Liz Brabson (left) and CCGA Geology Club President Gillian Prince (right) with Salty the Mariner.

I have had the pleasure of teaching for over 15 years and am particularly passionate about Earth Systems outreach and literacy. As educators, we are tasked with helping our students understand and apply new information, however even more critically, we serve as conduits to facilitate broader personal growth by helping build confidence and critical thinking, and also encouraging both open and action-minded approaches. Working with diverse groups of students the past 15 years has broadened my perspectives, guiding me to try innovate approaches in the classroom and also helping me to more effectively guide student success, particularly when students face difficult personal and professional situations.