Ever since I was a kid, I had always known I wanted to be a veterinarian... until I saw the movie Interstellar. That movie changed what was previously a casual interest in astronomy into an obsession. I read books, watched movies, and decided to take my first astronomy class here at SRJC. After only a couple of weeks in that class, I had already decided that I wasn't going to be a veterinarian. I was going to be an astronomy teacher. In what would have been my fourth and final semester at SRJC before transferring, I changed my major to Astronomy/Astrophysics and never looked back. I essentially had to start my JC journey over from scratch with calculus and physics, and spent a total of four years at SRJC. In that extra time, I was able to take several classes that I wouldn't have been able to take if I had stuck to my original "two-year" plan. I was able to pursue other interests in topics like film and philosophy. I even came away with a few associate's degrees under my belt! Though, none in film or philosophy... maybe one day.

I transferred to San Francisco State University where I earned my B.S. in Physics (Concentration in Astrophysics), and later my M.S. in Astronomy & Astrophysics. 

Despite the time away, I still remember my time at SRJC very fondly. I can't wait to give back to the school that has given me so much, and I am looking forward to the opportunity to get my students excited about astronomy!