Realizing my desire to obtain a doctorate was quite the journey. In my undergraduate studies, I majored in English and Political Science with the thinking that I would go on to law school or at least work in politics. As I went through that program though, I realized I was not as interested in politics as previously thought. I began working at a local law firm after obtaining my bachelor's and was introduced to marketing.

I really enjoyed not just the writing component, but the persuasive element of marketing, so much so that I took a shot and applied to a few Masters programs. Getting accepted into NC State University's graduate communication program was a game-changer for me. I was offered a teaching assistantship which I accepted because of the pay and tuition benefits yet accepting that offer exposed me to my passion: teaching.