In this episode of STEMtastic Stories with Stanberry, we sit down with a passionate educator whose journey spans from rural communities in Eastern Oregon to immersive musical collaborations in Ecuador. Together, we explore why the Arts are a vital addition to STEM—expanding creativity, fostering empathy, and enriching life both inside and outside the classroom. Our guest shares how music education can profoundly shape personal development for students of all backgrounds, and how serving as a Fulbright scholar in Ecuador offered unforgettable cultural exchanges that reframed their teaching philosophy. We also dive into the importance of building authentic connections through servant leadership, grounded in the belief that “illuminating others never detracts from your own light.” Finally, our guest provides heartfelt advice for educators eager to cultivate cultural awareness, genuine relationships, and transformative learning experiences—showing how faith, compassion, and global perspectives can be seamlessly woven into any curriculum.