“There is little that can withstand a man who can conquer himself.” King Louis XIV

About Me

The picture of the statue above was taken right next to the Louvre Pyramid in France. It depicts Louis XIV, the Sun King. Louis may not have been the pinnacle of popular people to quote, but his words above speak towards my journey. Prior to college, my life was stricken with a fair share of trials and tribulations. Coupled then with life events to worry about was the stressful self-expectation to fulfill a dream my grandfather had once possessed: to graduate from Lycoming College. The most difficult part about beginning the collegiate career for me was choosing what to do. In the past, I had been the beneficiary of many enthralling life activities: sports, choir, drama, music, but nothing I knew I was set on for a career. Then, there was this teacher. I had been coaching football at my old high school for a few months. An old teacher of mine walked up to me and began one of those heavy conversations starting with, "So, what are you planning to do now?" Uncertain, I gave him a generic response. Then, he fired back with, "Well, have you thought about teaching?" Within minutes, the idea festered over any plan I previously had. I should have responded with, "Well, I am now." Ever since that day, I have been absorbed by any opportunity in which I can learn and share with others. I began to realize the reason why I previously enjoyed being so involved in diverse activities was because I love learning. A fire of curiosity walloped inside of me. I wanted to know more about my major: Political Science. It did not end at that. I began taking discovery trips to new places and coming back with all the books my motorcycle could hold. My Education Adviser guided me towards certifying in Secondary Social Studies. My plan seemed to look so clear now. At the end of my junior year in college, my Grandmother informed me that back in the late 1940's my Grandfather intended on becoming a History teacher. This took me by surprise. I thought I knew every detail of my family's history. This very fact drove me to consume Social Studies to an even greater extent. Ultimately, after 4 long years of college, I crossed the podium. After 4 years, I conquered myself and made it to the point where I can make a difference. Limitations left me with every conquest and every lesson.

Along the way, there were certain facts about myself that I can never disregard. See the picture carousel and trip-pictures below to see what I have seen.

1. Art is one of my favorite outlets to use in order to understand Social Studies.

The painting below was The Passage of the Delaware by Thomas Sully. Originally created for the Raleigh Senate Hall in North Carolina, this piece shows the dreadful winter conditions that many had to endure during the Revolutionary War and Washington's preparations to overtake Hessian soldiers across the Delaware. (Museum of Fine Arts, Boston)

2. Motorcycle riding is my niche. The Honda Shadow motorcycle below is a stepping stone until I can afford an Indian Motorcycle.

The second picture in the carousel shows my Honda overlooking South Boston's Carson Beach. This was also near the L Street Tavern, a set of one of my favorite movies: Good Will Hunting.

3. Humans depend on one another. I depend on Christa and J.T. to make each day special.

The third picture in the carousel was taken while on a trip to Washington, D.C. Here we saw historical museums such as the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, the National Museum of American History, the National Museum of the American Indian, and the National Museum of Natural History.

The fourth picture was taken on Carl Stotz (founder of Little League) Memorial Bridge in Williamsport, PA. This bridge overlooks the Susquehanna River, home to a Timber Boom during the mid 1800's. The results of the boom grant us Williamsport's mascot name, the Millionaire.

4. I capture pictures with each new journey because I want to share them with students.

Look below at the Trips Abroad and Trips State-Side sections.