Growing up I often had this idea that my teachers were not normal people. For some reason they did not have lives outside of school, they did not exist in the real world, and at no point did they have any interests outside of their particular academic field. As a teacher I do not subscribe to this aura of mystery. This is why I created this page, I want my students to know a little bit more about me than I did about my teachers. Seeing as I specialize in history, I figure I should begin with a bit about my own past.
I was born in Chicago, IL and lived there until the ripe old age of two. At that point I moved to White Bear Lake, MN. I grew up in White Bear with my mom, dad, little brother, and older sister. As the middle child I did a lot of chores. When I was not mowing the lawn or shoveling the driveway I was usually pursuing some new interest. My parents always encouraged my siblings and me to try new things. Because of their support I have a rather eclectic set of hobbies.
|
I absolutely love to cook, and have gotten pretty good at it over the years. As soon as I could stand tall enough to see over the counter I was helping my mom in the kitchen. From the early days of cookies, popcorn, and grilled cheese I have found something cathartic in cooking. There's something satisfying about starting with a counter full of ingredients and turning them into a masterpiece. To this day my mother can cook me under the table, and if asked, my sister will claim to be able to as well. Though the jury is still out on that one.
|
Growing up I also trained in martial arts. When I was five I started at the Chinese Kempo Karate Academy under Sensei Cory Albert. Over the next decade I trained hard, competed in numerous tournaments, and acquired a few battle scars along the way. I finally earned my black belt in 2004. After that I moved on to Japanese weaponry and Filipino knife fighting. I trained throughout high school and, when I got to college, taught self defense for about a year.
|
My life isn't all cooking and combat though. Since sixth grade I have played percussion and drum set. I played in the wind ensemble, the jazz band, the pep band, and several pit orchestras throughout middle school, high school, and college. I even played in the National Band Association - Wisconsin Chapter's All-Star band. I still play in the Beloit College Wind Ensemble and pit orchestras to this day.
|
I went to Beloit College with a double major in history and education. I graduated magna cum laude in 2011 and went back the following fall to complete my student teaching. While in college I kept up with my studies, worked two jobs, completed independent research (for which I was highlighted in the school's newspaper), studied abroad in Glasgow, Scotland, and delved into a whole new set of interests. I spent my summers working with students in Minnesota, Michigan, or Illinois. Needless to say college was a very interesting time for me.
|
I learned to ballroom dance and swing dance during my sophomore year. I joined the dance club on campus and can't seem to keep myself off of the floor. Now I dance as often as I can, particularly swing or waltz. I also took up skydiving while in college. I did my first jump the summer after my sophomore year with a friend who happened to be passing through town. While I was terrified in the plane, particularly when it was my turn to go, once I was in free fall I was literally laughing out loud. The next summer I went through A.F.F., got my license and I've been playing in the sky ever since. My students think I'm crazy but many of them say that they want to jump with me.
|
On the topic of students I have been lucky enough to have the best in the world. I did my student teaching at Beloit Memorial High School. After finishing my program I worked as a building substitute for the next year and a half. In the fall of 2013 I started my first teaching job. I am now a teacher at the Roy Chapman Andrews Academy in Beloit, WI and absolutely love it. The students are wonderful, the staff is amazing, and the donuts, cupcakes, and other pastries available is nearly limitless.