If you could have picked any other career besides teaching, what would it have been and why?

“I don’t think I would’ve really picked anything other than music. I did a bunch of other things after high school, but everything kept leading me back to this career. 

There was a point for a long time where I was a manager of an office supply company (OfficeMax). I was on the fast track to upper management, and if fate hadn’t intervened and put me back in college….. I would probably still be working for that company, in their corporate offices somewhere. Probably bored.”

What is the best memory you have associated with your favorite color?

“Summer of 2000 I was given my Green Madison Scout jacket. It took years and years of effort, failures, and more sacrifice than I care to remember to earn it. But it was worth it. It was a thick wool jacket, 90 degrees outside, and I was severely sunburnt. But I put it on anyway and was overcome with joy and pride, I wore it for the rest of the day. I still have it hanging where I can always see it.”

What is your favorite music album of all time and why?

“‘Aenima’ by Tool. It introduced me to new ways of thinking about music, performing, and life in general. The drumming is incredible and the lyrics are life changing.”

What do you think you were put on this earth for?

“Hopefully to make others’ lives better and make the world a slightly better place. I strive to let those in my life (teaching and private) know that they matter, and I truly care for them and their well being. If a little extra work in my life makes someone else’s life a little easier… I’ve succeeded.”

If you could keep one person in your life forever, who would it be?

“Do cats count? If not, then probably my mom. There’s times when she drives me crazy… But she’s always believed in me and supported me in my goals.”

What is a line or quote that you heard that has always stuck with you?

“I have a tattoo of my favorite quote. “A year from now you will wish you had started today.” This has been my mantra since 2017 when I feel my life, ambitions, goals have hit rock bottom. I was unhappy with who I was, where I was, and who I was around. This was my motivation to quit smoking and turn my life around. It hasn’t always been easy, and I haven’t always succeeded, but my life has been on a better path since.”