I'm a great example of a non-traditional student-- In my primary and secondary years I experienced the pros and cons of both home and public schooling. In college it took me a few tries at different universities and some gap time, before I found my footing. Similarly, though my learning goals were solid, I had an infant when I began my Master's studies, so learning to balance family life and the pursuit of career was a challenge that solidified my endurance. Ultimately it was passion for social change that propelled my love of learning and the motivation to achieve excellence in higher education.
I learned of myself, that education for the sake of the degree wasn't going to be fulfilling, instead my somewhat rebellious nature required an element of soul. It was also through this process of self-discovery that I found a love of teaching, not only for the support and uplifting of others, but I realized that I learn best and internalize the knowledge, when I'm focused on sharing it with someone else. I had the privilege of operating as the Student Director of my University's writing center where I was able to work with students of varying disciplines, interests, and needs and I loved trying to make their learning as applicable to the individual as possible.
I now hold a Bachelor's in Sociology with an emphasis in Criminal Justice and a minor in Film Communication from Western Colorado University and a Master of Criminal Justice from University of Colorado. My personal experiences and objectives range from supporting victims of violent crime to academic research to teaching about the criminal justice system, advocacy, theory, and academic writing.
I am an academic at heart who is passionate about making learning attainable and applicable to the individual and sees education from a non-traditional perspective.