With a sunny disposition that would rival even Minnie Mouse, Christa Thomas is a big dreamer who proves that attitude (and confidence) can get you far. After graduating from college at The University of Montana with a photojournalism degree, she moved to Charlotte, N.C., where she became a sports photographer who clicks pics primarily for NASCAR races and events, and sometimes even an NFL game or two. She even achieved her big goal of flipping through the glossy pages of Sports Illustrated to find a photograph she took — on more than one occasion. Christa loves her time outdoors, whether it's spent running, biking or playing frisbee golf. She also loves reading, especially fantasy and science fiction. And like many of us, she starts her day off with a cup of hot coffee, because it makes her so happy. (We can't disagree there!)