In the [Reflection] section, I have taken the reader on a long journey of twists and turns of how I arrived to graduate school. It is safe to say that it is a broad overview of my academic and professional career. I have bent your ear enough about that, and now a little [About Me]: Outside of work and school, I am... literally outside! I am doing a variety of activities such as rock climbing, kayaking, archery, backpacking, camping, hiking, biking, climbing trees, and etc, just to name a few. Also I can be found just laying in a hammock in retrospect with a book or drawing pad. I am an artist. I can't avoid it after being born to a family of artists. My father does symbolic art with wood, printed imagery and found objects. My mother is a showcased textile artist with flair in photography. My sister is the painter in the family who has a Ph.D in Molecular Biology in Veterinary Sciences. I have always been drawn to any kind of medium that is sculptural and finally found a niche in making books with handmade papers, raku and high-fire ceramics and jewelrycraft using materials such as shell, pearls, wood, horn, bone, fine stones and precious metals. One of my jewelry pieces won third place in an international jewelry making contest. Currently, my jewelry is being worn by the public in the form of donations to Deaf Hope’s Glimmer of Hope Gala auction in the Bay Area. It is my dream to showcase my jewelry in a gallery show. There is an opportunity to do so during Sacramento’s Second Saturday Art Walk. When I have my MA in hand, I’ll be heading right back into the arts and writing. I will be found in my studio with the intent of creating De’VIA and wearable artworks. I am also in the process of getting my poetry published and attending readings. Keep your eye out for a Viva la Mela production art piece or poem. My journey is not over yet...