As a child of Salvation Army officers (pastors), Emory has always attended The Salvation Army. Though her local corps in Frederick, MD has barely any youth attendance, she hopes to change that. “I want to be the youth that makes a change. I want to inspire other people,” she shared. 

In early 2026, there was a moment when she attended Camp Hoblitzelle Fine Arts in Midlothian, TX that led her to take her faith seriously. 

She remembered praying that morning to read her Bible more, because it felt difficult for her. After praying, the speaker, Brad Fogarty, mentioned Proverbs and how it was a great book to read since there was just one every day. “It was that moment I realized this was my sign from God I was waiting for,” she shared. She committed to reading the Bible with more intention and purpose. 

Since that moment, prayer has always guided Emory through — even in the busiest moments and when it seems like God is silent. “Prayer is so powerful and helps you get a one-on-one with God when you feel like He isn’t there.” When Emory committed to reading the Bible more, she saw a change. She sought after God, and not after the world’s perception of her. She started surrounding herself with people who make her a more well-rounded person. “I try to stay in my Bible and look for specific verses, for I know the Lord will provide and prosper.” She credits her time at Camp Keystone in Starke, FL as a pivotal moment in her faith journey, saying that it was one of the best experiences of her life. “It is so refreshing to get away from the world and be in the mix of God’s children.” 

Emory hopes to be a nurse, saying that her faith would be very important as she steps into that role. “It’s important in the medical field because you may deal with all sorts of patients,” she said. “Some may be at the end of their time and you have to let them go — which can be very emotional, especially if you get attached. We might not understand why God took them, but God has a bigger plan than the human eye can see and we need to trust in that.”

For Emory, Proverbs 27:9 always hits home: “The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense.”