What inspired you to become a teacher, and how has your journey been so far?
I’ve always known that I wanted to work with people, and that I wanted a career that helped society in some way. When I graduated from college with a BA in psychology, I was working with adults that were living with disabilities and/or addictions. I really enjoyed this work, but found myself drawn toward working with the younger clients. I went back to school, and got a master’s degree to work with students with disabilities. I enjoyed learning about how different minds work as well as the best way to reach a variety of students. This is my 20th year teaching; this is shocking to me! A crazy thing about being an adult is that there is always a part of you that still feels 18 years old. A crazy (and great!) thing about being a teacher is that you learn as much from your students as they learn from you!
Can you share a fun fact about yourself that your students might not know?
Fun fact: I have lived in every city in the US that I was interested in experiencing. I especially love New Orleans and Brooklyn if you are looking for recommendations. I moved 14 times before I finally settled in Brooklyn, NY in my early 20s. In 2017, my wife, our two sons, and I decided to move to Rhode Island for its proximity to the ocean, grandparents, and relative affordability and ease compared to NYC. We miss the city but we love Rhode Island too.
What hobbies or activities do you enjoy outside of teaching?
I like to travel; I am always reading; I run, but not well; I love swimming in the ocean! I enjoy doing all of this with my friends and family and taking full advantage of the time I have with my kids while they are still young.
What’s one piece of advice you would give to your students?
My advice is to aim your future plans toward whatever makes you feel secure AND happy. Security is important to your well being, but it is equally important to be happy. This balance can be hard to figure out, but it is so possible.
TC students are starting out with great advantages. Go for the things you want, dream big, and be good to the people around you.