Community Profiles: Professor Luka Braden - Nurturing Minds and Making a Difference
Luka Braden is more than just a professor at Tiffin University; they are a beacon of resilience and inspiration, molded by their upbringing, educational journey and personal passions. Born and raised in the quaint town of Bellevue, Luka's story is one of triumph over adversity and a relentless pursuit of one’s dreams: “All dreams are possible with the word IMPOSSIBLE but if you break the word down into the phrase, I AM POSSIBLE.”
Background and Personal Life:
Luka's early life was marked by the joys and challenges of family dynamics. Growing up alongside younger brother Parker in Bellevue, they cherished the simplicity of small-town living. However, their world was rocked when their mother left, leaving their father to raise them. Despite the upheaval, Luka found solace in family, particularly in Grandfather Roy, whose wisdom and acceptance shaped Luka’s values and character.
Education and Career:
Driven by a fascination with mathematics and technology, Luka embarked on a journey in the STEM field, eventually earning a master's degree in data analytics. Along the way, mentors like Andrew Faber and Thomas Marben played pivotal roles, guiding Luka through academia and fostering their growth. Luka's career trajectory took flight when they seized an opportunity to become a professor at Tiffin University, leveraging their expertise in data analytics and their passion for teaching.
Fun Fact: Professor Braden is an alumn of the University with a Bachelor's degree in Accounting and is pursuing a Master’s degree in Data Analytics.
Passions and Interests:
Beyond the confines of academia, Luka finds refuge in art and gaming. Drawing and acting serve as creative outlets, while gaming provides moments of relaxation and escape. Luka’s affinity for art traces back to their early experiences in color guard, instilling in them a sense of creativity and tranquility. The challenges and triumphs during Luka's journey hasn't been without its share of challenges. Battling bullying and grappling with their identity, they found strength in resilience and emerged victorious, culminating in a triumphant speech at their community college graduation. Luka’s dedication to their younger brother fuels their determination to overcome obstacles and strive for excellence.
Motivations and Goals:
Driven by a deep-seated desire to make a difference, Luka's motivation stems from her brother's support and their aspirations to become a full-time professor. Luka envisions a future defined by meaningful connections and shared goals, anchored in mutual respect and support.
Impact and Influence:
Luka's commitment to empowering youth and fostering growth underscores their desire to make a lasting impact. While not currently involved in projects, Luka’s influence extends beyond the classroom, shaped by the enduring love and stability provided by parents and an unwavering dedication to their brother.
In my eyes, I see a visionary: “For years, they inspire people, especially like me, by showing me what it is like to be an adjunct professor, and the impact is slowly developing for people younger than them with the love of learning, teaching and giving back,” says former student, Mandy.
Reflections and Insights:
Reflecting on their journey, Luka imparts lessons of self-acceptance and resilience, urging others to embrace their true selves. For them, success and happiness lie in the fulfillment of giving back and making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Before I had the opportunity to interview them, their success grew on me because, personally, I've had the privilege of witnessing their growth over the years, observing transformations that perhaps few others have noticed, including their journey through their "Coming out phase." It's been remarkable to see them embrace and navigate this aspect of their identity.
Regarding their career path, it became evident to me early on that teaching was their true calling. Beyond the classroom, they extend their teaching prowess to their brother, serving as both mentor and motivator. Their dedication to their sibling not only reflects their compassionate nature but also underscores the deep-rooted motivation that propels them forward. It's clear that teaching isn't just a profession for them; it's a vocation deeply intertwined with their personal journey and aspirations.
Personal Philosophy and Values:
Respect and communication form the cornerstone of Luka's values, guiding her decisions and interactions. Grounded in empathy and understanding, her philosophy emphasizes the power of connection and compassion in shaping a brighter future.Professor Luka Braden's story is a testament to the transformative power of perseverance, passion, and purpose. As she continues to inspire and uplift those around them, their journey serves as a beacon of hope and possibility for generations to come.
Former student Mandy expressed her admiration for Luka by emphasizing their kindness and understanding nature. She found solace in their shared experiences with mental health, appreciating the opportunity to discuss such matters openly. As both a teacher and a fellow student, Luka's dual roles resonated with Mandy, allowing for a deeper connection and understanding between them. She commended Luka's teaching abilities, noting their ability to relate to students on a personal level.
Overall, Mandy held Luka in high regard, considering him to be a genuinely great person by stating, “I think Luka is a really nice person, and for me, it was nice to find someone who had similar experiences with mental health as me so I could talk about it more. As a teacher, they were really good too. I think they can relate to us as students more because they are a student themselves. They are a great person.”
