Personal Values: Shauna’s Version

Over the past five years, I’ve had to re-evaluate where I spend my time and energy. Between managing a full-time job, starting and completing a second master’s degree, buying a house, and welcoming two children in just 17 months, I’ve learned that being intentional with my energy is not optional - it is essential. This period has taught me the importance of making choices that honor my values, protect my well-being, and allow me to show up for the people and projects that matter most.

Purposeful Agency

Finding a way to label this value was not easy for me. I wanted something that captured both self-governance and autonomy. I am extremely independent. I take responsibility for my choices, actions, and responses, while ensuring that I am able to live my life according to my priorities. I make deliberate decisions about how I spend my time, energy, and attention, whether that means carving out space for personal health, managing my work commitments, or nurturing my family. Owning my path allows me to act with clarity, confidence, and purpose when life gets messy or unpredictable.

Honesty

The first tattoo I got was a few hours before midnight on what would be my 18th birthday. It is a phrase on my ribs that says, “No Lies, Just Love.” As much as I might want to be embarrassed by my first tattoo, because we are all philosophers at 17 years old, I am not. It is something I have always lived by. Ask anyone who knows me - I am honest to a fault. My honesty has gotten me into trouble before, but it is a choice I make because being truthful with myself and others is more important than avoiding discomfort. I prioritize honesty in all interactions, ensuring expectations are transparent and boundaries are respected. By practicing candor, I foster trust, meaningful connections, and collaborations that are intentional and impactful. One thing you will always hear me say is, “Say what you mean and mean what you say.”