I have huge wanderlust right now and would love to drop everything and just travel! There is so much we can learn about one another and cultures different from our own through immersion and experience in other parts of the world. Though there are many places I would like to travel, I always circle back to Paris. I’ve been there twice now, and wouldn’t hesitate to go again.

My first job was…

as a fashion advisor and sales associate at Shasa. Working retail at a trendy clothing store really allowed me to explore my fashion and style, and interact with others who have an interest in design. It was always fun outfitting customers for their big days (prom, birthdays, parties, and more).

My favorite escape…

is to go on a long drive. Playing my favorite music and driving as far as I can in one direction has always cleared my mind and restored my tranquility. I used to drive up to Snowbowl in Flagstaff doing this.

My life…

is all about bettering myself and bettering the world. It’s fascinating reflecting upon your life, seeing the progress you’ve made, and remembering the ways in which you’ve changed. You start to identify with your morals and values, and realize the power you have as an individual to impact the world. The power of the individual is both humbling and empowering.

I’m currently working on…

a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism at the University of Arizona. I am in my third year in the journalism program and love integrating my passion for writing with the journalist’s commitment to trustworthy storytelling. Journalists are held to the highest standard of truth, honesty, and accuracy, but I think those are also valuable characteristics in a person as an individual. Other than that, I am working on launching a beauty blog to review Ipsy’s monthly Glam Bags, as well as drugstore makeup products (which are more likely to be in a college gal’s budget than the high-end products that are often featured).

Always…

love yourself! Some would argue that this is cliché, but it’s a message that could never really be overdone. You only get one life and one body, why waste a second thinking badly of yourself. There is only one me, and only one you, walking amongst billions of individuals who are also as unique and different as you and I. Love your individuality and you will be unstoppable.

Never…

forget that you are loved. Remember that if you need help, all you have to do is ask, and someone will come. That’s one of the biggest things I learned from entering the Face of Foothills contest. I really didn’t know what I was getting into, and I’m new to the world of modeling, but despite everything my friends and family were more than happy to support my dreams and vote for me. Their help is the reason I have gotten so far and am here today.

Favorite Quote…

“People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; never throw out anyone.” –Audrey Hepburn

Biggest Dream…

I would love to become an esteemed journalist and fashion icon. I believe in fame in that it gives one a platform of power, from which they can be outspoken and influential regarding the things that matter to them most. If we had more celebrities talking about the inequalities and systematic oppression that persist in modern day society, we would see the large fan base that looks up to them listen and learn about these issues, and as a whole we could make efforts to make the world just a little bit brighter of a place.

My Pet Peeve(s)…

I can’t stand when people are judgmental and make assumptions about one another. Even on the most superficial level, it can be damaging to an individual, and plays into intolerance and hatred. Why not spread love and positivity?

Find out if Phoebe will be named the 2016 Face of Foothills on December 18 at AZ Foothills Annual Holiday Bash! The soiree of the season will be held at Livewire, voted the Valley’s Best Concert and Special Event Venue. Guests will enjoy a fashion show from Ford Robert Black Agency and Glam Lounge Artists, the reveal of AZ Foothills 2016 Face of Foothills Model Search winner with styles by bebe, Best of Our Valley celebrations, live musical entertainment, and more festive fun.

RSVP for the Holiday Bash here. For a limited time, RSVP guarantees complimentary admission plus two free drinks. In addition, AZ Foothills party goers will receive comp’d admission to the After Party at Maya Day & Nightclub featuring world-renowned DJ, Cedric Gervais. Space is limited so RSVP now.