Mr. Ron Gilbertson was the one that first planted the seed. It was in his 9th grade science class, during our chat when I was 15 years old, that I first imagined becoming an educator. 20+ years later, I realize that was the best idea I've had. Since 2003, I have been teaching 8th grade global studies. Studying and analyzing world geography has become a sincere interest of mine, but the best part of my job is working with kids and my colleagues. Growing up in a blue-collar northern Minnesota family, I gained an appreciation for the cultural kindness of the region and began to understand that it is positive relationships that I value most.