ABOUT

Hey! My name is Kristyn and I'm 24 years young. 

I only graduated a year ago from college, but I think I already found my dream career. I'm a Child Life Specialist at a children's hospital in New Jersey - providing children with therapeutic interventions during medical procedures, educating them on why they're there, and helping them cope with the entire hospitalization through play and normalization. I feel so blessed being able to go to work with a smile on my face each and every day, and passing that smile on to the children that walk through the door. People say, "if you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life," and honestly, I have to agree.

I've been dating my boyfriend (and best friend), Salvatore, for almost 7 years now. He's shown me nothing but support, love, and passion, and I couldn't be more grateful to have such an amazing man in my life. He's such an incredible hard worker, and even when he has multiple things to do, he always makes sure I'm happy - no matter what.
 Read more about our story here. 

I used to write over at The Rise of a Novelist, but I have decided to start fresh - to blog about my passions, my life, my travels - and thus Twelve17. Love Notes & Travels was born. While I am passionate about writing, I also love traveling, photography, cooking/baking, and trying new things. I believe in lists, long and short - crossing things off, and adding more - doing things alone and completing things together. I don't want to look back on my life and wish I would have taken more risks. I've swam with sharks and stingrays, I've parasailed, and I've competed more 5K's than I ever thought possible. I want to travel near and far to see how different the world truly is, and how those differences only make the world that much more beautiful. 

Follow us as we navigate life hand in hand.