Growing up, I hid my insecurities by being a typical class clown. I took nothing seriously - I was an average performer in school, had friends based solely on proximity, and failed to commit to anything. Every team I joined, I left shortly thereafter. I exited high school and entered the Navy, to get discharged just a few days into basic training. What followed was a decade of drug abuse and criminality, leading to the loss of my teeth, jail, and extended probation. When I met the woman who would become my lovely wife, I settled down and started PC gaming to keep myself out of trouble. It wasn't until I found out that I would be a father - and a father of twins, nonetheless - that I really decided focus on what's important. I took my experience questing in games and turned it towards a quest for a good life. With the love and respect of my wife and children on the line, I succeeded in the best way possible. All of my previous failures paved the way to success - I've become a loving husband and father, a reliable friend, a hard worker, a diligent student, and a practitioner of stoic philosophy. And still a good gamer. I greet every day with a smile and curious wonder, and I'm always excited to see what comes next.
I entered higher education when my children entered Pre-K. Initially, I was on-track to become a clinical psychologist. I was studying philosophy, psychology, and human relationships. However, when I discovered the person-centered approach, I immediately pivoted my goal towards becoming a counselor. Today, I'm a student at the top of my class, and plan to enter a Masters program in 2025. While I cannot currently offer therapy or counseling services, I can utilize my past experiences of hardship and hurtful choices, my love of the human mind, and my understanding of the empowering nature of healthy relationships to help people turn their life around, discover meaning, and become the hero of their own story.
"The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction, not a destination." - Dr. Carl Rogers.
I graduated Summa Cum Laude with an Associate of Arts and Sciences Degree with a specialization in Psychology on May 31st, 2023. Today, I'm a Junior at Mary Baldwin University, maintaining a 4.0 GPA, and will join a Masters Program for Counseling & Psychotherapy in spring, 2025.