💭 Why Design Beyond the Classroom?

Last year, I had the honor of serving as the ASID Professional Development Director, where I led Student Career Day—an experience that changed everything for me. Shortly after, I was given the opportunity to teach at our local community college. I never expected how much it would ignite something inside me.

I looked forward to every class. Every question. Every moment of growth—both for my students and myself. But nothing compared to the fulfillment I felt on Student Career Day. That day, I was laser-focused on pouring into the students, giving them the tools and insights they needed to step confidently into their futures.

One moment, in particular, brought it full circle. Jennifer Cope, Modern Luxury’s interior publisher, shared how I had impacted her life—simply because, years ago, I was a hungry student who asked her what it took to be featured in that magazine. And in February of last year 2024, in a full-circle moment, she wrote the sweetest publisher’s note in the very magazine where I was featured for a project that means so much to me.

These experiences shaped my journey and led me to this moment.