Who isn't more than the sum of their parts? I believe that there are three segments of the spectrum in answering: What do you do?

(1) The JOB. This is what we are compelled to do in order to survive, typically driven mostly, if not entirely, by our financial circumstances. I've had many 'jobs' in the course of my 38 years, all of which acted as teachers, instilling a multitude of lessons. I've learned despising one's job is commonplace, yet we learn to bury and even set fire to our dreams because of them; because we're taught that financial concerns supersede all other concerns. But perhaps the most preeminent of related lessons: I have no desire to have a 'job.' A job is a form of slow death; one foot in the grave.

(2) The CAREER. A step up from having a job, having a 'career' means investing in a sense of self and profession to which one will dedicate one's self and become an 'expert.' This entails a level of dedication and development that makes it seem superior to the 'job,' and is typically pursued with the mindset of granting one the ability to garner all those things we're taught to value in life, including the house, car, vacations, toys, family and ability to retire.

(3) The CALLING. This is where a person comes into themselves in heeding their hearts and discovering and dedicating themselves to a sense of purpose. For me, it is spiritual in nature. It is Spirit saying: this is what you're meant for, and only by committing to it can you become your fullest form of self by helping others to realize the same, as the greatest enrichment is granted in giving.

So, who am I? While this question is a trap set for the ego, the constraining 'small self' of self-conceptualization, I believe my passion, aptitude and convictions point me towards answers like: philosopher-poet and progressive writer dedicated to opening people's minds and guiding them into their own hearts. I seek answers to all the biggest questions and devise theories and write stories that I believe have the potential to improve the spiritual and intellectual enrichment and quality of life of the people.

Yes, I know, these are ambitious aims, yet I'm compelled to see them through. Moreover, I know that I'm unlikely to see the ripest fruits of my efforts in my lifetime, but that, regardless, I must seek to contribute to the seeding and fertilization of the same grounds as all progressives; as those whom germinate and cultivate seedlings under whose cool, sheltering shade they'll never sit, in a paraphrasing of the Greek proverb. This MA in English program has improved upon my capacities as just such a cultivator, granting the greater knowledge and ability by which fertilization is manifested.