I hail from the third pole: Walpole, MA. I was a busy kid, and I still am a busy kid. As a student, school was not my favorite place but art got me through my academic experience. It was the class for which I could not wait each day. Sitting still was, and remains, a difficult challenge so art class was a place I could use my creativity and energy positively. I am indebted to my art teachers for inspiring me to pursue art. When my high school art teacher suggested I major in art in college my mouth dropped open, “I can major in art?” Alfred University was a great choice for me; a school where experimentation was not just recommended but mandated. Teaching allows me to link art and working with kids, two things about which I really care. Saying “I love working with kids” is how I usually explain the reason why I teach. However, “work” often feels like play to me. I guess it makes sense that I found Beaver by way of their summer program where I still work and play. I truly enjoy helping kids grow as artists and feel lucky that I found a school that does too.