Began my educational journey with Riverside Unified School District. I attended Jackson, Hyatt, and Highland Elementary during my K-6 years. I participated in ELL programs because I was from a bilingual home. I attended speech for two years to help with my /s/ sound. I still work on keeping my tongue behind my teeth when saying tongue twisters ☺.
I attended University Heights Middle School. There I learned to love the arts, and developed my true understanding of why college mattered. I was privileged enough to participate in UCR/RUSD math endeavor, which allowed me to spend time on UCR's campus. I participated in lectures, visited the science labs, stayed in the dorms, and engaged in the college life. This experience cemented in my mind that college was an experience that was to happen, not an option.
Having college on my mind, I knew I had to be part of something that would get me there. I decided to attend John W. North for their International Baccalaureate program. This program kept college on the forefront. Taking honors, and AP courses fuled that thirst for knowledge that I had, and assured my mother that I was keeping busy with all the work assigned.
Just like any other youth with big dreams, I was faced with some realities. I wanted to go to college and experience the college life, but could I actually achieve that? I applied for all the college that I wanted to attend, and was fortunate to be accepted to various universities. I choose the one that brought familiarity and comfort. College was going to be an experience, but one that I had to be responsible with ☺.
I attended CSUSB for my undergraduate studies, and credential program. After completing my undergraduate work, I was again faced with a dilemma, where would I teach?
I spent time reflecting on the kind of educator I wanted to be. I reflected upon my own experiences growing up. I soon realized that those formative years were molded by educators who believed in what they did.
I wanted to be like Ms. Kelly who made sure to share poetry with us daily, even if it wasn't in the curriculum. I wanted to build memories like Mrs. Castellos, who would have her classroom open on the weekends so that we could keep learning. I wanted to give children experience like Mrs. Phelps did when she would bring in Grace, her pot-bellied pig, to class. I wanted to build a passion for learning like many of the educators in my life did.
I turned to Riverside Unified once again. There I spent a year substitute teaching. I saw the curriculum that teachers were using to achieve the state standards. I saw the various approaches to education at the elementary level. There was one school that was using innovative curriculum, and not only engaged the students, but also engaged me as a substitute teacher.
Bryant School of Arts and Innovation was the home I was fortunate enough to join in 2012 as a part time resource teacher. It was 2014 when I finally joined the adventure full time as a third grade teacher.
Completion Fall 2020
Completion Fall 2020
Completion Summer 2019
Completetion Fall 2019