I come from a working class family of manufacturers, homemakers, and farmers in a small community in the US heartland. I earned a bachelor’s degree in biology with minors in chemistry and sociology from a private liberal arts college not far from my hometown. Following this, I worked and volunteered for many years in animal care, hospitality, and non-profit organizations. My interest in libraries, higher education and lifelong learning led me to enroll in an AS program for Library Information and Technology at Cuesta College and I eventually went on to earn a MLIS from San Jose State University. I started working at the Kennedy Library in 2017 as a reference and instruction specialist in the Foundational Experiences (FX) program. In 2021, I moved into an Assistant Librarian position where I am continuing to provide support in the FX program and library-wide outreach efforts. I was the first in my family to graduate from a 4-year college and professional program, and I have a special interest in working with and supporting first generation students and designing library instruction for diverse learners. I’m passionate about environmental stewardship and reading both fiction and non-fiction novels (science, fantasy, and memoirs, in particular).