As a lover of history, patterns, knowledge, and reading I love books. It is hard for me to choose a favorite book because I have so many favorites. I would say that a book that inspires me that I quote almost daily is The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. In it he says that we are all on our path to our "personal legend" and that when we want something, all the Universe conspires in helping you achieve it. These reminders help me to stay in my purpose and remember to be clear and self reflective on what I want.

Another favorite is Soledad Brother: The Prison Letters of George Jackson, which I read in early adolescence. This book and the Autobiography of Assata Shakur awakened a deeper sense of self awareness, self reflection and social justice that I have carried for the majority of my life.

My favorite physical activity is swimming. I love working out in general, but my favorite is to be submerged in the water, as the sound of the water, my heartbeat, and my own breathing serves as a meditative soundtrack.  

My proudest accomplishments are my four wonderful children. 

As a child, I thought I would be a writer. Instead, I became an academic. It's never too late to write that book, however, so, in the words of Paulo Coelho, I may still be on my path to my personal legend.