Ariel grew up in Louisville, a small rural town in southern Illinois. She first became passionate about creating awareness of sex trafficking her junior year of high school, after seeing the film Finding Home. This experience led her and a small group of equally passionate individuals to create the 7/20 Project. The project's aim was to spread awareness of modern day slavery and to have 700 people donate $20 each for a grand total of $14,000 that would then be donated to Rapha House. After graduating high school, Ariel attended Johnson University in Knoxville, Tennessee, to attain a degree in videography. She believes visual storytelling is the most powerful means of communication. While attending Johnson University, she was introduced to IJM and other local sex trafficking advocate organizations. Before getting connected with LJI, Ariel sought a career in the secular world of media, with hopes of being a light amongst the darkness. Intent on following the call of Jesus wherever it might take her, however, Ariel is taking a leap of faith and following Jesus to Nepal. Ariel is in her final semester at Johnson University. When she is not hitting the books, she enjoys writing, watching movies, Skype dates with her sisters, game nights with her friends, volunteering in children's church, sunsets, swing dancing, and adventuring outdoors.