What college(s) did you attend and what did you study?
I received my BA in English from Brown University, and my MA and PhD in English Literature from the University of Virginia.
What is your favorite thing about teaching in your subject area?
I think the English classroom is a space where students can practice really valuable skills—like writing, reading, and thinking critically—while also investigating some of the "big questions" about life by reading and discussing works of literature. It's an excellent combination!
What are your interests/hobbies outside of teaching?
I enjoy playing sports (soccer and tennis!), singing in chorus groups, and watching movies.
What is your favorite book/movie/TV show and why?
This isn't quite a "book," but I've found a lot of inspiration and food for thought in the poetry of Seamus Heaney over the years.
What other teaching experience do you have? What was that experience like?
While a PhD student at the University of Virginia, I taught a number of different courses there. Teaching writing and literature in the college classroom was an important experience for me as an educator, and I'm really looking forward to bringing insights from that experience to LuHi!
Which of LuHi’s core values (Christian love, excellence, community, family) most resonates with you and why?
I think community might resonate with me the most. Knowing that there is a community of people out there that supports you, that wants you to achieve your goals, and where you have a real sense of belonging—I think that's so important, particularly in an educational environment.
What do you hope students learn or gain from your courses this year?
I hope students in my courses learn to value the "process" as much as the "product." The process of working through tasks or assignments even when they are challenging can be a valuable experience in and of itself!