Closing Social

Board Transition Brunch

Saturday, May 16th at 10:30 a.m.

Contact: Julie Randall at benandjulier@hotmail.com

Board Members from 2008–2009 and new board members for the 2009–2010 year are invited to attend a Board Transition Brunch, where past board members will have a chance to talk to new board members about their roles in the organization. Invitations will be mailed soon, so please e-mail any address changes to Julie as soon as possible.

    Julie asks that board members from 2008-2009 please write a paragraph about your responsibilities, including recommendations for your successor. Please e-mail those paragraphs to Julie by the beginning of May.

Member Spotlights

Learn some names, faces, and fun facts about fellow MSA members, and then look for them at upcoming events!

Annette Brown grew up in Loveland, CO and loved the perks of living in a smaller town at the base of the Rocky Mountains. It was always rich in tradition. After high school she came out to Dixie State College and there met Ryan, who was also attending school. They were married in the fall of 2002 and transferred up to the U the following school year. Annette studied Human Development and Family Studies and graduated with her B.S. in 2006.

    While finishing school the Browns had Kaylie, who is now almost 5. Annette says that Kaylie came to them with “wisdom beyond her years, which always makes for fun conversation.” She will start Kindergarten in the fall and is excited for that adventure. James is 2 1/2 and “full of spunk.” Annette says that “he has a look that will melt your heart and he uses it to his advantage every five minutes.”

    As a family the Browns enjoy going on bike rides and playing outside, playing games, and watching basketball. Individually, Annette loves to make and create things with her hands: crafting, sewing, digital scrapbooks, and home decor. She’s always up for trying new things.

    “Medical School,” Annette says, “has been a journey that has been an awesome ride. Ryan and I have loved living on campus and all of the support that we have had from those who are ahead of us in the game. Having the support of women in MSA has made the time fly!” One of Annette’s favorite events has been Medical Marriages, which she says “gives you a sense of perspective of where we are in life and what is to come.” But she also loves the smaller activities that are ongoing throughout the year like book group and play group. “At these events,” she says, “you’re able to develop relationships with excellent people!”

MSA member Rachel Holman grew up in a starter home subdivision in Spanish Fork. She fondly remembers the summers there: “Kick the Can, trampoline sleepovers, and the smell of the grass are all vivid memories,” she says. Later she went to college at SUU in Cedar City, eventually earning a BA in Dance and Health Education. There she met her husband, Nate (now a third-year medical student), while performing in Acclamation, a singing/dancing group. “We both love performing,” she says, “and we try to keep up on our musical talents.”

     The Holmans have two sons, Brenan (7 months) and Jackson (2 1/2). Rachel calls Brenan her “smile child and little monkey (because he loves being held!).” Rachel says that Jackson is smart and “has the cutest things to say that would melt anyone’s heart.” Tender Jackson loves to cuddle at night after story time, but he can also be “crazy and wild,” which Rachel says sometimes makes her time with the boys “a little on the scary/pull my hair out side.”

     Although it’s sometimes overwhelming, Rachel enjoys the proud moments of motherhood. “I feel especially proud when I see my kids excel,” she says. “Jackson is getting his potty training down so well, and Brenan is starting to clap, wave, and jabber.” Another source of pride comes from Nate’s successes, like good test scores or when he finds time to spend with the family despite his busy schedule.

     As the Holmans look forward, Rachel says that they’re excited to decide which field Nate will enter. “Seeing an end in sight is exhilarating,” she says. “I know that there is still a year until we’d even know where we are going for residency, but it sure helps to picture the lifestyle that is awaiting us.” In the meantime, Rachel is enjoying her membership in MSA, including fun activities and fortifying friendships. “I really like the bowling nights we’ve done in the past,” she says. “It is always fun to get to know new couples and to eat food!”

Busy mom and fourth-year med student spouse Timani Buck surely inspires us all! Timani grew up in Tri-Cities (Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland) Washington, and she is still friends with many of the good people from that area. Timani describes herself as a social person who loves getting to know people, a characteristic which she says may explain her “addiction to the internet (Facebook, blogs, and email).”

     The Buck household certainly must be a social place: Timani and her husband, Dan, have eight children! Lance (15) is a bookworm, new driver, and high school swimmer and water polo player. Timani says he has a “brilliant mind.” Social Ellexis (13) enjoys service activities, fashion, and cosmetics. An inclusive and artistic young lady, she is the Student Body VP at her school. Timani describes Trevor (12) as “hilarious, quick-witted, a hard worker, an entrepreneur, and dependable.” He loves babies and is his mom’s best helper. Sports-minded Ean (9) loves to work with his hands, fixing or building things. He has a ready smile and is eager to learn. “Brilliant” Seth (8), is also creative,  inquisitive, and energetic. He uses some of that energy to proudly support the Utes! Little Lily (2) knows how to charm with her expansive vocabulary and overall cuteness. Timani describes Macie and Zeke (3-month-old twins) as “so different yet absolutely perfect and well-loved!” Managing a large family with a medical student spouse is certainly an accomplishment, and Timani feels proud of her family’s hard work. “I wanted a large family,” she says, “and I didn’t put my life on hold so my husband could achieve his academic/career goals. It takes a lot of teamwork and sacrifice, but we’re proving it can be done.”

     Even throughout this busy time, Timani has enjoyed volunteering and says that she’s “a sucker for a service project.” She says, “My children’s education is a top priority, and I’m in their school as often as possible.” During much-needed school breaks, the Bucks like to travel, “as HUGE of an ordeal as it is!”