Teaching does not mean filling students’ heads with preconceived ideas. I believe that teaching means leading students to the discovery of new ideas and new knowledge. Teaching means bringing students to an awareness of their own responsibilities as life-long learners.

I love teaching at Cape Fear Community College. The diversity of the student body leads to vigorous in-class discussions. I find that students here are self-motivated to do well and to actually learn — not just work toward a specific grade.

Before teaching at UNCW and then at CFCC, I worked as a newspaper reporter and bureau chief as well as a freelance writer for various publications. Currently I do a lot of editing for the local edition of Natural Awakenings magazine. I have also worked in the local film industry.