In two to four sentences, describe your post-Biola work/life journey.

I graduated in the spring of 2011, and literally the day after I got home I began working on the family farm where I've been for the past six years. I married my college sweetheart, Emily, in 2012 after she graduated from Biola, as well, with a nursing degree. We've been together for the past four and a half years and have recently been blessed with a little girl. 

What's your current occupation, and in what ways did getting a degree in English prepare you for your job? 

To be absolutely honest, my English degree has not had too much of an impact on my career as a farmer. If it has done anything, it has increased my mental capacity for analyzing my surroundings. Constantly writing papers, analyzing books I read, coming up with new stories to tell. All of that has helped me in some shape or form as a farmer. I am able to use those analytical skills to solve problems and issues that come before me on a daily basis. That's not to say I don't still write. Farming takes precedence as it pays the bills, but I will always make time, even while working, to come up with some new story to write and send to a publisher.  

What was a favorite class or experience you had while a Biola English major? 

My favorite classes at Biola had to have been my writing classes. Sure they were possibly the easiest classes I took, but they helped me to hone my skills as a writer.  

What about life after college was most surprising to you?  

What surprised me the most after Biola was the sheer number of options that are available to a graduate. There are so many different paths you can take, each leading you in so many different ways. 

What advice would you give to a current Biolan majoring in English? Or what's something you did in college that later helped you professionally?

Work hard at your craft. Nothing is accomplished by doing nothing. Practice what you do. The more you do it the better you are. Don't expect yourself to be an instant hit, or a genius, unless, of course, you already are. 

What are you reading?

I'm currently trying to finish All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr.