My work in the field of graphic design is the culmination of a rich and blessed personal intellectual history that merits mention here.

Growing up in an academic universe under the influence of a positive addiction to educational and science-related TV, two graduate-degree level parents and one of the best public school systems in the nation (Chapel Hill-Carrboro, NC; funded by a weighty special tax), I received massive assistance in my intellectual development in my elementary and secondary school years. I also, again because of the school system, had great educators and motivators teaching art classes throughout that time, and was inspired by their work.

I had the opportunity to combine these two development factors beginning, appropriately, in the ‘new’ millennium of the year 2000. In the summer of that year, my mother and I had made arrangements through a congregational friendship to have a “summer camp” experience -- based on some of my interests and on my need for physical disability accessibility -- under the mentorship of Dick Hill, a freelance graphic designer (with his own “Hillstudio” home studio business) for clients throughout the area. I quickly discovered that this work would provide a relaxing and refocusing effect on my rather burdened brain, among other desirable benefits, and that I had the creative and intellectual potential to succeed in the field. And therefore, I quickly realized that this was the goal I wished to set for my career.

In recognition of that goal, the summer experience became a full-fledged internship lasting throughout high school. I realized my intellectual and technical skills could serve me well as a graphic designer, in several ways improving my potential. As a digit art and honor student, I am now working in higher education and related pursuits to further develop that potential, and hopefully I can continue to do so.