I am an observer, I look upon the world and question. I investigate my own answers and the world speaks back to me. I reflect the world around me and absorb a little bit of every person, place and thing I meet. As an artist I collect the scraps of my life’s exchanges and traces of others to construct new forms. I am aware of humanities strengths and faults, as well as my own. As an art educator I want to instill this consciousness in others. We must all try to be the best person we can by making good choices, standing up for transgressions, finding our talents, and making our voice heard. I ask my students to be aware of the world around them and understand their connection to it. Through the study of art history, visual cultural, and world issues I hope to give students incite and confidence about themselves and the future. I hope my teachings will cultivate a desire within my students to be vigilant and echo the changes they seek for the survival of humanity and the environment.