 Profile
I grew up in Washington, DC, then left to attend Wesleyan University (CT) and Deep Springs College (CA), where I focused on cultural anthropology and environmental science. In 1997 I moved to Portland, OR, where I studied process-oriented psychology and worked on a state-wide ballot measure campaign to ban clearcutting in favor of sustainable forestry practices.
In 1999 I moved back to Washington and served in AmeriCorps for a year, working in the field of job training for the homeless population. In 2000 I started peacewalking on journeys of different lengths with groups and alone, culminating in a walk from Washington, DC to Elizabethtown, KY from April to June of 2001.
After 9/11 I spent time in and out of mental hospitals and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. I worked as a plumbers assistant; I interned on Capitol Hill. Then I relapsed and was in jail on three felony charges: destruction of property, assault with a dangerous weapon, and escape from a halfway house. Fortunately, I had a good lawyer, who was my first boss when I interned for Congressman Emerson in the late 80s. He helped me plea bargain the charges down to three misdemeanors: simple assault, attempted possession of a knife, and attempted threat. I was sentenced to time served plus three years of probation.
My probation went by without a hitch, and while I was serving it I got on a better set of meds and completed my associate's degree in general studies from Montgomery College (MD) in May of 2006. I graduated as valedictorian of my class with a 4.0 gpa and was named a Board of Trustees Scholar.
In January of 2007 I got engaged, and in July of that year started a common law marriage with my wife, Rose. Now I am finishing my bachelor's degree in social work from the University of the District of Columbia and expect to graduate in May of 2010.
Once I graduate from UDC, I would like to earn my MSW from Catholic University, focusing on international social work. Rose and I have a dream of living and working in her native country, the Philippines, after I get my MSW.
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