I grew up in the suburbs of Buffalo, New York to a working class family. I enlisted in the army when I was 18, believing the United States was the best country and anyone could pursue the American dream. As I learned more about other soldiers'' backgrounds I realized many Americans came from poor backgrounds and I wondered how great America was for the majority. After the invasion of Iraq, I began to question the government’s involvement in international affairs and my perspective of the world.I also realized the importance of education by observing seasoned veterans who were required to salute young officers because of their education.

After being discharged from the army I attended university and during an Introduction to Sociology course I found the subject and career I wanted to pursue. I could have read other people’s accounts of the world but I knew I had to travel abroad to understand it for myself. I first set out to discover America by thru hiking the Appalachian Trail, a 3,500 km trail for six months and later by cycling across the US. After traveling in other western countries I decided it was time to see the types of countries the US media so often demonizes.

I didn’t believe traveling the beaten path or backpacking in touristy areas would be very enlightening, so I decided a long distance cycling trip would be most suitable. It would provide a greater challenge and put me in better touch with local people, culture, and traditions. Traveling was not just about going to fascinating destinations. It was about encountering interesting people with different perspectives.

I found the people in Pakistan and Iraq were as hospitable and kind as those as home. I discovered an Africa that didn’t seem much more dangerous than Canada. Countries like Kyrgyzstan, which most people never heard of, were fascinating. I also realized it is more interesting to live outside of my own country.

After visiting five continents and traveling nearly 30,000 kms, and not without adversity my journey ended in the Andes. I have been hit by an SUV in Tibet which resulted in a broken femur and a month long stay in a Chinese hospital. To finance part of my travels I went to Alaska with dreams of making big money commercial fishing only to make next to nothing twice and a broken wrist. I finally got on a good boat my third season with a great catch but for several reasons I decided it would be my last.

Although I first lived in Kunming, China because of my accident I did enjoyed my experience enough to return. I chose Taiwan because I was curious about their unique history, culture and perspective, which is different than mainland China. I lived in Taipei for three years where I studied Taiwan for my master’s degree and I got to explore a great deal of the island. Following my studies I decided to return to mainland China, so I taught for a year at Chongqing University before coming to Beijing Normal University. As a teacher I hope to combine my enthusiasm and life experiences to encourage students not just to improve their English ability but to find their own passions and dreams.

My academic interests include social issues in the US and China, cross cultural studies, Chinese culture and modern history, China-US relations and most things related to the social sciences. My personal hobbies include exploring new places by hiking or biking, but lately I’ve enjoyed motorcycle trips the most. I’ve been working on a book about my travels which has been very challenging but I hope to complete. I love to make food, especially pizza and other Italian American or Mexican food but I would also like to learn more about Chinese and other cuisines. I also plan to use some of my time to play some music and improve my Mandarin. I’m enjoying my experience at BNU so far and I hope you will too.