My Great Stories
Past
I was born and raised in mid-Michigan, living in a very homogenous and white society. The only distinct ethnic traditions I remember stemmed from my grandma and grandpa. They had been born and raised in the Upper Peninsula. Their families were copper miners; my grandmother was a first-generation Cornish.
​
I wasn't introduced to cultural diversity until I began college. Ann Arbor brought together people from all over the country, but we were all privileged to be there. My family all had college degrees, so it was expected. I went a non-standard path though and chose to study anthropology - I was interested in human and cultural diversity and made it my career.
​
Although I studied other cultures, specifically past cultures through archaeology, I was shaped most by my fifteen years living in New Mexico. It was here that I became immersed in cultures and traditions very different from my own; where abuelas invited me into there home for food minutes after we met; where I learned how important stepping outside my enculturation/upbringing was important to recognize my own biases, my own privileges.
Present
One of my greatest accomplishments is my family.
​
My husband and I began graduate school together and have been each other's main support system throughout the whole process. Along the way, we added four kids into the mix. I strive to make the time to be actively engaged in a loving relationship, raising our kiddos and continuing to support each other.
​
It is also a challenge to have a family while in academia. Traditionally, women had to give up many things in order to "break into" academia. While this might slowly be changing, we still deal with multiple forms of institutionalized and systemic sexism. Overall, my experiences have made me more empathetic to the struggles of others, as well as made me aware of the need of allies who can use their privileged position to advocate for change. I also hope that my experiences inspire others to strive for ALL their goals!
Future
Over the course of the past decade, I have taught at five separate institutions in courses ranging from the four fields of anthropology to English and biology. I have experience in both traditional classroom and online courses, as well as teaching field schools.
Most recently, I have taken over running the undergraduate anthropology courses and online Masters in Cultural Resource Management program at Adams State University. In this role, my goals are to:
-
Make the undergraduate program more integrated into the overall Adams Experience
-
Revitalize the graduate program through a new streamlined and diversified course plan
​
Being able to meet these professional goals in the future is also dependent on being able to "do it all." I want to improve not just my teaching and research, but focus more on my own health and happiness and continue to foster a loving and supportive family.
​