Anthropologist and journalist Dr. Kirby Moss teaches Media History, Advanced Reporting, Mass Media Analysis and Introduction to Mass Communication courses in Cal Poly Humboldt's Journalism Department. Moss is the author of The Color of Class: Poor Whites and the Paradox of Privilege. He is working on his second book with the working title, "Black Joy: A counter narrative to stories we tell ourselves about strife and struggle in Black lives," which is expected to be published in 2021.

Why do you teach?
I teach to help students, and myself, unlearn.

What accomplishment fills you with pride?
Having the courage and foresight at 17 to move to Alaska with my brother -- from a happy life in Nebraska -- to finish my senior year of high school. It changed my life in profound ways, I'm still discovering.

What's your favorite quote?
"Do not wish for an easy life. Wish for the strength to endure a difficult one." - Bruce Lee