I didn’t set out to work in tech. I just wanted to take an art class. But a detour through computer science led me to something deeper: a path that combined logic, creativity, and human-centered thinking. This essay traces how an unexpected beginning shaped my approach to design, helping me become the kind of leader who thrives in ambiguity and builds bridges between people, ideas, and systems.

I didn’t set out to work in tech. I just wanted to take an art class. But a detour through computer science led me to something deeper: a path that combined logic, creativity, and human-centered thinking. This essay traces how an unexpected beginning shaped my approach to design, helping me become the kind of leader who thrives in ambiguity and builds bridges between people, ideas, and systems.

When learning something new, getting caught up in the pursuit of knowledge is easy. But learning doesn’t truly matter until you put it into action. It’s not about memorizing facts or mastering theories; it’s about applying what you’ve learned, taking that next step, and turning ideas into reality. Learning becomes most meaningful when you take what you know and do something with it. Don’t just gather information—use it, build on it, and make it count. In the end, action is what drives change ...

When learning something new, getting caught up in the pursuit of knowledge is easy. But learning doesn’t truly matter until you put it into action. It’s not about memorizing facts or mastering theories; it’s about applying what you’ve learned, taking that next step, and turning ideas into reality. Learning becomes most meaningful when you take what you know and do something with it. Don’t just gather information—use it, build on it, and make it count. In the end, action is what drives change ...

A personal reflection on the lasting influence of high school art teachers and the interdisciplinary art program, The Palette Paradigm, developed by Doug DePice. Through archived video lessons and storytelling, Eric explores how early exposure to the connections between art, science, math, and humanities shaped his critical thinking, creativity, and lifelong learning—revealing the deep impact of integrated arts education.

A personal reflection on the lasting influence of high school art teachers and the interdisciplinary art program, The Palette Paradigm, developed by Doug DePice. Through archived video lessons and storytelling, Eric explores how early exposure to the connections between art, science, math, and humanities shaped his critical thinking, creativity, and lifelong learning—revealing the deep impact of integrated arts education.

Our culture’s undervaluation of the arts and critical thinking is more than an educational gap—it’s a systemic issue deeply embedded in our society. The problem starts with an education system that sidelines these subjects, treating them as non-essential compared to STEM fields. This is compounded by an economic reality where many parents are stretched thin, working multiple jobs to make ends meet. When parents, the primary influencers in a child's life, are too preoccupied, they have less op...

Our culture’s undervaluation of the arts and critical thinking is more than an educational gap—it’s a systemic issue deeply embedded in our society. The problem starts with an education system that sidelines these subjects, treating them as non-essential compared to STEM fields. This is compounded by an economic reality where many parents are stretched thin, working multiple jobs to make ends meet. When parents, the primary influencers in a child's life, are too preoccupied, they have less op...

Interdisciplinary learning isn’t just an educational concept—it’s a way of thinking that has shaped who I am. Back in high school, an art teacher opened my eyes to how art connects with other fields like math, science, and literature. That experience wasn’t just about learning; it was about seeing the world through a lens that blends creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving. This approach has stuck with me. It fuels my belief that education should go beyond compartmentalized subject...

Interdisciplinary learning isn’t just an educational concept—it’s a way of thinking that has shaped who I am. Back in high school, an art teacher opened my eyes to how art connects with other fields like math, science, and literature. That experience wasn’t just about learning; it was about seeing the world through a lens that blends creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving. This approach has stuck with me. It fuels my belief that education should go beyond compartmentalized subject...