AVÌìÌÃ

What's your hometown?

Roseburg, Oregon. It's a small town, a little smaller than West Kelowna. It has two big rivers that run right through it.

How did you end up at AVÌìÌÃ?

Well, that's a long story. My girlfriend is from here. I applied to the school here because mostly to be close to her and partially because I had never had the opportunity to leave the states for such an adventure.

How did you choose your program?

Well, I've always known I wanted to teach. Right when I finished high school, that's what I wanted. I did a bit of school and then thought, "Maybe not?" So, I took a term off. And then another. And then another. Until five years went by. And I couldn't really think of any other profession that interested me as much as teaching. So, here I am starting again. 

Best/worst OC experience?

Honestly, I don't really think I've had any bad experiences here. As for the best, I've met a lot of wonderful people from all around the world.

Advice for future OC students?

Don't take on more work than you can handle. Yeah, if you take a ton of classes per semester you might finish faster, but burnout is a very real thing. If it takes you a little longer to get to where you want to be, don't feel bad about it! You have to take care of yourself.

What will you be doing in ten years?

Oh man, I have no idea. If you told me ten years ago that I'd be going to school in Canada right now, I wouldn't have believed you. Anything can happen. 

Where are you the happiest?

There's a spot by the river in my hometown. It's secluded and quiet. It's right in the middle of town, but when you're there, you forget that. It was always my favourite place to go to think.

What matters most to you right now?

The people I love and care about. 

If you ran the world?

If I ran the world, I think I'd make travel easier, somehow. It's so important to get out there and experience new things, learn other cultures, see the world.