When I was 17 years old, a local TV station featured a story about my high school and asked me, what do you want to be when you grow up? I want to be a university professor and a mom, I said.
I believed my dreams would come true if I gained an education, worked hard, and respected others. Now I’m a professor at a university and teach international business and communication strategy courses. The best part of my job is helping young adults achieve their dreams.
I had a happy childhood in Wisconsin full of hide-and-seek games with neighborhood kids, bike rides with my dad to the local ice cream shop, and basketball games with my mom cheering as my #1 fan. My youth leaders sparked my curiosity to explore different cultures, and my teachers instilled my love of learning.
After college, I moved to Tennessee to work in the music industry. My passion for global engagement and teaching led me to earn a doctorate degree. I’ve traveled to 40 countries, worked on several humanitarian and research projects, and have friends around the world, especially in Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, and China.
I’m now established in my career, so travel isn’t required. I teach on Tuesdays and Thursdays and work from home on other weekdays. I get a month-long winter break and three months off in the summer. My work offers stability yet flexibility to support my future child’s needs.
Someday I hope to continue international adventures with my future child – maybe take a road trip around New Zealand or stay in a glass igloo in Finland to see the Northern Lights.
Now I’m embracing Southern California life. I’ve been learning to surf. The incredible feeling of riding a wave makes me forget about my fear of sharks.
My friends describe me as organized, persevering, anchored by faith in God, and open to new thoughts and ideas. I like to learn by talking with people and reading. I enjoy challenging experiences, whether learning to speak Vietnamese, running a marathon, or improving my photography skills. When I become a mom, I’ll strive to develop my future child’s curiosity by exposing them to various ideas and activities. I can’t wait to see the world through the eyes of a child.