I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree from Saint Louis University (SLU) in 1990, a historic institution recognized as the oldest university west of the Mississippi River and the second-oldest Jesuit college in the United States.

My time at SLU was transformative, shaping me intellectually, socially, and spiritually. The College of Arts and Sciences provided a rigorous liberal arts education that sharpened my critical thinking skills, broadened my global perspectives, and reinforced my commitment to excellence in service of a "higher purpose and a greater good." The Frost Campus became the backdrop of my young adult life, filled with inspiring professors, enriching academic experiences, and ample opportunities for growth.

I spent countless hours writing research papers in the computer labs, crafting multimedia presentations in the Instructional Media Center, and working as a staff reporter for The University News—a role that allowed me to cover campus events and see my work published weekly.

However, the most defining part of my undergraduate journey was my serendipitous connection with international students, mainly Spanish speakers. Living with Spanish-speaking roommates and engaging with native speakers daily accelerated my fluency, igniting a lifelong passion for language and cross-cultural communication.

From 1988 to 1990, I was honored to serve as an International Student Advisor for the Department of Residence Life. I was recognized with the Student Representative Award from the International Student Association in 1989.

I graduated with a double major in Communication and Spanish and, in my final semester, accepted a graduate teaching assistantship to pursue a Master of Arts in Spanish at SLU while teaching undergraduate Spanish courses—marking my first step toward becoming a language educator.