It's hard to imagine who or where I'd be without professor, mentor and friend David Paletz. I was a somewhat uninspired student at Duke in 1984 when I registered for his signature class Politics and the Media Motivated by his directness, eloquence, monumental curation, and fierce commitment to unlocking the best in his students, I embarked on a trajectory of intellectual curiosity, self- confidence and the joy of caring deeply about work and community. The best teachers teach you how to learn. David Paletz is the best teacher of my life. His spirit shines in all I do, inspiring me to always be learning, always be seeking opportunities to connect with and motivate others, enabling a lifetime of wonderment.