Life after Oak Grove

“After graduating, I chose to attend Willamette, a small liberal arts school in Oregon. Although people thought I was crazy for turning down UCLA, the smaller class sizes and sense of connection I experienced at Oak Grove resonated with me more. I earned degrees in exercise science and anthropology and after college spent several months traveling through Asia. Eventually, I moved to Austin, Texas, where I started my company, Springer. Inspired by the joy and connection my dog Rishi brought into my life and by how much my community valued their dogs as family, I saw the potential for thoughtful, smart design to enrich the bond between humans and their pets.

“Starting a business has been a profoundly soul-opening experience – something I never anticipated. Regardless of what happens with the business, I feel like I’ve already won because of the knowledge and personal growth I’ve gained. Oak Grove truly sparked this mindset in me, teaching me to view every experience as an opportunity for self-inquiry and growth.

“Prior to Oak Grove I struggled to feel secure enough to take risks. Being in an environment that felt safe allowed me to learn how to ask the right questions and taught me the strength that comes from vulnerability and keeping my heart open. This mindset has been instrumental both personally and professionally. As an entrepreneur, one of the most crucial lessons I’ve learned is to iterate instead of giving up. At some point, things will go wrong. Success isn’t just about making the right moves; it’s about being open to failure and not letting it deter you. Embracing risk means delving deep within yourself, and that’s where true growth happens.”