I like to learn - by reading, observing, and jumping in.  I think my love of learning is one reason why I'm always a bit busier than I claim I'd like to be.  I get bored with work and with life if I'm not expanding my skill set, challenging myself, and keeping my mind active. 

Psychology & Career Development

I am interested in topics such as psychology, career development, and holistic student development.  My interest in these topics propelled me to pursue a master's degree in counseling psychology from the University of Kansas and a doctorate in counseling psychology from Indiana University.  I very much enjoyed my time in graduate school but - after taking courses, conducting empirical research, and completing practica - I came to realize that I was more interested in career counseling than mental health counseling.  I love being a career counselor because, among other reasons, I get to learn interesting stuff every day.  I enjoy learning about emerging career fields, labor market trends, counseling techniques and assessments, generational differences in the workplace, etc.  Additionally, I love learning about the amazing accomplishments of University of Washington students. 

Computer Skills

I've been interested in learning how to write my own website for several years.  In addition to using my skills in creating and writing, developing this website allowed me to learn a new skill.  I must say, however, that Microsoft Office Live makes web development so easy that I didn't learn as much about web development as I thought I would.  I also want to learn to use Microsoft Access and to edit photos on my home computer.

Volleyball

I think my desire to challenge myself is one reason I started playing volleyball.  I played many sports growing up - soccer, softball, basketball, tennis - but never volleyball.  When I first joined a team in the Redmond Parks & Recreation league (Go Miner League!), I was verifiably terrible.  I didn't get better very quickly, which was extremely frustrating for me.  I have slowly progressed over the past few years and, while I wouldn't label myself as good, I'm much better than I was.  Now I also play sand volleyball at Perrigo Park.