resumé
letters of reference
(click to enlarge)
clifton strengths
I am an eccentric optimist who spreads the magic of creativity and curiosity, by organizing my passion into executable ideas.
EMPATHY
"...Your natural wiring [involves] sensitivity to painful emotions." I may be a crybaby, but in reality, I'm grateful for it. I'm in-tune with the emotions of other people, sensitive and open, and always ready to offer advice or comfort. Being this attentive to others' feelings is a key skill to have in a diverse educational setting.
INPUT
"The world is exciting precisely because of its infinite variety and complexity." Folks with a signature theme of Input are collectors at heart. Whether VHS, vinyl, verbal anecdotes, or otherwise, I have a massive passion for stories, knowledge, and information. I can apply that treasure trove in every corner of my life and work.
CONNECTEDNESS
“Some may call it a collective unconscious. Others may label it spirit or life force." I have a vastly complex belief system based around the intrinsic storytelling in everything. As I live and as I teach, I want to focus on this energy. What better way to foster community, both in a classroom and beyond?
POSITIVITY
"Somehow, you can't escape your conviction that it is good to be alive." Optimistic to a fault, I give my all to making others happy and being a source of sunshine and hope. I'm able to keep chugging along, full of hope like the Little Engine that Could. This is a virtue that is invaluable and infectious in the classroom.
STRATEGIC
"[It is] a distinct way of thinking, a special perspective on the world at large." The world is upside-down in my eyes; I'm able to see everything as puzzle pieces that lead to solutions. I may have an unorthodox way of getting to the finish line, but I love making game-plans that work universally; students, coworkers, everyone!
hobbies and personal work
My intention is to be a JACK OF ALL TRADES in creative arts.Creating is both an outlet for my mental health, and a way to grow as a professional and a teacher. The more skills I obtain, the more I can do to help and teach others; it gives me a mastery of all learning styles and creative languages, and a way to effectively communicate my ideas and leave a lasting impact on others.My most prominent displays of artistry are listed below.
MUSIC
I’ve been a keyboardist and a singer my whole life, and I’ve expiremented with the piano, organ, and digital music programs for upwards of ten years. I love to compose my own music, and I have entirely self-composed music- two albums and three singles- released on streaming services everywhere under the name EMI//NOVA.
GRAPHIC DESIGN
From making homescreens and desktop backgrounds, to book covers, to designing posters around my school, I’ve always loved to give back to others through the form of design. I currently take it as my elective/dual technical education class, and it has given me invaluable experience in becoming a more intuitive and perceptive designer.
ILLUSTRATION
I’ve been drawing for my whole life, but in the past few years I’ve grown really strong in digital mediums. I love experimenting with my style, and I especially love to participate in events with other artists, like competitions and art trades. In addition, I sell custom art by commission at varying levels of complexity- it’s incredibly enriching.
WEB DESIGN
The most recent skill I've been nurturing is the design of websites. I love combining function, fashion, and fun when I design, arranging everything in an effective way. I create them for myself and for others, and through this I am able to bring memorable creative visions to life. It has been very valuable to me to study the magical element of interactivity.
philosophy of education
☆ I believe that education is one of the most important forces in the universe.☆ Communication is at the core of education; the ideal curriculum is one that is a balance between the teacher’s presentation and the student’s input. Every student deserves a voice and a right to be respected. Teachers should give students proper accommodation, understanding, and a safe environment to explore new ideas in; they should not only teach the material, but give students the tools they need to take the material and apply it beyond the classroom. They should encourage collaboration and connection, and work to inspire the students.☆ A classroom should be a very dynamic, welcoming environment. It should be accommodating and innovative with inclusion of multimedia resources and flexibility for all types of learning styles. Even discipline should reflect patience and kindness. I believe it should also be dynamic, fitting situational needs rather than having a fixed set of face-value consequences. Teachers should seek first to understand before laying out rigid punishments. Often, it’s a problem that’s easily solved with a little patience, a little time, and a little tenderness. The purpose of school is to be an inspiring and dynamic place that gives students what they need to succeed and grow.☆ I believe in the virtues of creative thinking, fostered both in the student and in the teacher. Educators should prioritize giving students the tools they need to communicate their thoughts and opinions on a deeper and more professional level, inside and out of the classroom.☆ And perhaps the simplest to articulate, and the most fundamental-
I believe that both the teacher and the student are lifelong learners, shining bright every single day.