I grew up in the San Diego area. From a young age I was interested in the arts and in poetry. I studied fine arts in high school where I was exposed to drawing, painting, printmaking, fiber arts, ceramics and metal work.

Rushing over to Cole Hall after the end of a small group meeting in the library, I was initially feeling a little cranky.

Poetry for me is a way to retrospectively mine meaning out of seemingly-significant moments in my life.

In college, I found it was difficult to fit in both studio art classes and laboratory time – both are long and grueling in their own way. I chose the laboratory, but figure drawing has been a way for me to stay connected to the visual arts.