As I mention, I have been a resident of Knoxville, TN for my entire life. I have grown to have a special love and connection for my community, as well as the local businesses that make it a thriving part of the larger world.

I grew up in the Farragut Community, and I watched it grow up from rolling farmland to a bustling suburban area. I graduated from High School in the monumental year 2000, and began attending The University of Tennessee in the fall of that same year. I have always been a dedicated individual, and college was no exception for me. I took heavy course loads, and studied tenaciously, in order to complete my Bachelor's degree by May 2004.

I knew going into college that I wanted to pursue something creative, and English seemed like the right fit for me. The High School English teacher from my Junior year, Mr. Callahan, seemed to act as my main inspiration. His teaching style reflected his love for literature, as well as the creative aspects of both the English language and the visual arts came through as a beautiful new way of looking at English. Although, I did not intend to become a teacher, I believe that teacher was instrumental in shaping my collegiate future, as well as certain professors I studied under at UTK have become influential in my professional life:  Dr. Russell Hirst, as well as Dr. Stan Garner.