With over a decade of love, support and mentorship lifting me up, I am learning — as young writers do — how much meaning can exist inside one connection, one partnership, one adventure.

A few people have been with me since almost the beginning of my life as an Aurora Chaser. So, from my heart and soul, I dedicated my new book “Beyond the 45th Parallel” to two special mentors and fellow chasers. The second is Mike Shaw, the talented astrophotographer and workshop guide behind Mike Shaw Photography. He is an author, a world traveler, and an awe-inspiring talent!

I first met Dr. Mike Shaw at one of the earliest gatherings of Aurora Chasers on the Great Lakes, held in 2013 during the last solar maximum. He had a smile and a warmth and a laugh that filled every room, and he quickly became one of my favorite people. One day, he walked up to me and Dixie J. Burbank, and he offered to host the event that would become an international hub for Northern Lights enthusiasts! The three of us put our minds together, never losing sight of our dreams, and we created something special. From our first conference in 2017, Mike Shaw Photography became the host of the Aurora Summit, graciously sharing the stage, helping build connections, and offering his services to the event that would mentor and uplift Aurora Chasers and photographers around the country, and now the world! I have literally watched, as so many of you have grown from a person holding a camera still in the box, to a phenomenal talent in your own rite!!

Mike taught me patience, courage, strength, and strategy, as we worked together over the years. He opened my eyes to a world of academic study on the subject of Aurora, and he was probably the first person to help me realize that one could become a professional in the space weather sciences — even me, a lowly reporter and emerging creative writer. I now work for University of Michigan Climate and Space, interviewing the world’s foremost researchers on the subjects of Aurora, the magnetic field, the ionosphere, and our star. I now sit on calls with NASA communicators and scientific project managers, and my work might entail attending rocket launches of new science missions to explore the realm of space. It’s a dream come true!

Like many others, Mike put his trust and confidence in me as I made a daunting climb back to grace, after making some mistakes and watching failures happen right before my eyes. His empathy was unwavering, as I stepped away from the things that no longer served me, and started over. Even as we move thousands of miles apart, after once having been practically neighbors, I will always think of Mike as a mentor, a role model, and a friend.

When I actually stop to reflect on how we’ve supported one another through the years, it moves me to no end! As your focus changes to support your beautiful family, Mike, I hope you forever remember the inspiration you have become in people’s lives. You have introduced me to a world that has changed my entire career.

With all the gratitude you deserve for being such a compassionate teacher to thousands around the world, I dedicate my beginner’s guidebook to you. Thank you!

You will always be my favorite Night Sky Professor! 💚💚💚