Higher education was not something that ever seemed guaranteed in life; having a less-than-traditional route through college, I am proud to have be awarded my degrees with a wealth of diversified skills and experiences.I have repeatedly been told that I am a fast learner and an excellent teacher. Strengths inside and outside of the classroom that I have had the opportunity to further cultivate include critical thinking and problem solving; practicing leadership in a variety of different institutional settings; and demonstrating initiative. My overall passion and career goals include completing a doctorate program in ancient and modern Iranian and Central Asian languages, literature, religions and their impact on modern day societies. Given my interests and experience, I am open to learning more about archival and librarian work in special collections.