I was the first in my family to attend college, and I know firsthand the extra hurdles that come with it;  securing funding, adjusting to campus culture, managing time on your own. It shapes how I mentor students today.

Teaching in socioeconomically disadvantaged communities has shown me the added challenges those students carry into the classroom. It has shaped how I teach, I do my best to create a safe environment where everyone feels comfortable being themselves. 

As a former volleyball player and coach, I gained skills I still draw on in both life and academia: supporting teammates, managing strategy, learning from mistakes, and communicating effectively. These are the same skills needed to work well as a team toward a common goal.