I am a Wichitan with a classic small-town Kansas background. My wonderful family and upbringing have instilled in me the “small town” values, ethics and attitudes that continue to define me today: get along with others (you’ll have them in your classroom until you graduate from high school), take responsibility for your actions (before someone sees your parents and tells on you), and teamwork (dividing chores so you can go play outside faster). I am passionate about helping others; volunteering to help is such an important trait, that Mexican families even have a term for it: acomedido. It's not just doing what you're told, and it's not just helping out, it’s lending a hand without being asked, it's knowing the kind of help that is situationally appropriate because you're paying attention. Those are some of the qualities that make me me.