Who is Marissa?

About Me

Growing up, I always knew I had a passion for music. I have a very hard time sitting still and I love to be actively involved in whatever I possibly can. I have always been busy, to the point of having to pack lunch and dinners every day before school, and not having enough room in my schedule for everything I want to do. I can spend hours a day practicing, and trying to achieve something new. I am hard on myself when it comes to my talents, and constantly find myself comparing to others. My recent change of mind has been to only compare myself to ME, and continue to develop who I really am, and better yet - who I can become. I want to be a music therapist, and help individuals overcome their hardships. Music has always been my saving grace for any struggle I am experiencing. As a song writer, I can get inspired by a simple melody or come up with the line of a song, and sit down and hack it out until it is finished. I have been writing music since a very young age. I love anything related to animals, fashion, good food, crafting, and the arts of course. I love little kids, and have enjoyed teaching piano lessons and guitar lessons the past couple years to beginning students. Traveling to Africa to do service work is one of my biggest dreams and goals I hope to accomplish within the next 10 years. I love the national parks, camping and hiking, and find peace and solitude out in nature. I also love all animals, especially dogs. There's nothing like a true best friend!

Why I am a Mormon

I am a Mormon because I was born into the church. But more than that, I am a Mormon because I CHOOSE to be. The gospel helps me be a better person.... and it's noticible too. People are always watching, and I love when people tell me that I look so happy, or that I'm glowing. Whenever I have recieved comments like that it was because I really WAS happy. The Church has so many volunteers and no one gets paid to fulfill their callings... this is a testimony builder to me that other people have faith and confidence in the church because they are willing to spend so much of their time giving back. I am a Mormon because I want to be like so many people that are around me and that influence me. Anxiety and fear have been some of my biggest weaknesses. The adversary knows just how to get me down. Vivid nightmares haunt me almost every night, and I tend to get really lonely and sad when I'm alone. Through music and with the help of the Spirit... I have found comfort in so many dark places in my life. A friend once told me that "happiness is a choice" and I try to live and encourage happiness every day. I'm a mormon not beause I have to be, but because I want to be. I need to be. So many blessing have come my way because of my faith. I'm a Mormon because you can't deny the spirit of the restored church upon the earth today!

How I live my faith

I am currently preparing to serve the people of Jackson, Mississippi. I leave October 23, 2013. I am so excited for the opportunity I have to serve Heavenly Father's children and I feel extremely blessed. I am going to learn and grow so much from the opportunity and I know I will come back a strong, confident woman, who is ready for the next chapter of life! A mission is something I never thought I would be interested in, but life has a way of getting complicated sometimes. My process to decide to go on a mission wasn't the easiest, but I have learned a lot about myself in the process, and realized how much I need the gospel in my life. The comfort, strength, and hope that the spirit brings to me is something I simply cannot live without, and I want to share how much better the gospel can make your life with other people. I don't know how I could live without the knowledge of Eternal Families, the Priesthood, the members of the church, and all the opportunities that the church gives me to better myself. I am so grateful for tithing, seminary and institute, family home evenings, leaders, teachers, friends, and families in the church that help me be a better person. I may not be the best at sharing the gospel, and that is one of the reasons I am going on a mission...... I want to get better at not only believeing in my faith, but LIVING it.