Professional bio:
For many five-year-old youngsters, hobbies include playing with dolls and trucks, coloring, and catching bugs. I wasn’t all that different, I just had one more hobby: poring over my colorful set of Childcraft Earth Science Encyclopedias. Not only did these illustrated books counsel innumerable class projects, they were also my favorite thing to bring to Show and Tell. As my elementary education proceeded, I happily informed my classmates about the many ways our Earth might destroy its inhabitants, including but not limited to: volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, floods, and tornadoes.
As I approached fifth grade, it became obvious that I was struggling with math, specifically, memorizing my multiplication tables. From that day on, I was labeled “Bad at Math” (and science by extension). I took this label and all the associated self-doubt with me through middle school and high school. Having been lauded for my natural aptitude for communication and writing I entered Central Michigan University intending to major in journalism. Fortuitously, CMU required science and math courses and I entered the Introduction to Meteorology class that changed the course of my studies. With an undergraduate advisor that had faith in me, I aimed to complete all the math and science necessary for a major in meteorology. Enrolling in math classes every semester (including summer) allowed me to graduate in four years with cum laude honors and a major in Meteorology and a minor in Mathematics I never imagined myself capable of.
My story reflects just how vital educators are in shaping students, not only through what students learn, but also through their confidence and attitudes. I don’t believe that students are inherently “bad” at any subject, and refuse to label students as such or even listen to students label themselves thusly. As long as a student is willing to work, I’m enthusiastically ready and waiting to help them succeed.