Embracing Søren Kierkegaard‘s concept “to be a teacher in the right sense is to be a learner,” I join my students on a journey of generative learning. Committed to the creative confidence of my students, I combine learning with laughter to create a learning community. Having entered academia after more than a decade in industry, I integrate my experience managing people, products, and projects into the courses I teach. Bridging the gap between theory and practice I involve students in my research and integrate my findings into curriculum.
I inspire innovation mindsets in underrepresented adolescents with entrepreneurship education as the Director of the Each One Teach One Entrepreneurship Institute at Coastal Carolina University. Prioritizing STEM programming, the organization enhances entrepreneurial acumen, financial literacy, leadership abilities, life skills, and technological expertise in high school students across Horry County. As the Director, I balance its budget, create curriculum, foster fundraising, manage marketing, prepare partnerships, and supervise student scholars. I also regularly donates platelets and whole blood.
Endorsing different dimensions of diversity, I combine learning with laughter to create a classroom appreciating individuality. With empathy as my anchor, I encourage students to evolve in their own rhyme and time. As an expat in the United Arab Emirates, I taught Sheikhs alongside students on scholarships. I see people for their potential, not their pedigree. In the workplace, I establish my individual identity while connecting with colleagues from different colleges and countries. Knowing that the person behind their profession is paramount, I effectuate diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts across campus and the surrounding community.
Believing education should create community and not competition, I compel students to compete with themselves, not each other. My classrooms host lively conversations bridging the gap between theory and practice. Leveraging technology to increase engagement, I assign interactive assessments through which students can address real issues. Whenever possible, I invite guest lecturers or coordinate field trips to contextualize comprehension. A strong supporter of student scholarship, I involve students in relevant research opportunities. An educator who has taught in underserved areas and overseas, I am adept at working in cross-cultural educational environments. Committed to my students’ confidence, I inspire them to take ownership of their educational experience.
I motivate students to actively engage in their education. Committed to creating creative confidence, I combine learning with laughter to create a collaborative learning community. Focused forward, I leverage educational technology to increase engagement, manage knowledge, and maximize learning. I often. A supporter of bridging the gap between theory and practice, I involve students in relevant research and contextualize comprehension with guest speakers or field trips.
Motivated to “learn continuously and live generatively” I embrace education because it empowers me to shape the lives of others while giving my life greater meaning. Internalizing Søren Kierkegaard’s idea that “to be a teacher in the right sense is to be a learner,” I join with my students on a journey of generative learning. Sensitive to the unique experiences, challenges, and learning styles of adult learners, I assign projects relevant to their personal and professional perspectives. Believing education should create community, not competition, I combine learning with laughter to construct a collaborative classroom. Interdisciplinary, I welcome varied viewpoints and encourage my students to own their education.
