Even though the course of life took me down other career paths, I have always been a photographer at heart.  From receiving my very first camera at age eight - a Kodak 110 instamatic - I was hooked.  The idea of capturing a moment in time and enabling its preservation in perpetuity, continues to intrigue me. Until recently, photography has primarily been a way for me to document everything from grand adventures, to milestone events, to intimate family gatherings.  In 2018 I decided to take things a step further and combine my passion for social justice and advocacy with my love for photography.  In fall 2019, I officially started an MA in Journalism program with an emphasis in photojournalism, at the University of Missouri. I hope to hone my skills in photography and storytelling to help raise awareness about social justice and environmental issues.