I'm a Learning Solutions Architect ID experienced in developing creative and innovative training programs. I enjoy leveraging the latest technologies to design and develop engaging meaningful learning experiences that meet the needs of a diverse audience. I also design and create my own graphics and multimedia content. I am a student in the Instructional Systems and Learning Technologies (ISLT) program at Florida State University. I consider myself a lifelong learner. Explore my portfolio below, highlighting the academic projects completed during my journey to enhancing my instructional design skills.

My journey into the world of Education started as a child with my mother's enthusiasm and passion for her students. Education has been integral to my life after growing up in my mom's classroom. An educator is not just someone who teaches. Educators motivate their students and provide support both personally and academically. My mother exemplified this in her classroom. She connected with her students on a deeper level to motivate them to learn intrinsically and extrinsically. She embodies what it means to be an educator. Reflecting on my past, I know that her influence on my life coupled with a handful of pivotal moments ignited my passion to become an educator.

One vivid memory that fueled my passion to become an educator occurred when my middle school band director made the same connection with me. As a child, my mom wanted me to play French horn though I desperately wanted to play the Euphonium. For six months, I took private lessons and practiced daily but could barely make a squeak with my French horn. I grew very discouraged and disheartened. For weeks, I asked to be skipped for the daily pass-off test, but by the sixth week, my band director refused. Despite my reluctance, she encouraged me to give it my best effort. As I nervously attempted to play, it became evident that I was on the verge of tears. My band director invited me into the practice room and asked me about my musical aspirations. I expressed interest in playing the euphonium. Without hesitation, she briefly left and returned with one, urging me to play the B-flat scale. When I did, I played it perfectly and sounded as if I was playing the French Horn. She looked at me and said this is your instrument. After having such success with the euphonium, I realized the impact educator’s engagement can have and how influential that can be on students’ lives. This pivotal moment, witnessing my mother’s passion for teaching, and experiencing my director’s dedication to me first-hand, ignited my desire to become an educator.

I practiced religiously, which led me to become section leader for my high school marching band my sophomore, junior, and senior years, and band captain my junior and senior years. This position required me to teach incoming first-year students how to march and play their instruments. In 2003, my dedication and hard work led to my selection as the marching band's soloist, where II played the solo for every game and competition in the center of the football field. I was elated. Unfortunately, shortly after this, I experienced another pivotal moment when my father was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. I was heartbroken and faced with the decision to step down to spend as much time as I could with my father or continue to play and lose precious moments. My immediate reaction was to step down. However, my father refused to let me give up on my dream. That same year, I was selected again to participate in the Tri-State honor band hosted by FSU. I wanted to turn this opportunity down because my father's health had rapidly declined. Again, my father refused to let me stay or miss out on this opportunity. He told me to go, to play my heart out and be selected as principal (first chair) for him. He did not want me to hold back from my dream because of him. It was the hardest thing I've ever done. Reluctantly, I went. I played my heart out and was selected for first chair. For four days, I played every moment for him. A few hours after returning home, my father passed away. My heart was broken.

Upon graduating high school, I could not bring myself to submit my application for admission to FSU but I promised myself that I would not give up on my dream. I chose to attend our local university, where I obtained a Bachelor of Communication with an emphasis on graphic and marketing design. As a corporate trainer and a Learning Solutions Architect, I have come full circle back to where my passion has always been. Educating adults in a professional setting has been highly rewarding, as it allows me to channel my desire to motivate learners to pursue their career goals, no matter how daunting they may seem. The ISLT program at FSU has continued to fuel my creativity and passion for instructional design and facilitation. I enjoy finding creative ways to build engaging curriculum that motivates and encourages learners in the interim and beyond. My passion for education stems from my belief that every student deserves the opportunity to unlock their full potential. I want to be the same motivational influence on adult learners, who participate in the training programs I design, that I have experienced.

Since entering the ISLT program, I’ve had the privilege of applying what I’ve learned in real time leading to my promotion to Learning Solutions Architect while preparing to graduate in August. This experience has deepened my commitment to designing impactful, accessible learning environments that empower professionals to thrive.

                                                                                                       - Vivian Krause, Statement of Purpose submitted for admission to the ISLT program at Florida State University.