Get To Know Abigail Kunz, Distinguished Young Woman of Idaho 2017

Name: Abigail Kunz

Age: 19

Hometown: Rigby, Idaho

College: Brigham Young University

Major: Early Childhood Education, Music Minor

Favorite food: Caramel rice cakes, you can eat them with anything, they’re healthy, and they’re super sweet so basically the perfect combination.

Favorite TV show: Dancing with the Stars! It’s my secret dream to be on that show someday.

Favorite Christmas/holiday tradition: Family Easter Egg hunt in the dark for Easter! And the real disclaimer, the youngest sibling in my family is 16 and the oldest is 31, so this isn’t an Easter Egg hunt for kids, it’s intense!

Current #1 most played song on your iPod: Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sontata”! I had to memorize a list of classical music for a class and it actually became my favorite playlist.

Favorite quote: “Today I shall behave as if this is the day I will be remembered.” -Dr. Seuss

Plan ahead OR procrastinate

I definitely plan ahead. That doesn’t mean I always accomplish everything I planned for, but I try really hard to keep my dorm, my academic calender, and my mind organized so that I can be effective and efficient! It’s super important in college to be on top of things or else you lose balance and that’s when it gets difficult.

Paper OR plastic

Plastic all the way, it’s just so much easier and I have more important things than washing dishes! 😊

Glass half-full OR glass half-empty

Taelor Neilson, WY’s DYW, taught me that it’s really not even about whether it’s half full or half empty, there could be just one drop or even just the glass and a really happy person would be grateful just to have the cup!

Introvert OR extrovert

I’m such a mix of both. Most of the time I would rather be in small groups but every once in a while, I love putting on a face mask and watching Downton Abbey all by myself.

Morning person OR night person

Night person, I hit a wall about 4:00 every day and I have to fight through nap time, but after that I just get progressively more energy.

What is your most embarrassing moment?

Last week I accidently threw away my phone and wallet in the food court, and didn’t realize it until I was completely out of the building. I finally realized what I had done and had to go back and dig through the garbage can and pull them out wet and slimy.. all while a group of cute guys at a nearby table watched. Welcome to my life haha!

What would I find in your refrigerator right now (if you have one)?

Honey Vanilla Greek Yogurt and raspberries!

What is your biggest fear?

Aside from my irrational fear of worms (the way they move is SO gross, don’t even deny it), my fear is that I’ll get to a point in my life where I’m totally comfortable. I want to always have something ahead that I’m nervous or scared for because it means I’m improving.

What is the one thing you wish someone had told you about college life that you had to find out on your own?

Never be afraid to ask questions; just because you’re a freshmen doesn’t mean ten other people aren’t wondering the same thing. In a lot of classes, it’s really not about age, it’s about hard work and aptitude.

Sum yourself up in three words.

Purpose. Improvement. Kindness.

Describe your single-most favorite moment from your Distinguished Young Women experience.

After finishing up dress rehearsals for the day, my group at nationals went to an assisted living center. I was frustrated with my talent (I sing) and I was stressed out about my real performance the next day. After I sang in an impromptu trio, the beautiful elderly lady named Betty with whom I had been sitting said, “you have a beautiful voice. Use your talents for God.” There was nothing I needed to hear more in that moment and I will always remember her kind words.