Most parents don’t expect their five-year-olds to be taught by Latino male military vets. That was a lesson I learned quickly when I began teaching kindergarten more than a decade ago.

Washington University changed my life. The three years I spent at Washington University studying literature and finance prepared me for my doctorate work in philosophy of religion at the University of Chicago, as well as careers in academics and business. As an alumna of this fine university, I would like to give back, but I cannot in good conscience.

Although I do not personally identify with the progressive political movement, I firmly believe in the advancement of LGBT rights in America and around the world. I’ve found common ground with progressives on my belief in equal rights for all people regardless of their sexual orientation.