I am from Madison and have spent nearly my entire life in this city (save for two years upon graduation from college). I attended Madison Area Technical College where I was fortunate enough to play Junior College basketball for two years before I transferred to UW-Madison. During my time at UW-Madison, I found my passion for literature and writing expand to new levels, including being challenged academically by various professors and TAs. I also was able to meet many interesting people as I worked as a student-manager for the men's basketball team. Upon graduation, I taught as an English teacher for two years in Wausau, WI, where I taught nearly every course in our department -- English 1, English 2, English 2 Remedial, Creative Writing, Multicultural Literature, World Literature, and Exposition (a remedial writing course). I was also the varsity assistant for the boys basketball team (are you starting to see a trend of English and basketball yet?). After those two years, I returned home to Madison and have taught 9th grade English and AP Seminar. I am now returning to UW-Madison full-time this fall to pursue a Master's degree in Curriculum & Instruction, with the intent of returning to the classroom after two years.
I am an incredibly laid-back, albeit punctual individual. I love to read, to discover the shared human experiences that my fellow homo sapiens have gone through and I love learning about cultures and adventures that I had never thought possible. By challenging my preconceived notions of right and wrong through literature, I have opened up my mind and expanded it to see the world and all the incredible things that reside within it. Learning is complicated and it hurts, but the effort involved and put forth is just as important as the knowledge taken away. Do not be afraid to try and certainly do not be afraid to make mistakes. I will be honest, but I will never be judgmental.