Brielle Rushing is originally from Louisiana but found herself as a newcomer to the Lake Nona area. Rushing is part of the digital team here at Nonahood News and is a creative tool in the shed.

Extrovert or Introvert? Extrovert

Indoors or Outdoors? OUTDOORS

Sun or Snow? SUN

Dogs or Cats? DOGS

Coffee or Tea? Both have a special place in my heart, but if I were stranded on a desert island, I’d at least want coffee there with me.

Adventurous or Laid Back? ADVENTUROUS. Bring on the danger, bring on the life! The word “no” rarely exists in my vocabulary.

Canon, Nikon or Sony? CANON

Books or TV? Books

What brought you to the Nonahood?

I guess you could call me a Louisiana girl because I have lived in the rugged swamp for most of my life. My family has all lived there for generations upon generations, loving all the wild and rawness of Louisiana. I have recently moved to Lake Nona, and I could not be more thrilled for what is to come! I moved here with my fiancé and am here to stay! I fell in love with this community and genuine spirit that flows throughout the area. I could not think of a better place to live!

What’s your favorite hobby?

Painting!! I am a huge art enthusiast, and I enjoy creating beautiful things out of the world’s messes!

What’s your biggest dream?

My biggest dream is to open an art therapy studio that saturates the community in love and in life! I want to be a part of walking with people throughout their struggles and confusion and give them an outlet that helps them see how beautiful life can be.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

I see myself enjoying the adventure of life with my handsome husband, beautiful family, and maybe even some kiddos! Most of all, I see me making an impact on the community around me that transcends into future generations.

What are you most excited about in Lake Nona?

I am most excited about the community here. I think it is so beautiful the way people here support one another and genuinely care about building one another up. It is a beautiful place to live, and I couldn’t be more excited to get established here.

Who’s your biggest inspiration?

My biggest inspiration is family. They are some of the most incredible humans I have ever come to know (and no, I am not biased). Each person in my family inspires me daily to stay true to myself and always walk this life humbly. Their endless support and love in my life is the very reason I am who I am today. They are daily inspiration for me to become more human and more kind.

What’s your favorite book?

War and Peace by Tolstoy, The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, and Fear and Trembling by Kierkegaard.

What’s something you’ve done that scared you the most or brought you out of your comfort zone?

Skydiving and underground cave kayaking. My love for skydiving first began with trying to vanquish my fear of heights and the unknown. I have been three times so far and plan on going once every year to celebrate my continuous life without fear! Underground cave kayaking was my next big moment of overcoming fear. … I was severely claustrophobic and hated even the thought of tight spaces that made me feel trapped. While kayaking in this underground aquifer, I came to a very low cave ceiling that seemed nearly impossible to make it out of. The ceiling dropped down to a foot over the water and continued like this for several feet ahead. I had to overcome my fear, lean back to the floor of my kayak and walk my hands along the low ceiling to push my little boat along to the other side. I came out of that trip feeling accomplished and motivated to conquer any obstacle!

Describe one of your most memorable experiences.

One of my most memorable experiences was volcano surfing in Nicaragua. The people I met in that country were so free and so humble. They did not have much, but what they had meant the world to them. I stayed with several different local families while visiting, and the life lessons I learned from them are all something I carry with me. I was able to have the amazing opportunity of strapping on a suit and goggles and sliding down the silt of a volcano that seemed never-ending. My entire trip there is something I will treasure for the rest of my life.

Check back next month to get to know another Nonahood News staff member!