How did you discover your passion for what you do?

My borderline obsession with languages has led me to seek out as many formative and transformational experiences in language acquisition as possible, both at home and abroad. After teaching French and Spanish in an inner city high school for several years, I realized that I myself had more to learn; not only about the academic and social implications of language study, but also pedagogical approaches and administrative processes that help to inspire students rather than frustrate them.

What words of wisdom or advice do you live by?

Serving as Treasurer for our Delta Zeta chapter helped me recognize the need for personal ethics beyond institutional rules. We are given lots of free reign in this world, and if we don’t let ethical judgment and DZ values like honesty and integrity take the front seat, we are not creating a world we want to live in. On a more personal note, my motto is “If you get a chance, take it. If it changes your life, let it.” I think this mantra has helped me keep perspective and a sense of humor throughout my abrupt career moves and world travels (75 countries and counting!).