Current Member Profile: Shayla Rollins (Joined 2016)

My hometown is… La Grande OR, born and raised. I left for a short time to see the world, well, Portland and California, but I was 18 and on my own so it felt like the world. I came back to La Grande a few years later to raise my kids and be close to family.

What do you want other members to know MOST about who you are? I care a lot about people, I think everyone is equal although not all are given the same opportunities. I believe everyone has good in them, some just make bad choices. My kids are the most important thing to me, my goal in life is to make sure they are happy, healthy, and grow up to be respectable, honest people.

#1 reason you joined Soroptimist? I want to be able to help people that haven’t had the same opportunities I have. I have been so blessed in life and want to help others achieve their goals.

Snack you always have in your desk or purse? Are you kidding, I have kids, we have pretzels, gold fish crackers, fruit snacks, yoo-hoo’s, granola bars, and gum.

What did you want to be when you were growing up and why? Future life goals? I wanted to be an Interior Designer, who knew I’d be an exterior designer without the glam. I love to decorate and make things pretty, organizing is relaxing to me. I never dreamed or knew about my current career but I do love it and hope to for many more years.

What makes you excited to get out of bed in the morning? Life! I truly love life, I have a nice home, great job, good health, a big family and kids. What’s not to be excited about? Although I complain about stupid little things as do we all, the big picture is amazing.

Best vacation yet? Future dream vacation? What defines a vacation? The Oregon Coast is my favorite place only because I haven’t seen much. The first time I saw the ocean I was 18 and thought it was the most amazing place so vast and peaceful. I dream of blue water and white sand with a warm breeze blowing the tiny umbrella on my colorful beverage, this will happen one day!

Anything else exciting, interesting, or unusual about you or your life? Nope, I’m a small town girl with small stories. I don’t consider anything in my life unusual or exciting but it’s mine and I wouldn’t change it for the world.

We love having Shayla in SILG!

Shayla with daughter Felicity at FOT 2018