Hi I’m Sarah, and thanks for visiting! I’m so glad you’re here!
I created this blog to help young adults, especially young women, navigate the waters of adulthood. This is how I came up with the name Navigate Open Waters. The open waters represent both adulthood and endless possibilities. Thinking about helping my readers encourages me to constantly learn, apply, and then translate that into my writing. My goal is that you feel informed, empowered, and inspired every time you visit!
I am a biochemist by day and an entrepreneur and writer by night. I’m passionate about Jesus, people, and America. Some of the values most important to me include faith, relationships, freedom, justice, growth, entrepreneurship, and health. I’m a firm believer that you should only take advice from the people who have the results and lifestyle you want.
I am a big sister to 3 of the most amazing people on this earth and being their sister is one of the greatest joys of my life. My brother James is 2 years younger, my sister Jess is 4 years younger, and my brother Tim is 8 years younger. My parents have been married for longer than any of us have been alive and are adjusting to life as empty nesters. My dad is a major source of the wisdom I’ve received in my life and my mom is one of my best friends.
When asked what my hometown is I struggle to give a simple answer. I grew up as a Navy kid and moved at least 6 times before age 5 (Monterey, Rhode Island, South Carolina, San Diego, Washington state, San Diego again). All of us siblings were each born in a different city. After moving to San Diego for the second time, we stayed there until I was 12, at which point my dad retired from the Navy. Then we moved to Riverside County, where I finished middle school and attended high school. So I guess you could say both San Diego and Riverside County are my hometowns.
In high school I was both an athlete and an AP kid. I graduated a valedictorian and captain of the varsity swim team. After high school San Diego was calling for my return and I answered. I always loved both biology and the arts, so I majored in Molecular and Cellular Biology and Classics (all things Greek and Roman) at a university in San Diego. After graduating 4 years later, the plan was to go to med school, but I learned that I would rather be in the lab. I’m still in San Diego and work in a lab at a biotech company. I love this city and have told myself that I would need a very good reason to ever leave (besides traveling, of course). I am currently working towards being able to run my own businesses full-time so I can realize the American Dream within the San Diego lifestyle.
I have been attending my current church since 2011 and am quite involved there. I co-lead one of the greeting teams, which we call the “Hi Team.” My church and church family are amazing. And I have developed friendships with the best people in this city and all over the world. I am very blessed. My life hasn’t been without some really difficult challenges, many of which you’ll read about on this site, but God has always used them for good.
Personality psychology and how each person is unique fascinate me. If you’re curious I’m an 8w7 (Enneagram), INTJ (Myers-Briggs), D and C (DISC), and Choleric/Melancholy (The 4 Temperaments). My Strengths are Learner, Responsibility, Significance, Achiever, and Input (Strengthsfinder 2.0). My love language is Gift Giving (although all categories are pretty important to me with the exception of Acts of Service) and I’m a kinesthetic learner. If you know anything about these types, then it won’t surprise you that my youngest brother describes me as, “No better friend, no worse enemy.” I’m fiercely loyal and when asked if I’m a lover or a fighter I tend to be in the “I will fight for love and justice” camp. I value kindness, loyalty, and bravery above most things (Gryffindor represent!).
I love being in the water, reading, Dalmatians, traveling, Italian food, dark chocolate, learning foreign languages, trailblazing, and challenging the status quo. My favorite word is crescendo and my favorite season is summer (bonfires, beach, pool, sunshine, what more could you ask for?). I love an adrenaline rush and I like almost anything that has chocolate chips. There have only been a few times in my life when I haven’t finished a tube of Chapstick, which apparently is some kind of a feat.
People who are consistent, loyal, and whose words match their actions inspire me. I think characters like Sam in LoTR are vastly underrated. I’m encouraged by stories showcasing the power of the human spirit like Unbroken.
Hopefully that gives you a glimpse into who I am, but I’d love for you to check out the rest of my site for the things that will help you grow into the best version of yourself!
Love,
Sarah