I obtained by BA in Japanese Language and Society from Gettysburg College, in Pennsylvania. After graduating, I quickly realized that math was my true calling and I went back to school receiving my MAEd in Middle Level Mathematics Education from Walden University, while pursuing alternative NYS 7-12 Mathematics Permanent Certification. I am currently in my seventeenth year of teaching mathematics at a rural school in upstate NY, where I have been recognized by the Genesis Group of the Mohawk Valley Region with a Mohawk Valley Education Distinguished Service Award.