My name is Justin Festge Russell and I am a part of the 17th Cohort of First Wave. Came a long way from rap battling my principal. I have authored 2 articles and have written a curriculum challenging the average way of teaching by using elements of hip-hop and urban thinking. I was selected to perform at “Passing The Mic,” where I first performed a poetry piece. I intend to expand my art in general and into the community. My goal is to leave UW Madison with a degree in education and a deep connection within the Madison area.