A teacher's purpose is not to create students in his own image, but to develop students who can create their own image. -Unknown
Where My Journey Began
As far back as I can remember education has been a big part of my life. I was born in Lowell, Massachusetts in 1976. My family consisted of my newly single mother and my two older sisters. We were very poor during these years but my mother wouldn’t let us know it. We resided with my grandmother, uncle, aunt, and their two kids. Needless to say, it was a packed house. But one thing that was important to my family was getting an education so I wouldn’t end up struggling as they had. When I was about five years old, my mother left my sisters and me to move to California and get settled. I would later find out she was fleeing an abusive relationship.
My two sisters and I arrived in California during my first grade year. I was so nervous to attend school where I didn’t know anyone. I soon realized there was nothing to fear. Despite my mother’s needing to work two jobs to support us, she always found time to help us with our homework. My mother was very artistic and creative. She helped us with our projects as well. I was never the smartest student in class or the best reader but I was very in tuned to my education. She knew how shy I was but she was determined for us to be educated.
As I got older, my mother decided to practice what she had been telling us all along. She went back to school and get a college degree. She attended Los Angeles Mission College and achieved her Associates of Arts degree. She was my inspiration. After all we had been through as a family, she showed us that no matter how hard things get, we can achieve anything.
When I graduated high school in 1994, I began taking general education classes at a community college. Despite attending classes, I felt so insecure and nervous that I wasn’t smart enough. I didn’t have my mother there to help me with my homework. I now had to do it all by myself. But after a few semesters, I dropped out. Of course I was disappointed in myself. After all, I began working for Los Angeles Unified School District. How could I possibly be telling these students how important education was if I hadn’t completed mine?
Over the next few years, I settled into the joys of teaching Special Education students while working as a Special Education Paraprofessional. The joy on the student’s face when they finally master a behavioral goal or educational goal was priceless. I worked with children with Autism for the majority of my career with LAUSD. This is where my passion is. I have had experience with mild/moderate as well as moderate/severe. Some people always ask me, “Don’t you get tired of chairs flying across the class or getting hit by students on a daily basis?” Well my response to them is when the child’s confidence is gained and their triggers are learned, then I can stop the problem before it happens. This is when true education happens. After their behaviors are under control, they feel safe and can learn.
This passion prompted me to return to my studies. I am currently a graduate student seeking a mild/moderate Special Education Credential. I have worked at the district for the past 18 years. Now I can tell all my students that it’s never too late to finish your goals.
The teaching profession needs people that are passionate and well invested in their career. This is what I am and what I do. I love the different students I encounter and can continue to inspire daily. My goal is to continue to prove that all children can learn no matter what obstacles get in their way.
My two sisters and I arrived in California during my first grade year. I was so nervous to attend school where I didn’t know anyone. I soon realized there was nothing to fear. Despite my mother’s needing to work two jobs to support us, she always found time to help us with our homework. My mother was very artistic and creative. She helped us with our projects as well. I was never the smartest student in class or the best reader but I was very in tuned to my education. She knew how shy I was but she was determined for us to be educated.
As I got older, my mother decided to practice what she had been telling us all along. She went back to school and get a college degree. She attended Los Angeles Mission College and achieved her Associates of Arts degree. She was my inspiration. After all we had been through as a family, she showed us that no matter how hard things get, we can achieve anything.
When I graduated high school in 1994, I began taking general education classes at a community college. Despite attending classes, I felt so insecure and nervous that I wasn’t smart enough. I didn’t have my mother there to help me with my homework. I now had to do it all by myself. But after a few semesters, I dropped out. Of course I was disappointed in myself. After all, I began working for Los Angeles Unified School District. How could I possibly be telling these students how important education was if I hadn’t completed mine?
Over the next few years, I settled into the joys of teaching Special Education students while working as a Special Education Paraprofessional. The joy on the student’s face when they finally master a behavioral goal or educational goal was priceless. I worked with children with Autism for the majority of my career with LAUSD. This is where my passion is. I have had experience with mild/moderate as well as moderate/severe. Some people always ask me, “Don’t you get tired of chairs flying across the class or getting hit by students on a daily basis?” Well my response to them is when the child’s confidence is gained and their triggers are learned, then I can stop the problem before it happens. This is when true education happens. After their behaviors are under control, they feel safe and can learn.
This passion prompted me to return to my studies. I am currently a graduate student seeking a mild/moderate Special Education Credential. I have worked at the district for the past 18 years. Now I can tell all my students that it’s never too late to finish your goals.
The teaching profession needs people that are passionate and well invested in their career. This is what I am and what I do. I love the different students I encounter and can continue to inspire daily. My goal is to continue to prove that all children can learn no matter what obstacles get in their way.
Education
California State University Northridge
2012-2014
Bachelors of Arts Degree earned
California State University, Northridge
2014-2015
Preliminary Credential-Education Specialist-Mild/Moderate Disabilities
California State University, Northridge
2015-2016
Special Education Masters degree earned(In Progress)