In 1999, I began my college journey at the age of 17, as a first-generation college student and an emancipated foster child. Throughout my schooling, I faced many significant challenges. Housing and food insecurity, incarcerated and missing relatives, coercive labor exploitation, medical, and safety emergencies. Despite these obstacles—I completed a B.A. in Philosophy in 2007, ~22 credits shy of a Double Major in Media Studies. In 2009, I went on to complete an intensive M.A. in Peace Education. Since that time, I aspired to complete a PhD, but first, I wanted to complete my second major. Since 2009, I’ve been balancing crisis work in anti-trafficking, jazz radio production and music. In 2025, I stepped away from crisis work after taking heavy losses. With that behind me, in 2026, I am ready to complete my media major.
For years, I was hesitant, as there were no Pell grants or scholarships available for my second B.A. Every credit is paid out of pocket, and if you are anything like me, that is a big hurdle! Still, completing this major is important to me. While philosophy has provided me with a strong foundation for peace education, policy, and research, media studies will help me to build a sustainable career in public media. I’ve been a radio producer since 2001—starting with my college station WMPG, WJZP—and I now produce for Maine Public Broadcasting Network and WUCF, serving communities across the State of Maine and in Central Florida.
My work in public media, and specifically in jazz radio, is dedicated to jazz music, cultural preservation, education, and supporting, building, and maintaining safer communities. To bring my very best to this work, I’ve decided to complete my second B.A. in Media Studies with a concentration in Production. Initially, I was told I needed 15 credits. However, after initiating the process I found that I need 30 to be awarded a second B.A. The full tuition is $8,640. So, every contribution will go towards tuition, media studies books, equipment, or software. If you enjoy my work, whether in music or radio, your contribution or share will support me in becoming a greater media professional. Thanks for all of your support. Peace.
