A 28 year-old Chicagoan trying to overcome all sorts of challenges. Current challenge is getting adjusted to biking in a city where streets and avenues are traffic-packed all the time! A challenge that leaves me less frenzied is learning how to cook raw, vegan and vegetarian dishes. (This seems to be going well). I also have a 9 to 5 job that allows me to pay off my college loans, yet leaves me craving so much more at the end of the work day. As a result, I volunteer all my free time to organizations focused on ending violence against girls and women, violence within communities, and empowering women and youth. I've entered my 11th year as a rhetoric instructor for inner-city public schools. It's amazing how much I grow and learn from these experiences combined.