A native of Lake Charles, Louisiana, I am a first-generation college student. As a young child, my mother encouraged me to strive for academic excellence and inspired me to believe in the power of education. As a result of my mother's support and my love of learning, I graduated from high school at sixteen. I attended McNeese State University (MSU), earning a BA in English. Upon graduating from MSU, I applied to work as a substitute teacher as I prepared for the next phase of my plans, applying to law school. However, once I entered the classroom, I discovered my true calling; I was filled with passion and indescribable joy while working with my students. It was then (over 20 years ago) that I realized my purpose is to teach, which led me to return to MSU to obtain a Master of Arts in Teaching (secondary education). Since then, I have encountered many students, and my hope for each has remained the same- to impact lives by assisting my students with achieving their academic and career goals and encouraging them to find their purpose and passion.