I started my affiliation with MCC in 1992. I
had just graduated from High School here in the valley, and knew
it was important to continue my education. So I signed
up for night classes at MCC in fall semester of 1992 while looking
for daytime work opportunities to save some money.
Shortly thereafter, I left for Ontario, Canada to do missionary
work for the LDS church. I was there for 2 years and returned
home in January of 1996. I returned on the first day of
classes for spring semester (which made me miss my classes) and
already had homework on my first day back in Arizona.
My inclination was to study Computer Science especially since
MCC had a great affiliation with ASU and I would be able to transfer
to their program with little problem. However, my first
love was music. I had studied music all through school
and after high school, I played viola in a professional string
quartet. We played for weddings and other church
events all over the valley. Because I couldn’t give
up studying music I was officially studying both at MCC hoping
that I could major in both music and computer science at ASU. I
soon realized that doing so would be physically and academically
impossible so I was forced to choose. It was a very hard
decision, but I stuck with Computer Science. However, I
never gave up practicing my instruments (piano, viola, voice)
or my dream of writing music.
Ironically, it was my interest in both music and computers that
led me to where I am today. I was in Danene Richardson’s
composition class and was in her office one day discussing some
work I was doing for the class. She had been asked to design
and produce an online Aural Perception class and mentioned to
me of some difficulty she was having with the idea. I offered
to help. That was my first affiliation with the Center
For Teaching and Learning. I had almost 2 years of programming
coursework and was pretty adept at adjusting to new technological
environments. I also had my own computer at home and used
that to write music. So, I would come to the CTL every
day between classes and work on getting this course set up.
A few months later, Brooke Estabrook (now Fishinghawk) who was
the instructional technologist working in the CTL, asked if I
would like to be involved with the Student Technology Assistant
(STA) program. It was the perfect opportunity for me so
I became one of the first STA’s on campus. It
was during this time that I got most of my experience that led
to other employment opportunities.
Shortly afterwards, I left the STA program to try the private
sector. I had a brief stint in the dot com world, but left
it before things got bad. I left to take the job that I
currently hold as a programmer in the CTL. I get to work
with new technology and continue my creative endeavors with teaching
with technology. I have also worked as an adjunct for the
business department and thoroughly enjoy teaching.
I still attend ASU somewhat full time attempting to complete
my Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science.
Right now, however is more of a trying time for me. In
January of 2004 I was diagnosed with a brain tumor and underwent
surgery for removal in February. The surgery and recovery
has been a great success so far, but it has temporarily limited
my activities, as I am not able to drive to work or school for
a while.
Some other things about me:
I love to try international restaurants
I have a SCUBA certification
I speak Canadian
I love working with other people
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