In My Own Words

Why do you do what you do?

There is a saying that if you find something you love to do, you’ll never have to work another day of your life. I’ve found out that helping students find ways to pursue their wildest dreams and pursue post-secondary education rarely feels like work. For me, it’s a ministry — a passion that drives me daily. It’s what I advise my students to find in their lives — a career that speaks to their spirit. That is the place where personal happiness resides.  As the director of the Upward Bound Math-Science Academy at Stark State College, I have the opportunity to do so many of the things that I love: cultivating educational opportunities for students, establishing beneficial community partnerships, education advocacy and most importantly, spending time mentoring Stark County’s next generation of leaders. I am honored that our Canton families trust us enough to participate in their child’s educational future. This is what excites me, and the best is yet to come! I am a firm believer in two quotes, “Service is the rent we pay for living on this planet” and “To whom much is given, much is required.” I truly believe that everyone has an obligation to do something for humankind, no matter how small or large, using our own gifts and talents as a resource.



What is on your bucket list?

1. Become fluent in French

2. Visit the Seven Wonders of the World

3. Take a modern fencing class



What is on your mind?

The future of higher education. There are so many educational issues needing attention, such as college readiness, student loan debt and a national imperative for more graduates by 2020. Yet at the same time, global curricula, changing demographics and various learning modalities present their own opportunities and challenges. We are truly facing a new frontier in higher education. How will the future look? That’s what is on my mind.