My thesis is about misconceptions regarding thrift, frugality, and materialism, and using storytelling in film to counter and correct these misconceptions in order to reduce consumption and reestablish appreciation for artisans and craftspersons, support local economies, and improve quality of life. I have 15 years experience teaching interior design at Seattle Pacific University and am the Sustainability Consultant at Miller Interior Design. As a nontraditional graduate student, I'm committed, passionate, resilient, and generally unafraid of challenging cultural norms to create positive change.