About Me
Early Life: BOOK NERD FINDS his WINGS
I was definitely a quirky kid growing up - talkative (some might say "too talkative" at times), yet introverted as I loved reading and immersing myself in stories and their respective authors' imaginative worlds.
Elementary school was a haven for my insatiable reading habit, and a seriously wonderful librarian named Mrs. Crick took notice. She went beyond her duties to curate reading lists that delicately accommodated my juvenile taste while guiding me towards more challenging and rewarding literature.
In fifth grade, seeking "swords and magic" (because I was obviously a cool kid), Mrs. Crick recommended J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings - with the caveat that they would be my most challenging reads yet. She wasn't wrong: the words hung heavy on the pages, and I found myself wading through the crashing waves of exposition, often seeking refuge in the dictionary. However, in Tolkien's surreal and beautiful world, I emotionally connected with literature for the first time. This experience ignited my passion for words and their profound impact on people's lives, ultimately inspiring my pursuit of academic degrees in English and my later career in marketing.
Grandma Devotionals
Raised by a single mother who worked multiple jobs, I spent much of my early life in the care of my loving grandma. A devout Lutheran, she began each day with "daily devotionals" - reading the Bible, a catechism, and then writing out her thoughts. It was her way of "talking" with God, and she encouraged me to join her in these reflective moments. Whether she knew it or not, my grandma became my earliest writing mentor, challenging me to write "deliberately" and from the heart.
While my spirituality may not match my grandma's devotion, her influence on my ethics and values remains profound. She taught me the importance of empathy, compassion, and living deliberately - principles that continue to shape my life and writing.
Adolescence and the "FEEL GOOD STORY"
Admittedly, a big part of my personal identity comes from unfortunate events within my family. These experiences culminated in my removal from my family and placement into foster care at the age of 13. Though there is much more to the story, deep-diving into it is the purpose of the book I'm working on (and, let's be real, doing so here would make this website a total buzzkill).
My time in foster care was unique. While I felt fortunate in many ways, I also grappled with a sense of being lost between worlds. I wasn't the stereotypical trouble-making foster child, yet I didn't feel like part of any family. These experiences of wanting to belong and navigating complex emotions fueled my desire to connect with others and share the power of storytelling.
Throughout my journey, mentors like my honors English teacher, Mrs. Bonar, and the pages of books like Willa Cather's My Ántonia provided solace and inspiration. My connection with fictional characters and their struggles taught me about the impact of writing on emotions and human experiences. In some of the loneliest moments of my life, literature became a refuge that guided me toward self-discovery and empathy.
eDUCATION
My educational journey led me to obtain a Bachelor's and Master of Arts degrees in English. While I don't aspire to teach, I value the academic environment and may consider pursuing a doctorate in the future. My MA emphasized technical communication and information design, which proved invaluable in today's information-based global economy.
Beyond my studies, my love for reading is unceasing. I indulge in classical and contemporary fiction, as well as non-fiction exploring sociopolitical and scientific realms. My graduate research delved into artificial intelligence, intertwining technological and sociological theories, fueling my ongoing interest in algorithmic programming and AI's potential.
Outside of the literary realm, I relish staying active. When the opportunity arises, I escape the great plains to hike in the mountains. I pedal my bike when the weather allows, and my friends and I have a sand volleyball team that provides both fun and camaraderie.
If you have any additional questions or wish to connect, please don't hesitate to reach out through the Contact button above. I look forward to sharing more about my creative projects and my commitment to civil justice and social progress.