I'm really passionate about rock climbing, specifically bouldering, and learning everything I can to kind of micro-hack my training to become a better athlete. I also love teaching. I love helping students grow as people and helping them find their passions.

I could spend hours and hours rock climbing, specifically setting boulder problems and fine-tuning them to improve movement and make them better. I also find myself losing track of time when I'm modeling 3D characters. I get lost in the details and completely immersed in the process.

When I retire, I can't imagine not being a teacher or not helping students. I could see myself becoming a competitive youth climbing coach. I want a life where I can continue spending time with my family while also having time to train so that I remain physically and mentally fit throughout retirement and for the people I care about.

Challenge: Design the Next Generation Vehicle

How do you get better at drawing? Or Anything for that matter?

What are the most important skills you need to survive college or industry?

How many hours are you in class per week an how much time do you spend on homework?

In college you will take approximately 15 credits per semester but with 4X the work.   This is equal to 50 min per credit and (50 min X  15 credits = 12.5 hours)  12.5 hours per Week

Today I began the Lamborghini tutorial by setting up image planes for the side and top views, ensuring accurate proportions. I then shaped the wheel well, focusing on its curvature and depth to establish a solid foundation. Later, I moved on to modeling the front quarter fender, which proved challenging due to its complex curves. After careful vertex and edge adjustments, the fender’s form is starting to take shape—it's rewarding to see the structure come together. 

Allegory of the Cave

“Being polite is withholding feedback to make someone feel good today. Being kind is being candid about how they can get better tomorrow”

― Adam M. Grant, Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things 

1. Project Progress and Achievements

• What progress have I made across my projects? Have I met any significant milestones?

• What am I proud of so far in my work, and what specific skills have I strengthened?

2. Challenges and Problem-Solving

• What challenges have I faced in each project, and how did I approach solving them?

• Are there any recurring issues or areas where I feel stuck? What strategies can I try to overcome them?

3. Skill Development and Learning

• What new skills or techniques have I learned this semester? Which tools or software have I become more confident using?

• How has my understanding of design concepts evolved through my projects?

4. Time Management and Project Organization

• How effectively have I been managing my time and resources across different projects?

• Are there areas where I could improve my organization or focus to stay on track?

5. Creativity and Exploration

• How have I experimented with new ideas or techniques? Where have I taken creative risks, and what did I learn from them?

• Are there design elements I want to explore more in the next phase?

6. Feedback and Improvement

• What feedback have I received from teachers, peers, or mentors, and how have I applied it to my work?

• What have I learned from comparing my work to professional examples or benchmarks?

7. Goals for Next Steps

• What are my main goals for the remainder of the semester? Are there skills or aspects of my project that I want to prioritize?

• How will I measure my success or progress by the end of the semester?

Reflecting on these questions can help students set clear intentions, acknowledge growth, and identify areas where they can focus their efforts to make the most of the rest of the semester.

Mid-Year Reflection Example

At the midpoint of my final design project, I’m reflecting on my progress in several 3D modeling projects: modeling a car in Autodesk Maya, designing a sword, and completing various skill-building exercises. Each project has taught me something new and pushed me to develop a range of skills.

The car project was especially challenging, requiring patience and precision to achieve smooth, symmetrical curves. Learning to use tools like extrude, bevel, and edge loops was crucial in adding realistic details. The sword project, on the other hand, gave me more creative freedom, allowing me to explore unique shapes and materials while practicing texturing and sculpting. Smaller exercises, like modeling basic shapes and working with UV mapping, helped me get comfortable with Maya’s interface and experiment with lighting and rendering techniques.

For the second half of the year, my goals are to refine my models with realistic materials and textures, improve my rendering skills, and focus on creating polished, professional-looking final pieces. These projects have shown me how much I enjoy 3D modeling, and I’m excited to keep learning and see my work come together by the end of the year.